On this module students will study

The history of electronic and computer music
The development of custom environments in creative software tools such as Max.
An introduction into creative audio environments that can integrate with Max.
Extending the use of music software tools to create musical applications.
An introduction to the use of music software environments to create audio and control data.
Techniques of computer sound synthesis using various audio processing packages.
The development of environments for interactive performance, sound design and algorithmic composition

15-minute demonstration of practical work. Students will create a software tool or series of tools designed to fulfil specific needs in either performance or composition based on a brief provided. The demonstration will show the tools in action, as well as identifying the use of a wide variety of techniques and the possibility for a number of different strategies for both performance and composition. (Learning Outcomes 3, 4 and 5)

Written Report detailing the impact on current ways of working of historic approaches to creative audio environments explored in the module, in particular within the context of the work demonstrated. The report should also examine the wider possibilities for the problem-solving approach taken and consider alternative possibilities. (Learning Outcomes 1 and 6)

3 hours per week lecture/practical /tutorial over 16 weeks

1. Develop in depth knowledge of the history of computer music and composition. Knowledge & Understanding

2. Explore computer-based sound manipulation using various music processing packages. Analysis, Application, Learning

3. Use advanced techniques within a creative audio software tool in a creative sound design product. Application

4. Develop advanced software environments for interactive performance and composition. Problem Solving

5. Explore a wide variety of techniques and creative strategies used in computer assisted composition. Application, Learning

6. Communicate an in depth understanding of creative software environments for sound and control applications Communication, Enquiry

Computer running
Reaktor
Ableton Live and Max for Live
Supercollider
Max

Media stores / resource centre
Music laboratories
Books, eBooks and audio recordings via the Library
LinkedIn Learning Library

Chadabe, J. (1996) Electric Sound: the Past and Promise of Electronic Music. Prentice Hall.

Cipriani, A (2019). Electronic Music and Sound Design: Theory and Practice with Max MSP. 4th Edition. Contempone

Collins, N (2009). Introduction to Computer Music. Wiley

Collins, Nicolas. (2009) Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking. 2 edition. New York: Routledge.

Dodge, C, Jerse, T. (1997) Computer Music, Synthesis , Composition and Performance. Schrimer.

Holmes, T. (2020). Electronic and Experimental Music. Technology, Music, and Culture. Routledge

Kirk, R. Hunt, A. (1999) Digital Sound Processing for Music and Multimedia. Focus Press.

Manning, P (2004). Electronic and Computer Music. OUP

Manzo, V (2011). Max MSP Jitter for Music: A Practical Guide to Developing Interactive Music Systems for Education and More. OUP

Manzo, V. J., and Will Kuhn. (2015) Interactive Composition: Strategies Using Ableton Live and Max for Live. New York, NY: OUP USA.

Moore F, R (1998) Elements of Computer Music. Prentice Hall.

Miranda E (2001) Composing Music with Computers. Focus Press.

Miranda, Eduardo. (2002) Computer Sound Design: Synthesis Techniques and Programming. 2nd ed. Focal Press.


Russ, Martin. (2008) Sound Synthesis and Sampling. 3rd ed. Focal Press.

Roads, C (1995) The Computer Music Tutorial. MIT Press.

Shepard, Brian K. (2013) Refining Sound: A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers. New York: OUP USA.

Ultimate Electronic Music Instrument. New York City: OUP USA.

Vail, Mark. (2014) The Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording

Are you curious about the possibilities of manipulating sound with software?
Would you like to create sonic artworks using customised interactive environments? On this module you will work with software such as Max for Live, Reaktor or Supercollider to learn how to transform audio events in exciting and unexpected ways. There will be plenty of opportunities to develop your creative skills and your work in this module will focus on the practical skills you need in both synth programming and an introduction to building your own music software tools