MUSONIC 2310 - Computer Music Composition 2

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2019

This course examines of the link between human-computer interaction and the creative and technical practice of sound and music making. This course will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of computer music composition. Focus is placed on acquiring programming skills for implementation of compositional algorithms. Students will engage with a number of topics, including conceptual frameworks, contemporary practices and practitioners; complete readings and listening; and perform practical exercises that promote investigative learning and research. The course has the following learning objectives: facilitate new understandings and exploratory approaches in sonic arts practice; extend knowledge and develop new artistic and technical skills in human computer interaction and sound and music; and promote a learning process and reflexive skill set with regard to future practice, thus enabling students to adapt to the ever expanding and rapidly changing area of sonic arts and related areas of computer music.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSONIC 2310
    Course Computer Music Composition 2
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites MUSONIC 1000, MUSONIC 1220
    Assumed Knowledge Basic understanding of the role of technology in the creation and performance of music
    Course Description This course examines of the link between human-computer interaction and the creative and technical practice of sound and music making. This course will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of computer music composition. Focus is placed on acquiring programming skills for implementation of compositional algorithms. Students will engage with a number of topics, including conceptual frameworks, contemporary practices and practitioners; complete readings and listening; and perform practical exercises that promote investigative learning and research. The course has the following learning objectives: facilitate new understandings and exploratory approaches in sonic arts practice; extend knowledge and develop new artistic and technical skills in human computer interaction and sound and music; and promote a learning process and reflexive skill set with regard to future practice, thus enabling students to adapt to the ever expanding and rapidly changing area of sonic arts and related areas of computer music.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Stephen Whittington

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes


    The objectives of this course are:

    1. to develop an awareness of the historical context in which computer-assisted composition evolved and its
    development to the present day

    2. to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of computing and music viewed as formal systems

    3.    to develop an understanding of the various ways in which computers can assist in the process of musical composition

    4.    to enhance problem solving skills in the field of computer composition

    5. to allow students to explore creative methods using computers, leading to the composition of musical works

    Learning outcomes are:

    (1) Knowledge of the historical context of computer music

    (2) Ability to analyse formal systems and apply them to music

    (3) Ability to apply algorithmic methods to musical composition

    (4) Ability to write programs to realise compositions with algorithmic structures

    (5) Ability to solve problems in programming and implementation

    (6) Ability to distinguish between technical and aesthetic aims, and to be able to articulate both aspects of a project


    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2, 3, 4, 5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    3,4
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    6
  • Learning Resources
    Online Learning
    Extensive reading, online tutorials, web links, discussion forums and other material is available online.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary


    a. Major project
    (composition)                               50%                                                  Learning Objectives: 1,2,4,5

    b. Research project                      30%                                                  Learning Objectives: 1,3,4

    c. Programming
    exercises                                     20%                                                   Learning Objectives: 4,5

    Assessment Detail


    1.      
    The major project will be a composition implementing ideas presented during this
    course. It must be realised using MaxMSP. The composition must demonstrate a
    clear understanding of major concepts presented in this course. Due date (final version): June 28 at
    12 midnight.


    2.     
    Programming exercises are progressive exercises developing skills in specific programming techniques
    which will be completed throughout the semester. Due dates for will be given
    through the semester.



    3.  
    The research project will be an essay of 1200 words on a topic relevant to this course.
    The project may be related to a composer, an approach to computer-assisted
    composition, a specific example of computer music, or to a philosophical topic
    related to computer music. It is expected that this research will also inform
    the major project composition.  Due: June 14 at 12 midnight.


    Submission


    All assignments are to be submitted electronically. Assignments will not be marked after the due date.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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