Music

Creative Music Technologies

Module code: W3077
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module introduces you to the core methods of electronic music composition and production through software environments aimed at flexible sound synthesis and musical composition. The module provides you with a grounded understanding of the key concepts in digital signal processing and acoustics as applied in the digital computer. Max/MSP, Pure Data, Ableton Live and SuperCollider are amongst the music software used to explore concepts of synthesis, sampling, and generative composition. You'll get to know key work by pioneers in electronic music and understand the techniques developed by them in the context of modern musical production environments.

You will develop your own musical systems as part of this module, using creative coding environments for audio production. The module provides a preparation for the second year modules ‘Interactive Music Systems’ and ‘Digital Music Cultures’.

Module learning outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of acoustics, audio synthesis, and sound manipulation in the digital domain
• apply knowledge in sound synthesis, composition and production independently of any particular music production environment.
• use Pure Data, Max/MSP, SuperCollider and Max 4 Live for musical composition and experimentation.
• demonstrate a basic understanding of key concepts in computational creativity and its role in future musical production