MUS 258 : Special Topic: Music Computing

Creative Arts and Industries

2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An introduction to the study and use of computers to perform, compose, notate, and analyse music. Topics include: creation of computer-generated music (sound design, algorithmic music, machine learning, generative art), creation of new technologies for music performance (e.g., musical interfaces and installations, mobile apps), computational musicology, study of software for notation and education.

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to introduce theory and practice of Computer Music to music students. Throughout the semester, students will develop knowledge with computer software and computational techniques they will be able to apply in their own practice and curriculum. Specifically, the course will offer students the possibility to gain theoretical and practical knowledge in the following areas: acoustics; sound design; computational analysis; algorithmic composition; musical interface design; music & artificial intelligence; and interactive art. Students from all music specialisations can join the course and would benefit from the taught components in different ways.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Music or Departmental Approval

Semester Availability

S1

Course Co-ordinator

Dr Fabio Morreale - f.morreale@auckland.ac.nz

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Music

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Learn how computers can be used to compose, perform, and analyse music. (Capability 1)
  2. Learn basic programming skills that can be used to create and analyse computer-generated music. (Capability 1 and 3)
  3. Demonstrate competency in analysing music and audio via computer software. (Capability 1 and 3)
  4. Contribute to critical discussions of peer-developed projects. (Capability 2 and 4)
  5. Develop practical skills of computer-based musical creativity. (Capability 1 and 5)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
In-class short quiz on Acoustics 5% Individual Test
In-class short quiz on Sound Design 5% Individual Test
In-class short quiz on Musical Interfaces 5% Individual Test
In-class short quiz on Algorithmic Composition 5% Individual Test
Individual project 30% Individual Coursework
Group project 50% Group Coursework
Formative assessment I Individual Coursework
Formative assessment II Peer Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
In-class short quiz on Acoustics
In-class short quiz on Sound Design
In-class short quiz on Musical Interfaces
In-class short quiz on Algorithmic Composition
Individual project
Group project
Formative assessment I
Formative assessment II

Pass Requirements

All the in-class quizzes are classed as compulsory; non-completion of any of them will result in a DNC grade (did not complete). Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalised 5% for each day or part thereof that the assignment is overdue. 

Teaching & Learning Methods

Blended lectures
  • Weekly exploration of different technological solutions to support musicians’ practice
  • Online material (e.g. videos, articles, examples) will be available online for students to prepare for each lecture and to further explore matters discussed in class
Group discussions
  • Students will present and discuss formative assignments in class
Written work
  • Written components on students’ projects
Tutorials
  • Small group work and ongoing technical and conceptual feedback on student projects
Consultation
  • In office time for individual or small group of students to seek additional or private counsel on projects

Learning Resources

  • Course handouts
Optional
  • Holland, S., Mudd, T., Wilkie-McKenna, K., McPherson, A., & Wanderley, M. M. (Eds.). (2019). New Directions in Music and Human-Computer Interaction. Springer.
  • Wilson, S., Cottle, D., & Collins, N. (2011). The SuperCollider Book. The MIT Press.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 24 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorial, 24 hours of reading and thinking about the context and 90 hours of work on assignment and/or test preparation.

Other Information

This course is designed for all music students; previous knowledge in programming and computer matters is not expected, not required.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

In the event of unexpected disruption

We undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions, the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. In the event of a disruption, the University and your course coordinators will make every effort to provide you with up to date information via Canvas and the University website.

Copyright Warning Notice

This material is protected by copyright and has been copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license. You may not sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of this course pack/material to any other person. Where provided to you in electronic format, you may only print from it for your own private study and research. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action by the University.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 05/12/2019 08:25 p.m.