MUS 258 : Special Topic: Music Computing

Creative Arts and Industries

2021 Semester One (1213) (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; 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

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 and perform music. (Capability 1)
  2. Learn basic programming skills that can be used to create and analyse computer-generated music. (Capability 1 and 3)
  3. Contribute to critical discussions of peer-developed projects. (Capability 2 and 4)
  4. Develop practical skills of computer-based musical creativity. (Capability 1 and 5)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Quizzes 10% Individual Test
Quizzes 10% Individual Test
Quizzes 10% Individual Test
Project 35% Individual Coursework
Project 35% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Quizzes
Quizzes
Quizzes
Project
Project

Assignments are to be submitted, according to submission type specified on CANVAS, by the due date. In the event of illness or other circumstances that prevent completing an assignment, please contact the course coordinator with evidence as appropriate before the due date. Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalized 10% for each day or part thereof. No assignment will be accepted after that assignment has been returned to students.

Teaching & Learning Methods

Blended Lectures
- Weekly exploration of different techniques 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 Discussion 

- 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

- Office time for individual or small group of students seeking additional or private counsel on projects 

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.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including tutorials and workshops to complete components of the course.

Lectures are not recorded in this course. Students may catch up with missed lecture content through lecture material posted on Canvas, office hours, etc. 

The course may include live online events including group discussions and tutorials.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course handouts developed by the lecturer.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 22/01/2021 09:43 a.m.