MUS 258 : Composing with Computers

Creative Arts and Industries

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An introduction to the study and use of computers to compose and generate music. Topics include: algorithmic composition, sound design, algorithmic music, artificial intelligence for music creation, live coding.

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to introduce music students to electronic music composition. Throughout the semester, students will develop knowledge of audio programming languages they will be able to apply in their own practice. Specifically, the course will offer students the possibility to gain theoretical knowledge in algorithmic composition, live coding, and sound design and will learn to compose music using SuperCollider. Students from all music specialisations can join the course; no coding skills required.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Music Restriction: MUS 210

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Music

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Appreciate and apply computer techniques to create music compositions (Capability 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1)
  2. Develop an understanding of basic programming skills that can be used to create and analyse computer-generated music. (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 5.1)
  3. Gain knowledge on algorithmic, stochastic, indeterminate compositions (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 5.1)
  4. Develop practical skills of computer-based musical creativity. (Capability 3.1 and 4.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Pre-task 10% Individual Coursework
Quiz 1 10% Individual Test
Quiz 2 10% Individual Test
Exam 35% Individual Examination
Project 35% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Pre-task
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Exam
Project

Assignment extensions might be approved only in exceptional circumstances. Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalised 10% for each day or part thereof. No assignment will be accepted after that assignment has been returned to students.

Teaching & Learning Methods

Flipped classroom
- Online learning: New concepts will be presented weekly via online material: videos, examples, and written handouts.
- In-person lectures are meant to review the new concepts introduced online and to offer students the opportunity to dig deeper into specific aspects they are interested in and discuss their projects.
- In-person labs will offer students the possibility to develop their music programming skills by solving exercises in groups.
- Online forum: students will have an online space to discuss aspects of their learning, receive and offer peer support, and communicate with the teacher.

Written Work 
- Written components on students’ projects
    
Consultation

- Office time for individual or small groups 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. Students can expect to spend, each teaching week: 

  • 1 hour attending in-person lectures
  • 2 hours attending in-person labs
  • 2 hours reading and watching online material prepared by the lecturer
  • 1 hours preparing exercises proposed by the lecturer 
  • 4 hours (on average) preparing the assignment/test

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities (lectures and labs) to complete components of the course.
Lectures and labs will not be available as online events and will not be recorded
Attendance on campus is not required for the exam.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning 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.

Course handouts, videos, and exercises 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.

Following student feedback:
  • I removed the tutorials and added labs that will be focused on technical aspects
  • I removed one of the programming languages that I used to teach (SonicPI)

Other Information

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

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 for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

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.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an 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. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

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 students may be asked to submit 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. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 18/10/2023 12:30 p.m.