Peabody Conservatory
EC 350.463 Introduction to Computer Music
Syllabus
Fall, 2008
Instructor: McGregor Boyle
Introduction
to Computer Music is designed to acquaint the student with the musical
applications of personal computers. The class will focus primarily on the use
of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) hardware and software, digital
recording, sequencing, and editing, and the Apple Macintosh computer. No prior
computer experience is necessary.
The
first semester of this two-semester course will emphasize learning to use the
studio and all of its components. Topics to be covered will include basic
acoustics, analog and digital representations of sound, digital sequencers,
digital audio, mixing, signal processing, MIDI data processing using the Max
environment, and basic recording.
There will be a series of studio
assignments, which will enable the students to demonstrate their mastery of
concepts covered in the class. There will also be a final project due at the
end of the semester, consisting of a recording of a short composition using the
skills learned over the course of the semester.
Assignments
Most
assignments will have to be completed in the studio. During the first weeks of
the semester a series of lab sessions will be given to acquaint the students
with proper use of the studio.
This will be followed by a practical exam in which students will demonstrate
their understanding of correct studio procedures. Upon passing the exam each
student will granted access to the studio, and assigned regular hours for work
each week. Additional time may be signed for as the schedule will allow. A list of assignments given will be
posted on the instructor's web page at http://pcm.peabody.jhu.edu/~boyle/intro.html
There is no single textbook for the course. Readings
will be assigned from a variety of sources, including manuals and periodicals.
These will be placed on reserve in the music library, made available in the
studio, or handed out in class.
On-line references will also be used, with links to them posted on the
instructor's web page.
Class Times
Introduction to Computer Music will meet Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 2:20pm in room 314 (the Teaching Studio).
Grading
Grades will be determined by the quality of the
studio assignments (20%), the final project (25%), and exams. There will be two
exams, a midterm (25%) and a final (25%). The remaining 5% of the grade will be
determined by attendance and class participation.