Computer Music
Columbia University
Fall, 2005 -- G6610X
Brad Garton and Michael Klingbeil
course syllabus
general resources
The purpose of this class is to explore bold and exciting
new musical applications of computers and digital technology.
In other words, we get to make it up as we go along!.
So this may not be the most coherent and unified pedagogical
experience that you will ever have, but it should be a fun
term.
This year we've decided to focus on 'modeling' with an aim towards
investigating methods for addressing and controlling various musical
models. We're loosely dividing the course into four different aspects:
- Performance Models
- Acoustic Models
- Process Models
- Interactive Model Control
These won't necessarily be presented as isolated units. They are
all interrelated. Or so we pretend...
Check the syllabus; each week we'll try to get up patches, etc. that
we do in class. If we're able, we'll also link in some interesting
web sites and other resources.
Structure
Class meets on Tuesdays n 313 Prentis
from 5:30 to about 8 or so. We can't really
say too much more about the structure, because (as noted
before) we're making it up as we go along.
Such is life.
Here are a few links to software that we probably will be using in class:
and these may also be useful to you (we don't want to limit you
to just the packages we use to show off the course concepts):
It is not essential that you work exactly the same way we demonstrate
in class -- Any/all of the languages mentioned above, plus others
you might be more comfortable using,
are fair game for you to employ. As much as possible,
we will try to use public-domain or shareware programs in the
class. Check the
resources
page for links to additional download sites.
Facilities
Nearly all of the CMC studios and hardware resources are available
for you to use in this class. If you prefer to work on your own
computer using applications you find comfortable, that's perfectly
fine. Otherwise you may sign up studios and machines for doing
your work at the CMC using our
on-line signup system
(this link is also located on the
resources
page). If you are having trouble getting access to the hardware or
software you need to work, please let us know! The CMC is intentionally
in a state of perpetual flux, reflecting the rapid evolution of
the field of computer music. Our primary guide for the kinds of
hardware and software investments we need to make comes from you,
our happy students!
At this point, we assume that you sort-of know your way around our
studios and hardware. Please let us know if you are having
problems gaining access to our facilities or getting equipment to work
for you.
If you are having difficulty understanding the programming paradigms
we are using, or getting the hardware/software to work for you, be
sure to let us know. We'll be happy to sit down and work through
any issues with you!
Syllabus
The course syllabus is located
here.
I'll try to keep up with linking in class patches and examples,
but I may fall behind. Yell at me when I do.
Contact Information
The best way to reach us is through e-mail:
brad-at-music-dot-columbia-dot-edu,
michael-at-klingbeil-dot-com
If the machines are in flames and our
e-mail server is down, you can also contact me via: garton-at-columbia-dot-edu.
I will also be holding semi-official office hours from
10:30 AM-12:00 noon on Wednesdays
in Dodge (my Dodge office is room 807).
I will usually be around before or after (except when I have to frantically
drive like a maniac to get home) class. In addition to being around the
CMC on T/Th, Michael plans to be in 803 Dodge on Wednesday afternoons.
It's always a good idea to make an appointment
to see me, even during my purported office hours, because I often
have to run around campus like a maniac doing strange, computer-music
stuff. You can also call on the phone, but please refrain from
calling my home much after 11:00 PM or my wife will mutter evil curses
that will affect Your Future. Relevant phone numbers are:
854-9266 (the main Computer Music Center phone)
854-3825 (the main Music Department phone)
Grades
Grades will be based mainly on the final project you do, and of
course they will be completely subjective and based on our own
personal whims -- so ya better treat us right!
I say this every year, and generally people believe it (I think):
by this point in your career the last thing you should be
worrying about is a grade. The main thing is to find something
that you'd really like to do and then do it. Please don't try
to impress us with your consummate knowledge and skill, we are
more impressed by people who do things. Honest!
Hope you enjoy the class!