We're going to try something a little different this term. Instead of introducing marvelous new concepts of algorthmic interactive control and snazzy synthesis techniques, each with a nifty little 'demo' program or two showing some basic use, we're going to subsume everything into a single bold and exciting musicl adventure.
We're gonna write a piece! We're gonna write a piece! "Music by Committee" -- yeah, dat's da ticket.
Check the syllabus; each week we will explore some fantastically
amazing fun new thing we'll contribute to our masterwork. What
a term this will be!
Such is life.
We'll probably be using these to acocmplish our worthy musical goal:
and maybe some of these: and who knows? perhaps even these:
It is not essential that you work exactly the same way we demonstrate
in class -- Any/all of the languages mentioned above
are fair game for you to use. As much as possible,
we will try to use public-domain or shareware programs in the
class. RTcmix, CSOUND, JSyn and SuperCollider are all free
for developers to use. Check the
resources
page for links to the download sites.
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.
I'll try to keep up with linking in class patches and examples,
but I may fall behind. Yell at me when I do.
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:
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!