We are going to try something completely new this term: programming for mobile-computing platforms (with obvious emphasis on iOS [iPhone, iPad] devices). We've developed a suite of software tools and libraries based upon the RTcmix music-progamming language, and our intention is to teach how to use these to build wonderful and exciting new apps that will boldly go where no one has gone before, change the world, make gazillions of dollars for everyone, etc. Oh the fun we will have!
Seriously, this will be a slightly-more-intensive seminar than usual, given the amount of material we hope to cover. But we do have a pretty good system for prototyping audio applications and quickly building iOS apps that should be relatively easy to use. Although we will be doing a fair amount of programming in this class, for non-hackers this will be mitigated by three factors: 1) All of the coding we do will be motivated by musical objectives -- we will be striving to show how to solve particular musical issues with the programs we develop in class. 2) We will be providing a range of resources also designed to show "how to do it" in addition to the walk-through exercises we do in class. We want to be sure you have the ability to find the information you need to do what you want to do. 3) We will be providing many templates for various applications. Often you may be able to develop your own work through simple modifications of these templates.
In any case, please don't be put off by the relative emphasis on
coding this year. If you are struggling, don't hesitate to talk
with us so that we can help set you on the road to Mobile App
Nirvana.
The outline of the class is covered, of course, in the syllabus. As the semester progresses, each week will be a link to examples, documentation, class work, etc. relevant to that week's discussion. The basic set of on-line resources is also listed in the class resources web page.
We will also have several guest speakers through the term.
Sam Pluta has done a lot of work and thinking about
interface design, an issue at the forefront of the
app development we will be doing. Dan Iglesia has done
advanced iOS programming and will be showing his work.
Douglas Repetto has been exploring the Android platform
for mobile app creation. Related to
Douglas' talk -- although the bulk of the class
will be focused upon the use of iOS devices, we will be
touching on equivalent work for Android devices. The simple
fact at this point in time is that iOS is much more advanced
for musical programming work. This seems to be changing
rapidly, however. Hopefully the concepts we discuss in
the seminar will be easily transportable to Android for those
wishing to get away from the Apple hegemony.
You may reserve time in our studios using our
on-line signup system.
Bear in mind that you will be sharing the CMC with other students,
and certain classes will be given priority for particular studios
(i.e. Recorded Sound will have priority for using the
recording studio). Also be sure to leave the studio spaces
in decent shape. If you notice anything wrong -- damaged or
missing equipment, other problems -- let us know immediately.
As noted above,
we'll try to keep up with linking in class patches and examples,
but we may fall behind. Yell at us when we 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. If you need to contact someone at the CMC or Music Department using your actual voice, the 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!