271B - Electronic Music Survey

This is an overall introduction to using computers and electronics in music composition. All classes are supported by relevant and eclectic historical background, and are divided into lecture and practice. Each class focuses on a single general topic in computer music. The class begins with a history lecture on the specified topic, and proceeds to examine works centered around that topic. There will be suggested reading and weekly assignments.

Topics include elementary and advanced sampling techniques, basic digital signal processing, methods of synthesis, human-computer interface, hand-built circuits, and experimental video. By the end of the quarter, the student should have a comfortable grasp of the fundamental topics covered in the class. The primary software taught in this course is Max/MSP. This course culminates in a final project, which includes both a written (text) and creative (musical) component. The musical component must be done in Max/MSP.

Week 1 : Class Intro/History of Electronic Instruments/Basics

Week 2 : Recording+Sampling

Week 3 : Synthesis

Week 4 : DSP

Week 5 : Amplification/Youth Culture

Week 6 : Human-computer interface 1

Week 7 : Video 1

Week 8 : Video 2

Week 9 : Final Projects Presentation

Week 10 : No Class

Invent a historical character that is based on documented history. Consider what element of history the character is filling out-- what is under-represented or completely ommitted from our current history?
Part 1: Write a short (3-5 pages) biography about the character, followed by a description of which elements were manufactured by you and which are drawn from current documentation. Support your character's biography with no less than 4 unique references.
Part 2: Create a composition or instrument that was composed or created by your character.
You will present this character, and their music, in a 30-minute presentation in week 9 (May 29).
The musical component must be done in Max/MSP.

Part 1: Make a patch that recreates Steve Reich's Pendulum Music.
Write out the steps and then execute them in a patch
Part 2: Modify the patch to have each 'microphone' activate a different portion of a sample, or each microphone can activate its own sample.
Part 3: Modify the patch to function as an instrument that you can either control with keys on the keyboard, or set a process into motion. Utilize your compositional tools to create something that interests you.
Extra bonus: Recreate the pendulum motion more accurately (using physics).

Assignment:
Create a sampler instrument using either the samples I provide, or your own. Use at least 8 samples. Record a 1-minute track using only your samples.

Extra credit option*:
Choose one or two songs. Inspired by John Oswald’s Plunderphonics, create a patch that will transform this song into an alternate version of itself, or collage the two songs into a new product. Use no other sonic material.
*You don't actually get extra credit.

Create a patch of 5 distinct synthesized sounds, with 10 presets.

Create a canon using these 10 sounds— make a sequence and then repeat the sequence at a particular starting point.

Create a patch that uses delay lines to do the following:
(1) Constantly loop a short segment of audio, while simultaneously
(2) Playing a different sample at 0.25x the pitch.
(3) Oscillate the sample from (2) between 0.25x the pitch and 2x the pitch, gradually increasing the rate of oscillation until it matches the rhythm of your looping sample.