Courses

MUS 270 – Creative Production and Production Techniques (2 credit hours)
This course deals mostly with traditional recording and editing techniques using audio editing software.Through a series of graded laboratory assignments, lectures, readings and classroom demonstrations, students learn the basic theories and principles of audio recording, editing, processing and manipulation as well as computer programming and MIDI. 
In the first half of the course, the class focuses on obtaining source material and using traditional multichannel sound manipulation techniques. In the second half of the course, these techniques are supplemented and extended by audio processing and sound spatialisation as well as the study of additional sampling and synthesis software. At the end of the course, students complete a final project/composition. In addition to these practical skills, students explore the history, literature and aesthetics of computer music. Students complement classroom activities with individually scheduled lab time and complete work in the computer music labs (Studio A and Studio B). These facilities are equipped with computers and software for programming/music production and associated audio hardware.

Introduction to Electronic & Computer Music (MUS 567/667)
Introduction to Electronic and Computer Music introduces students to the techniques and aesthetics as well as the theory and practices of computer generated/assisted music and composition. The course is introductory in nature; no specific technical knowledge or experience is necessary. However, basic computer skills are helpful and previews experience working with Digital Audio Workstation software is welcome. Through a series of graded laboratory assignments, lectures, readings and classroom demonstrations, students will learn the theory and principles of computer programming as applied to MIDI, Digital Signal Processing, Installation Art and Video Processing.
Using the Max/MSP/Jitter object oriented programming environment students will have the opportunity to learn basic programming techniques and create custom processing networks working with audio and video data. In addition to these practical skills, students will explore the history, literature and aesthetics of computer music. At the end of the course, students complete a final project/composition. In addition to these practical skills, students explore the history, literature and aesthetics of computer music. Students complement classroom activities with individually scheduled lab time and complete work in the computer music labs (Studio A and Studio B). These facilities are equipped with computers and software for programming/music production and associated audio hardware.

Advanced Topics in Computer Music (MUS 568/668)
This course is an extension of Introduction to Computer and Electronic Music, which is offered in the Fall semester. Through a series of graded laboratory assignments, lectures, readings and classroom demonstrations, students learn the basic theories and principles of computer programming as applied to the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and software based digital synthesis. Using the Max/MSP/Jitter object oriented programming environment, students will have the opportunity to learn basic programming techniques, problem solving strategies, analytical, objective, evaluative and critical thinking. Students create custom processing networks for manipulating numerous forms of data including MIDI, digital audio and video as they apply to the new computer based technologies of music, audio and video production. In addition to these practical skills, students explore the history, literature and aesthetics of computer music as well as present reviews and give reports on audio synthesis and sampling software (Absynth, Kontakt Player, CSound, SuperCollider and more). Students complement classroom activities with individually scheduled lab time and complete work in the computer music studios/labs. These facilities are equipped with computers and software for programming/music production and associated audio hardware.

Composition for Digital Media I & II  (MUS 683/684)
Both Composition for Digital Media courses focus on studying advanced techniques, theories and practices of computer generated/assisted music composition. Throughout the course of study students work on electronic music composition projects that involve custom processing networks for manipulating numerous forms of data including MIDI, digital audio and video. In addition to working on their main electronic music project, students are also assigned listenings to be discussed during meetings as well as readings that  address the theories, practices and aesthetics of electronic music. These classes also offer the possibility to create installation projects in collaboration with Visual Arts Department students. During our weekly individual meetings students receive feedback on their work and we discuss issues involved in computer music theory and practices. Once a month, there is a group meeting to discuss individual projects.  

Independent Studies
This class is designed on an individual basis and its content is requested by students.