Studying at York
Computer.play - MUS00191H
- Department: Music
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
This module introduces computer programming for music and sound applications using SuperCollider - a programming language for real-time audio processing, synthesis and control systems. You will learn how to code, design and build your own software systems for music performance, composition, analysis and production.
Related modules
Prerequisites: willingness to learn basic computer programming. Some knowledge of music technology, computer science, maths and physics might be beneficial, but not essential.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module examines the potential of using computers and computer programming in music and sound. Computers are powerful tools to aid music creation and analysis and can be used creatively in composition, performance, sound art, musicology and music production. We will look at the fundamentals of computer programming, focusing on creative coding and themes related to computer music and interactivity. However, many of these principles can also be useful in a variety of contexts, applications and technologies and will give you an insight into how new digital technologies are developed.
You will be introduced to audio software design and programming concepts for digital synthesis, signal processing and control systems. You will first be introduced to electronic music concepts as well as gaining understanding and hands-on experience in sound synthesis. You will then be introduced to digital systems and computer music: this will include learning the basics about how computation works and the fundamentals of computer programming. We will apply those principles of computer programming using a programming language called SuperCollider. SuperCollider is a powerful language for writing real-time audio processing, synthesis and control systems for music and audio. You will learn the basics of SuperCollider and you will design and build your own software systems for music performance, composition, analysis and production that will be demonstrated in practice at a showcasing event. This module therefore provides with various learning objectives that are valuable for your future: 1) it will give you an understanding of electronic and computer music principles, 2) you will start learning how to write computer code, which is a highly sought skill that can be transferable across many professions 3) you will have a better understanding of how computer music software works and how it is built, 4) you will gain practical and theoretical knowledge of sound synthesis and signal processing, 5) you will learn how to make your own software systems for performance, composition and production.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the taught part of the project you should be able to:
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have a good understanding of software systems for music and sound, including the study of different approaches to software design and programming
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demonstrate a good knowledge on topics related to digital audio and computer music as well as human interface devices, algorithmic and generative music, computer analysis, live electronic performance and interaction.
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have good familiarity with SuperCollider - a programming language for real-time audio processing, synthesis and control systems - and be able to use it effectively in music performance, composition, analysis or production.
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be able to design and use your own software systems for your own creative and professional practice, including developing effective approaches to creative coding.
Third years: On completion of the module, in your independent work, you should demonstrate learning outcomes C1–7 and, depending on submission route, some/all of C8–11. https://www.york.ac.uk/music/undergraduate/modules/learning-outcomes/
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
| Practical | 70 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Portfolio (70%): a performance, improvisation, composition, installation or demonstration using SuperCollider.
Written documentation (30%): A piece of writing (1500 words) analysing the way in which the practical work relates to the artistic, technological and theoretical subjects explored in the portfolio.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
| Practical | 70 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
SuperCollider helpfiles and documentation. URL: https://doc.sccode.org/.
Dodge, Charles. Computer music: synthesis, composition, and performance. Schirmer Books, 1997.
Farnell, Andy. Designing Sound. MIT Press, 2010.
Puckette, Miller. The Theory and Technique of Electronic Music. World Scientific Publishing, 2006.
Roads, Curtis, The Computer Music Tutorial. MIT Press, 1996.
Russ, Martin. Sound Synthesis and Sampling. Focal Press, 2009.
Valle, Andrea. Introduction to SuperCollider. Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH. 2016.
Zölzer, Udo. DAFX. Wiley, 2011.