MUSI 2350-4543 Making Computer MusicUVA, Summer 2016, MTWRF 10:30am-12:45pm, OCH B012
Instructor Kristina Warren, kmw4px@virginia.edu
What is computer music? How do we listen to this music? What does it mean to be a performer ofcomputer music? This class will explore creation and performance of computer music, examining
compositions by musicians such as Autechre, Delia Derbyshire, Paul Lansky, and Pamela Z. In
addition, we will use software such as Finale, Reaper, and Max/MSP to create digital music
compositions using techniques of notation, synthesis, and mixing.

COMPOSITIONSThere are two composition assignments due this term.
Composition Assignment 1, “Press Play”
DUE Mon Jun 20
2-4 min, DAW and Max. Fixed media track. Must incorporate 2+ field recordings. Use patches toperform & record tracks which are then incorporated into the fixed track.
Composition Assignment 2, “Play Along”
DUE Mon Jun 27
3-5 min, DAW and Max. Performance and live media. Either play an acoustic instrument andprocess these sounds, or use control data from MIDI instrument, laptop keyboard, etc. to control/process sounds.
The final composition is a self-guided assignment; it may incorporate any of the software andtechniques we will discuss this term. Each student is required to submit a 2-paragraph written plan
and an audio draft; these materials will be considered as part of the final composition grade.
Final Composition
DUE Sat Jul 9
5-7 min, Max and more. There must be some approved live performance component; there may bea score (not required). Your final composition might deal with inhabiting and exploring a particularsound world; it might address a political or social issue; it might springboard closely from a particularmusician or genre; it might deal with a certain mode of performance.
- Written Plan
DUE Thu Jun 30
2 paragraphs, one describing your technical plan, one describing a specific computer music work
which you’ll treat as inspiration- Audio Draft
DUE Wed Jul 6
1-2min, either a draft of one section or a mini-version of the whole composition
Final paper (4543 students only)
DUE Sat Jul 9
5-7 pages, double spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-pt Times New Roman font
Describe the technical material of your piece (What is the formal structure? What digital andperformative techniques did you use to create the piece?) and analyze one approved computer
music work that inspired your composition. The goal is to discuss your piece in light of the various
topics and terminologies we have considered this term, and to situate your composition within alineage of computer music history.

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MATERIALS
Audacity
FinaleGraphic
Logic
Max/MSPREAPER
SoundhackSuperCollider

free, Mac and Windows, http://www.audacityteam.org/download/30-day trial/ $350 (academic), Mac and Windows, http://www.finalemusic.com/$30, Mac, app store$200, Mac, app store$350 (academic), Mac and Windows, https://cycling74.com/shop/free trial/ $60 license, Mac and Windows, http://www.reaper.fm/purchase.php
free, Mac, http://www.soundhack.com/freeware/
free, Mac and Windows, http://supercollider.github.io/download.html

SCHEDULE
Week 1Mon Jun 13
Performance & attention; Oliveros Sonic Meditation VIII; Khaldi “What is Attention”; sound walk
Tue Jun 14
Musique concrète; DAW & Max; Recorder use; Notating Door & sigh
Wed Jun 15
Mixing; DAW-Max-Audacity workflow
Thu Jun 16
Elektronische Musik; Synthesis in Max
Bring in two sounds you recorded and be able to describe why you like them (stepping stoneto Assignment #1)
Fri Jun 17
Sound design; Imitate & develop mixing exercise

Week 2
Mon Jun 20
Play Assignment #1; Liveness; Sequencing
Due: Composition Assignment #1 (submit to Collab Assignments tab by 5pm)
Tue Jun 21
Graphic scores; scoring with vector drawing; MIDI
Wed Jun 22
Text scores; Patches for performance; Pisaro Harmony series; Notating in Finale
Thu Jun 23
Analog synthesis and sequencing; ARP
Bring in a test control patch: one triggered sample and one controlled synthesis with twoparameters (stepping stone to Assignment #2)
Fri Jun 24
Networking; control info with OSC & MIDI; collective form activity

Making Computer Music 3/3

Week 3
Mon Jun 27
Perform Assignment #2; Patch iterability
Due: Composition Assignment #2 (submit to Collab Assignments tab by 5pm)
Tue Jun 28
Rhythm & time; Soundhack
Wed Jun 29
Noise; Super Collider
Thu Jun 30
Iteration and workflow; exquisite corpse sound design; Soundhack & SPEAR
Due: Final Composition Written Plan (submit to Collab Assignments tab by 5pm)
Fri Jul 1
Student-led Day 1

Week 4
Mon Jul 4
NO CLASS, Independence Day
Tue Jul 5
Student-led Day 2
Wed Jul 6
Student-led Day 3
Due: Final Composition Draft (submit to Collab Assignments tab by 5pm)
Thu Jul 7
Electronic music in installation
Fri Jul 8
Final composition rehearsal and workshop
Due: Keep working on final project – practice in class today
Sat Jul 9 (final exam period)
Present final compositions
Due: Final Composition [& Paper]