This course continues to build on the skills acquired in semester 1 with a change in emphasis towards external real-time through MIDI and OSC, and graphical interface control. The course introduces the MIDI protocol, its function and specification, as well as OSC (Open Sound Control), a powerful communication protocol used for high-speed communication over computer networks. These two performance protocols offer a range of interactive possibilities that transform the role of the composer by allowing access to data not explicitly derived through the formal language component of audio composition applications. In addition, graphic user interface (GUI) development is studied with a view to understanding how compositional parameters can be designed and engaged from visual and performance perspectives.

Assessment is by a series of assignments, and a final presentation of the major project to the Viva Examination panel.
Assignments (50%), Major Project (50%)

All sessions take place in a computer laboratory:

3 hours of seminar / studio practice per week

Students are expected to do at least an extra 4 - 6 hours of independent studio practice each week

DART 6503 The Language of Composition or by permission of the Convenor

• Cook, Perry. Real Sound Synthesis for Interactive Applications, MA.: AK Peters, 2002.
• Roads, Curtis. The Computer Music Tutorial, Cambridge, MA.: MIT Press, 1996.
• Pressing, Jeff. Synthesizer Performance and Real-time Techniques, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1980.
• Cottle, David. Computer Music with Examples in SuperCollider 3, 2007 (Online)
• More extensive reading list available from lecturer