This course  takes a theoretical and aesthetic direction towards techniques of sound synthesis, interactive control and signal processing by examining how they operate in practice in contemporary computer music compositions and implementing these techniques and approaches in a practical outcome. In pursuing an understanding of the connection between these techniques and computer music composition, selected works from the past 40 years will be listened to and analysed.

1. Demonstrate creative control and a critical understanding of techniques, technologies and equipment used in the discipline
2. Demonstrate the creative analysis and critical understanding of the materials and processes currently employed in digital media
3. Show a critical awareness and developed understanding of historical and theoretical contexts relevant to the course
4. Exploit the characteristics of materials and processes in an individual and conceptually developed way
5. Demonstrate the possession of a critical, analytical and self-reflective practice
6. Apply concepts and techniques to the development of resolved works of art
7. Identify and develop personal topics for individual research
8. Demonstrate adherence to OH & S requirements and procedures

Portfolio of studio work (80%)

Studio Theory report/Journal/Studio Documentation equivalent to a 1000 word essay (20%)

Portfolio of studio work: Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Studio Theory report/Journal/Studio Documentation: Learning Outcomes: 3, 5, 7

All sessions are based in a computer laboratory:

3.5 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

None

Knowledge of digital environments

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)

• Roads, Curtis. The Computer Music Tutorial, Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, 1996.  
• Emmerson, Simon (ed). The Language of Electroacoustic Music, MacMillan Press, 1986.
• Cottle, David. Computer Music with Examples in SuperCollider 3, 2007. (Online)
• More extensive reading list available from lecturer

Extrnal hard drive