Music 220b | winter 2018
Compositional Algorithms, Psychoacoustics, and Spatial Processing
Ge Wang and Orchi Das (TA)

lectures | assignments

class: T+Th 10:30am-12:20pm
location: CCRMA classroom (the Knoll)
prerequisite: 220a - or by instructor's permission.

course summary:

This is the second course in the 220 series. It investigates algorithmic composition, advanced sound synthesis techniques, as well as the aesthetics of computer-mediated music composition, and as they relate to psychoacoustics, and spatialization. The course uses the ChucK programming language for assignments and projects. The format consists of in-class discussions and lectures, individual and group assignments, and a final project.

synthesis / analysis topics:
  • subtractive synthesis, filters
  • modulation / AM / FM synthesis / waveshaping
  • timbre, sculpting, perception
  • granular synthesis / FOF's / phism
  • FFT / audio analysis / UAna in ChucK / resynthesis / event detection
  • formant-based synthesis
  • learning to program these via ChucK
algorithmic composition topics:
  • aesthetics of computational music
  • algorithmic composition tools and approaches
  • elements of computer-mediated composition
  • algorithmic sonification
  • rule-based, constraint-based systems
  • state machines / cellular automata / genetic algorithms
  • aesthetics of computer-mediated composition and performance
assignments:
  • homework #0: Computational Aesthetics + Sound Logo
    due date: 2018.1.15, Monday, 11:59:59pm
    • in-class listening: 2016.1.16, Tuesday

  • homework #1: Homebrew
    milestone: 2016.1.25, Thursday, in-class
    due date: 2016.1.31, Wednesday, 11:59:59pm
    • presentation (in-class): 2016.2.1, Tuesday
    real-time feedback!

  • homework #2: Generative Drum Machine + Soundscape
    milestone: 2016.2.8, Thursday, in-class
    due date: 2016.2.12, Monday, 11:59:59pm
    • real-tiem feedback!

  • homework #3: Granular
    milestone: 2018.2.22, Thursday, in-class
    due date: 2018.2.27, Tuesday, 10:29:59am
    • real-time feedback!

  • final project: Computer-mediated, Audio-visual, Composition / Live Performance
    due dates:
    • milestone 0 (in-class, Thursday, 3/1/2018 in-class)
      initial sketch, detailing vision, sound, music, interaction, aesthetics, music technology involved
    • milestone 1 (in-class, Tuesday, 3/6/2018 in-class)
      initial working system, with sound, visual, and core aesthetic loop
    • milestone 2 (in-class, Thursday, 3/15/2018 in-class)
      fully working system + fully fleshed out performance, complete as possible
      MILESTONE FEEDBACK
    • all code/web/documentation/program notes (Tuesday, 3/20/2018, 11:59:59pm)
    • final performance: 2018.3.21, Wednesday, 12:15pm, CCRMA Stage

CCRMA | Music Department | Stanford University