Stanford | Music 220b

Music 220b | Winter 2023
Compositional Algorithms, Psychoacoustics, and Computational Music
Stanford University
Ge Wang and Tatiana Catanzaro (TA)

resources | assignments | gallery

class: MW 3:30-5:20pm
location: CCRMA classroom (the Knoll)
prerequisite: music 220a

course summary:

This is the second course in the 220 series. It investigates computer mediated composition, advanced sound synthesis techniques, as well as the aesthetics of computer mediated music, and as these can be informed by human perception. The course uses the ChucK programming language for assignments and projects. The format consists of in class discussions and lectures, individual and group assignments, studio peer critiques, and a final project.

synthesis / analysis topics:

subtractive synthesis, filters
timbre, sculpting, perception
modulation / AM / FM synthesis / waveshaping
granular synthesis / FOF's / phism
FFT / audio analysis / UAna in ChucK / resynthesis / event detection
formant-based synthesis
synthesizing auditory illusions
learning to program these in ChucK and to use them in creative contexts

computer music + compositional algorithms topics:

tools and techniques for creating computational music
approaches for computer-mediated composition
aesthetics of computer-mediated composition and performance
computer music programming strategies

assignments:

homework #1: ChucKus + Sound Logo
due date: 2023.1.17, Tuesday, 11:59:59pm

in-class listening (sound logos):

REAL TIME FEEDBACK

homework #2: Homebrew
milestone 0: 2023.1.25, Wednesday, in-class
milestone 1: 2023.1.30, Monday, in-class Milestone Feedback
due date: 2023.2.6, Monday, noon

in-class listening (final musical statements):

REAL-TIME FEEDBACK (final)

homework #3: Generative Drum Machine + Soundscape
milestone: 2023.2.13, Monday, in-class Milestone Feedback
final listening: 2023.2.22, Wednesday in-class

REAL-TIME FEEDBACK (final)

homework #4: Composing with Perception
milestone+: 2022.3.6, Monday, in-class Milestone+ Feedback
final deliverables: (none for this assignment; can continue as part of final project)
final project: Computer-mediated, Audio-visual, System for Musical Expression / Live Performance
due dates:
- milestone (in-class, Monday, 3/13/2023 in-class)
  something working that gives a preview of the aesthetic experience; a minimal essential system/experience; closing the main aesthetic and artistic loop | feedback
- final presentation (CCRMA Stage, 7pm, Wednesday, 3/22/2023)
  REAL-TIME FEEDBACK

CCRMA | Music Department | Stanford University