Computational Music Theory and Analysis

 

Music 258A

Jonathan Berger and Noah Fram

Course materials on Canvas

 

Aimed toward students who intend to use computational methods in music creation and research, this course will provide context and methods to consider music technologies from a music theoretic perspective.

We will consider the prominent approaches to tonal analysis, including theories by Riemann and Schenker, and consider computational analytical methods of tonal analysis.

Next we will consider theories about musical expectation and how these approaches inform (or could better inform) MIR methods, and compositional thought.

Finally, we will look at recent trends in computer modeling of acoustic space, and consider how these approaches impact traditional tonal theory.

The course will combine faculty lectures and guest lectures with student-led seminar presentations and discussions.

There will be a mid-term examination, a final project, and a final project presentation.

 

Grades are based on attendance, active participation, and final project.

 

Class schedule:

 

Week

Date

Class topic

Reading/Assignment

1

9/27

 NO CLASS

Choose three examples of musical moments (arbitrary duration) (any genre or style, from any culture) that you find, respectively, unexpected, ambiguous, vague (one of each).

Briefly (in 1-3 sentences each example)  explain why you selected each excerpt to represent these states.

Include sound file, score (where relevant) or graphic representation.

Submit your descriptions, scores and sound examples to Canvas by 10/1

Be prepared to present your examples on 10/4

2

10/4

·      Introduction: The ‘black holes’ of music theory.

·      Example project topics

·      Timbre and space

Reading:

Pearce, T. Tonal Functions and Active Synthesis: Hugo Riemann, German Psychology an Kantian Epistomology.

Read pp. 19-28 – skim rest.

 

Prepare an analysis of JS Bach’s WTK I, Prelude 1, C Major for presentation on 10/11

3

10/11

Tonal theories

-       Grammar vs function

-       Intro to Riemann and Schenker

 

4

10/18

Tonal theories

-       Performance analysis

-       From symbol to signal

-       Guest: Jeff Smith

 

5

10/26

Expectation

 

6

11/1

Expectation

 

7

11.8

Engagement

-       Guest: Blair Kaneshiro

 

8

11/15

Timbre/Space

-       Guest: TBA

 

 

11/22

NO CLASS

 

9

11/29

PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

 

10

12/6

PROJECT PRESENTATIONS