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Unit outline_

CMPN2632: Computer Music Fundamentals

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

This unit will focus on computer based music composition utilising formal processes to create music with computers. This unit investigates an interactive graphical programming environment for music, audio and media called Max, allowing the composer to program and implement interactive music processes quickly and with varying levels of sophistication, thus encouraging the student to explore real-time creative possibilities of digital music technology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MUED1002 or CMPN1013 or MUSC2653
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Benjamin Carey, benjamin.carey@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Benjamin Carey, benjamin.carey@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation In-class tasks
Small exercises
20% Ongoing Ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Final project
Final Project: Develop a processor, synthesiser or live performance tool
40% STUVAC
Due date: 08 Nov 2024 at 23:59
Max Patch and 500 word report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assignment 1
Design an automated note player
20% Week 06
Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:59
Max Patch
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assignment 2
Create a synthesiser using two modulation techniques learned in class
20% Week 10
Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 23:59
Max Patch
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

  • Assignment 1: Using techniques learned in class, develop a max patch that automates the generation of MIDI note events.
  • Assignment 2: Create a synthesiser using at least two of the modulation techniques discussed in class. This could include additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, amplitude modulation, ring modulation or frequency modulation. The synthesiser can be monophonic or polyphonic, and should be capable of performative and/or automated control.
  • In-class tasks: Four small exercises on 'Class Activity' topics will be set during tutorial times and submitted via Canvas in class for evaluation. Each task will be assessed individually and will count towards your participation mark.
  • Final project: Design and develop an original MIDI or audio effects processor, synthesiser or live performance tool, using the knowledge gained throughout semester. The tool must be well presented with a clear user interface (UI), and be fully functional with minimal user instructions. The tool must be accompanied by a 500 word report explaining the design process, and envisaged usage context. Any external libraries, online code examples or other work included in the project must be referenced in the report, and justified for their inclusion.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Assignment 1: 20%

  • Overall functionality of the design: 6 marks 
  • Technical accuracy of the programmed design: 6 marks
  • Creative application of programming concepts: 6 marks
  • Presentation: 2 marks

Assignment 2: 20%

 

  • Overall functionality of the design: 6 marks 
  • Technical accuracy of the programmed design: 6 marks
  • Creative application of programming concepts: 6 marks
  • Presentation: 2 marks

Final Project: 40%

  • Overall functionality of the design: 10 marks 
  • Technical accuracy of the programmed design: 10 marks
  • Creative application of programming concepts: 10 marks
  • Presentation and report: 10 marks

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the Max environment: possibilities and examples, understanding data types, basic objects and order of operations. Working with MIDI. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 02 Introduction to Max Signal Processing (msp~): digital audio basics, understanding MSP signal flow, simple processing, control and audio rate distinctions and translation Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Programming workflow: number processing, conditional statements and expressions, encapsulation and abstractions, basic randomness; Class activity 1* Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 04 Sound synthesis 1: additive and modulation synthesis (ring modulation (RM), amplitude modulation (AM) and basic frequency modulation (FM)); Class activity 2* Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Sound synthesis 2: control and modulation, envelopes, LFOs and analysis; Class activity 3* Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Sound processing: delay lines, filtering, waveshaping. UI design in presentation mode. Class activity 4* Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 07 Sampling; sound file reading, recording and manipluation (sfplay~, playlist~, buffer~, record~, play~, groove~); sequencers, live sampling and processing Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Probability and stochastics; data capture, storage and manipulation (coll/dict/list processing); use cases. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Advanced concepts: external libraries and VSTs, managing polyphony (poly~), Multichannel 'MC' objects and workflow Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Creating your own software in Max Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Creating your own software in Max cont. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Creating your own software in Max cont. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand fundamental programming concepts within the Max/Msp/Jitter environment
  • LO2. obtain a thorough understanding of the MIDI protocol and be aware of other similar environments (Open Sound Control, Processing, CSound)
  • LO3. apply knowledge of sound synthesis and filtering to your creative practice
  • LO4. actively pursue the creation and manipulation of sound through the development of your own music software (synthesiser, fx, controller, sequencer)
  • LO5. explore concepts of interactive music performance and integrate these concepts into your own creative practice
  • LO6. effectively implement musical ideas within the Max/MSP/Jitter music, audio and media programming environment

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assignments have been modified bynew lecturer/tutor.

Disclaimer

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