Basic Electroacoustics II
Columbia University
Spring, 2009 -- G6602Y
Brad Garton and Francisco Iovino
course syllabus
I'm certain that we are attempting to do way too much this term,
but what the heck. Our goals are to:
- introduce the Joys of Algorithmic Composition
- discuss various computer-music techniques in some detail
- approach the design of digital "instruments"
- try to integrate snazzy graphics with what we do
These are also an excuse to cover languages and compositional environments
like RTcmix, ChucK, Processing, OpenMusic, Lisp,
SuperCollider and of course Max/MSP/Jitter.
Probably about halfway through the term we will realize that there is
NO POSSIBLE WAY we can cover everything we'd like, so consider the
syllabus as a fluid and amorphous post-modern document. hey hey!
Structure
Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 313 Prentis
from 3:10 to about 5 or so. The Thursday class will be run
as a 'lab' session enabling you to do one-on-one work with us,
because we plan to move rather quickly in the course. We'll be throwing
a lot of information at you, and we don't want you to feel totally
overwhelmed.
Here's some useful links right off the bat:
It is not essential that you work exactly the same way we demonstrate
in class -- Any/all of the languages mentioned above
are fair game for you to use. As much as possible,
we will try to use public-domain or shareware programs in the
class. RTcmix, Processing, ChucK, SuperCollider, OpenMusic and
Lisp are all free for developers to use.
Facilities
Nearly all of the CMC studios and hardware resources are available
for you to use in this class. If you prefer to work on your own
computer using applications you find comfortable, that's perfectly
fine. Otherwise you may sign up studios and machines for doing
your work at the CMC using our
on-line signup system
(this link is also located on the
resources
page). [NOTE: this resources page is
currently a bit dated, fixed soon!]
If you are having trouble getting access to the hardware or
software you need to work, please let us know! The CMC is intentionally
in a state of perpetual flux, reflecting the rapid evolution of
the field of computer music. Our primary guide for the kinds of
hardware and software investments we need to make comes from you,
our happy students!
At this point, we assume that you sort-of know your way around our
studios and hardware. Please let us know if you are having
problems gaining access to our facilities or getting equipment to work
for you.
Syllabus
The course syllabus is located
here.
I'll try to keep up with linking in class patches and examples,
but I may fall behind. Yell at me when I do.
Contact Information
The best way to reach us is through e-mail:
brad-at-music-dot-columbia-dot-edu,
francisco-at-music-dot-columbia-dot-edu
If the machines are in flames and our
e-mail server is down, you can also contact me via: garton-at-columbia-dot-edu.
I will also be holding semi-official office hours from
10:30 AM-12:00 noon on Wednesdays
in Dodge (my Dodge office is room 807). Both Francisco and I can schedule
alternative times, too. Plus there is the wonderful Thursday "lab"
sessions.
It's always a good idea to make an appointment
to see me, even during my purported office hours, because I often
have to run around campus like a maniac doing strange, computer-musicy
stuff. You can also call on the phone, but please refrain from
calling my home much after 11:00 PM or my wife will mutter evil curses
that will affect Your Future. Relevant phone numbers are:
854-9266 (the main Computer Music Center phone)
854-3825 (the main Music Department phone)
(609)448-9214 (my home phone #)
Grades
Grades will be based mainly on the final project you do, and of
course they will be completely subjective and based on our own
personal whims -- so ya better treat us right!
We're going to be taking the final projects a lot more seriously
this term, so be thinking about a good one...
I say this every year, and generally people believe it (I think):
by this point in your career the last thing you should be
worrying about is a grade. The main thing is to find something
that you'd really like to do and then do it. Please don't try
to impress us with your consummate knowledge and skill, we are
more impressed by people who do things. Honest!
Hope you enjoy the class!