MUSONIC 2310 - Computer Music Composition 2

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This course examines of the link between human-computer interaction and the creative and technical practice of sound and music making. This course will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of computer music composition. Focus is placed on acquiring programming skills for implementation of compositional algorithms. Students will engage with a number of topics, including conceptual frameworks, contemporary practices and practitioners; complete readings and listening; and perform practical exercises that promote investigative learning and research. The course has the following learning objectives: facilitate new understandings and exploratory approaches in sonic arts practice; extend knowledge and develop new artistic and technical skills in human computer interaction and sound and music; and promote a learning process and reflexive skill set with regard to future practice, thus enabling students to adapt to the ever expanding and rapidly changing area of sonic arts and related areas of computer music.

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Course Details

Course Code	MUSONIC 2310
Course	Computer Music Composition 2
Coordinating Unit	Elder Conservatorium of Music
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	MUSONIC 1000, MUSONIC 1220
Assumed Knowledge	Basic understanding of the role of technology in the creation and performance of music
Assessment	Research paper 20%, Seminar presentations 30%, Final project 50%

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Mr Stephen Whittington

Mr. Stephen Whittington
Course Co-ordinator, Lecturer
stephen.whittington@adelaide.edu.au
Schulz 9.07

Dr. Sebastian Tomczak
Workshop Instructor
sebastian.tomczak@adelaide.edu.au
Schulz 9.11

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

The objectives of this course are:

1. to develop an awareness of the historical context in which computer-assisted composition evolved and its development to the present day

2. to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of computing and music viewed as formal systems

3. to develop an understanding of the various ways in which computers can assist in the process of musical composition

4. to enhance problem solving skills in the field of computer composition

5. to allow students to explore creative methods using computers, leading to the composition of musical works

Learning outcomes are:

(1) Knowledge of the historical context of computer music

(2) Ability to analyse formal systems and apply them to music

(3) Ability to apply algorithmic methods to musical composition

(4) Ability to write programs to realise compositions with algorithmic structures

(5) Ability to solve problems in programming and implementation

(6) Ability to distinguish between technical and aesthetic aims, and to be able to articulate both aspects of a project

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1,2
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	2, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	.
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	3,4
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	6
Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	.
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	.
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	6

Learning Resources
Required Resources
Online
- Material relating to lectures and workshops is available online.
- Extensive documentation and tutorials for the software used in this course (Cycling 74's Max/MSP) is available online.
Software
- Cycling'74 Max: Cloud licenses available to enrolled students.
Hardware
- USB Stick or portable hard drive with enough capacity to store files associated with the course and formatted as "exFAT" to provide suitable compatability between MacOS and Windows.
- Stereo headphones with a 6.5mm male adaptor. Recommended Type: Closed-Back, Over-the-Ear Headphones.
- Note – students must bring both their USB storage and Headphones (with adaptor) to university, as they are required for various classes, completing exercises and for using laboratories and studios.
Sound Levels & Hearing Protection
This course may require using spaces where a dB meter has been installed. If you exceed the set dB limit for the space, the lights will flash. Students found exceeding these levels will have their booking privileges revoked for two weeks, and repeat offenders may have their booking privileges revoked for the remainder of the academic year.
In order to minimise risk in noise-prone situations, the Conservatorium makes both reusable gel ear-plugs and disposable foam ear-plugs available to students and staff free of charge at all times. Students and staff are also urged to consider purchase of customised personal hearing protection.

For more information regarding sound levels, hearing and hearing loss please refer both to the full content of the O'Brien Report and to the excellent publication by Canadian audiologist/academic Marshall Chasin, entitled Hear the Music: Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians both available here:
Online Learning

Extensive reading, online tutorials, web links, discussion forums and other material is available online.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lecture (online)

Workshops (2 hours)

Workload

No information currently available.

Learning Activities Summary

Regular completion of weekly exercises is essential for success in this course.

Specific Course Requirements

EMU Facilities Access Provisions
This course will involve using the resources of the Electronic Music Unit (EMU). This includes facilities such as studios, recording spaces and digital audio workstations.

In order for students to complete the course they must gain ongoing and permanent access to EMU. Access and use of EMU is based upon completing the EMU Access Test.

More information can be found here:
Other Expectations
Except where otherwise indicated by the lecturer, tutor or workshop instructor – mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, recording devices and other similar technology must be switched off before lessons or classes begin, and kept off for the duration.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Weighting	Learning Outcome
a. Major project (composition)	45%	1, 2, 4, 5
b. Research project	30%	1, 3, 4
c. Programming exercises	15%	4, 5
d. Minor project	5%	1, 2, 4
e. Major project proposal	5%	1, 4, 5

Assessment Related Requirements

Hurdle Assessment

All students must complete the requirements under “SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS ‘EMU Facilities Access Provisions’”. Students who fail to complete these items may be deemed to have failed the course.

Attendance Expectation & Penalty

Students are expected to attend all classes. If a student fails to attend at least 70% of tutorials or workshops in a course the student may be deemed to have failed that course, irrespective of assessments completed. Students who arrive 10 minutes or later after the start of a class will be marked as absent.

Leave of Absence – Sickness, Compassionate and Professional Development

Extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance. In such cases a student should email their course coordinator regarding the circumstances within 7 days and include the following information:

Type of Leave: Sick Leave, Compassionate Leave or Professional Development Leave
Student Name
Student ID
Dates of Leave
Total Number of Days
Reason for Absence
Supporting Documentation (e.g. medical certicificate, counsellor note etc)

Assessment Detail

1. The major project will be a composition implementing ideas presented during this course. It must be realised using MaxMSP. The composition must demonstrate a clear understanding of major concepts presented in this course.

2. Programming exercises are progressive exercises developing skills in specific programming techniques which will be completed throughout the semester. Due dates for will be given through the semester.

3. The research project will be an essay of 1500 words on a topic relevant to this course. The project may be related to a composer, an approach to computer-assisted composition, a specific example of computer music, or to a philosophical topic related to computer music. It is expected that this research will also inform the major project composition.

Submission

All assignments are to be submitted electronically. Assignments will not be marked after the due date.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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