Interactivity and DSP: Laptop Music

3 units

This course is a project-based exploration of interactive laptop music using the Max/MSP programming environment. (Laptop not required; we have class desktops that will work too.) It will cover the composition of interactive computer music as well as the theory and application of MIDI, synthesis, and digital signal processing. We will learn through weekly programming exercises, readings and tutorials, and engagement with scores, recordings, and software. For Midterm and Final Projects, students will design digital instruments and compose interactive pieces for the class to play as an ad hoc laptop ensemble. Both pieces will be planned in advance and workshopped in class throughout the semester. By permission of instructor.