COMPOSITIONAL PROGRAMMING A - 2023/4

Module code: CMT3008

Module Overview

This module is designed to provide you with music programming skills beyond the introductory techniques and approaches introduced in your second year. Module Aims outlines this in more detail.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

HALL Thomas (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 128

Seminar Hours: 22

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

CMT2003 (Creating Music with Computers 2B) is a pre-requisite for this module

Module content

The following is indicative of the possible topics, which may vary depending upon staff expertise and students interests.

– thorough grounding in programming principles, flow control, list processing and debugging.
– investigation of approaches to integrating algorithmic music into compositional and artistic practice.
– development of algorithmic composition as an artistic paradigm, including aesthetic and practical considerations.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework A composition integrating original compositional programming. 30
Coursework A self-contained algorithmic composition. 70

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate creative and technical musical knowledge in the context of computer music programming.

Summative assessment for this module consists of:

- A composition integrating original compositional programming (LO 1–8).
- A self-contained algorithmic composition (LO 1–8).

Students work on weekly technical tasks, elements of which may be used as part of their summative assessment. These are shared in class and will receive verbal as well as written feedback. Weekly sessions include integrated individual tutorial time for general guidance and for formative feedback. Individual tutorials are also available as required.
 

Module aims

  • To introduce techniques and processes in designing and programming computer-based composition environments
  • To understand how to create and customise bespoke user 'interfaces' for for computer-based composition.
  • To develop compositional skills in algorithmic and generative music.
  • To explore the aesthetics of computer-generated music.
  • To provide knowledge of tools to help widen musical possibilities as a creative practitioner using music technology.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Demonstrate good practice in programming design. KPT
002 Develop effective interfaces for interaction with computer music programming environments. KCT
003 Understand the basic principles of working with visual programming software. KP
004 Plan for, document and design an algorithmic music program. CPT
005 Be familiar with the aesthetics and practice of algorithmic computer composition. KC
006 Systems planning and documentation. T
007 Programming skills. T
008 Problem solving. T

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to create a series of seminars and workshops covering technical, aesthetic and creative skills to advance students compositional programming knowledge and abilities. The learning and teaching methods include:

- weekly seminars
- interactive learning materials
- regular individual exercises
- group exercises
- coursework and feedback
 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CMT3008

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Creative Music Technology BMus (Hons) 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Music MMus 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.