CREATIVE CODING A - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module is designed to introduce you to creative coding skills for music. Using specialist software, the module covers techniques and processes for designing and programming computer-based composition environments. This includes the design of bespoke user interfaces for the creation of algorithmic and generative music. As well as including transferable programming skills, the module encourages you to broaden your musical horizons through the creation of non-linear computer musical environments.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

HALL Thomas (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 16

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

CMT2011 Creative Music Technology Practice A 

Module content

Indicative content includes: 

- a thorough grounding in computer programming principles, flow control, list processing and debugging.
- the basic principles of working with visual programming software.
- 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

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning, creative and technical musical knowledge in the context of computer music programming. Since creative coding is likely a new area of investigation and study for many students, a mid-semester assessment point is provided, in order to reinforce learning and provide early summative feedback.

Summative assessment for this module consists of A creative coding composition and commentary (addresses learning outcomes 1-6) and A self-contained creative coding composition and commentary (addresses learning outcomes 1-6).

Formative assessment

Formative assessment in this module is intended to help students monitor their learning and ensure they are ready to work on the summative assessments. Students work on weekly technical tasks, elements of which may be developed further as part of their summative assessment submissions.

Feedback

Weekly tasks undertaken by students are shared in class and will receive verbal as well as written feedback as necessary. Weekly seminars include regular integrated individual tutorial time for general guidance and formative feedback. Individual tutorials are also available as required upon request for additional feedback.

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 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

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' creative coding knowledge and abilities.

The learning and teaching methods include weekly seminars, interactive learning materials, regular individual exercises, group exercises and coursework and feedback. A particular feature of the module is the provision of detailed coding examples which function as learning aids and initial models for the students' own creative investigations.

Group discussions and peer feedback help test and develop students understanding of the module content. Supporting materials on SurreyLearn and elsewhere as appropriate supplement the learning that occurs during the weekly seminars.

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: CMT2010

Other information

The Department of Music and Media is committed to developing graduates with attributes encompassing employability, digital skills, global and culture awareness, sustainability as it relates to music and the wider arts and, finally, resourcefulness and resilience.

Employability

This module helps develop key employability skills, especially relevant to current industry practices in the creative industries. These include strong employability skills within area of creative computer programming. Transferable skills developed include those related more generally to programmatic thinking and systems design.

Digital capabilities

As is the case with other modules in the Creative Music Technology programme, our focus and ways of working inherently involve digital capabilities, using computers with specialist software for digital audio. During the course of this module you will learn new digital workflows involving graphic programming using specialist software in the digital audio domain.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2025/6 academic year.