COMPOSITIONAL PROGRAMMING A - 2025/6
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
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.