COMPOSITIONAL PROGRAMMING B - 2025/6
Module code: CMT3009
Module Overview
This module is designed to further extend the computer programming skills for composition and performance developed in the Composition Programming A module. After a period of revision and consolidation, students are encouraged to develop their own projects with the assistance of the module lecturer.
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
Lecture Hours: 22
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
CMT3008 (Compositional Programming A) 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:
• Advanced programming techniques, including software externals, data flow, control data handling, DSP for audio
• Advanced algorithmic techniques for computer composition
• Interactive control using external hardware
• Advanced interfacing with third-party software
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | COMPOSITIONAL PROGRAMMING PORTFOLIO | 100 |
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 portfolio comprising an individual advanced algorithmic and/or interactive musical system using a presentation format appropriate to the type of project chosen by the student with accompanying commentary (LO 1-4).
Formative assessment and feedback
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 may also include integrated individual tutorial time for general guidance and for formative feedback. Individual tutorials are also available as required.
Module aims
- To build on existing programming skills for musical composition
- To develop knowledge and practice of algorithms for music
- To enhance techniques for live performance, compositional systems and interfacing with other systems
- To allow students to develop their own music programming projects
- To further develop awareness and appreciation of contemporary compositional practice and aesthetics
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Create customised patches for algorithmic synthesis, sampling, audio processing/manipulation as appropriate to an individual project | KPT |
| 002 | Create patches that integrate the control and audio capabilities of visual programming software using appropriate interface design | KPT |
| 003 | Demonstrate good practice in algorithmic and non–linear compositional techniques | KCT |
| 004 | Use a custom–built software system for live or algorithmic performance | KPT |
| 005 | Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of contemporary practices and aesthetics involving compositional programming (fixed media and live performance) | KCP |
| 006 | Develop independent learning in the context of problem solving for advanced programming skills | PT |
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: CMT3009
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.