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IMPORTANT! Please note that the syllabus is subject to change. Should such a change occur, it will be announced
in the Latest Updates section and/or the course mailing list. For this reason, you are strongly encouraged to check this site frequently for changes. Last Updated

Computer Music & Multimedia Design Syllabus (MUS3065)

Time: T H 3:30 - 4:45 PM

Classroom: DISIS

Instructor: Dr. Ivica Ico Bukvic

Office: DISIS, Downtown Studio

Office Hours: By appointment only

Instructor Email: ico_AT_vt_DOT_edu

Course Mailing List: MUS3065_97629@listserv.vt.edu

Latest Updates

•	08/24/09 -- Syllabus posted online.
•	10/09/09 -- Added information about the first assignment.
•	10/29/09 -- Added second assignment.

Course Objectives
In the first half of this two-semester course we will focus on learning the language, data manipulation, algorithmic programming, interactivity, and introduction in Digital Signal Processing techniques utilizing Cycling 74's Max/MSP software. By the end of the fall semester, participating students will be capable of utilizing Max/MSP for various tasks as well as in their own creative work.

Course Overview
The goal of this course is to teach you how to use Max/MSP/Jitter software for creative and/or production purposes. In this semester we will focus on the following components:

As the semester progresses, we will slowly shift focus away from "technical" and towards "creative," spending more and more time on discussion, listening, structure and analysis, as well as practical uses of the newly acquired knowledge.

Evaluation and Grading
Students will be graded based upon the following criteria:

Your grade will consist solely of creative assignments utilizing various software. There will be three smaller assignments (exercises), and a final project. Apart from the technical aspect, the final project will contain a strong creative component. There will be also homework assigned as needed, usually on a weekly basis. Its purpose will be to encourage students to use software consistently. Max/MSP/Jitter, just like any other language is best learned through use.

IMPORTANT! All graded late assignments will be assessed 10% grade penalty for every class they are late (e.g. an assignment that is 2 classes late will be assessed a 20% grade penalty).

Course Materials

•	Max/MSP/Jitter (Mac/Winows)
•	Supporting software documentation

Please note that you will not be required to purchase any software for this class as all of the aforesaid software will be available on the workstations in the new studio. Should you decide, however, to purchase your own personal copy, please talk to me prior to doing so as multiple licenses purchased simultaneously (i.e. by more than one student) may generate significant discounts.

Requirements

•	Internet access
•	A Valid VT Email Account

IMPORTANT! Please note that some of the software used in this class may be available as demo that will expire after a preset amount of time. Once such software "expires," it will become either partially functional or inaccessible. Either way, it will be student's responsibility to keep track of this particular issue and as such, this limitation will not be viewed as a valid excuse for belated submission of assignments.

Accommodations
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation because of a disability (learning disability, attention deficit disorder, psychological, physical, etc.) please make an appointment to see me.

Course Calendar
Below are important dates which are to be noted on your calendars:

Please make note of the calendar with important dates listed on the registrar's webiste and plan accordingly. The registrar's calendar can be found here.

Assignments
Carefully read the following assignment information.

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ASSIGNMENT #1 Due October 15th (Thursday) before class Merge Simon game components we've designed in-class and ensure that the game operates properly and provides necessary feedback to the user (e.g. game started, game over, etc.). Expand the existing user interface to accomodate for the needed functionality (e.g. start game button). Your assignment will be graded purely on its technical ability. EXTRA CREDIT: design additional user-friendly features (e.g. score tracking, high score, round number, advanced appearance of the user interface). Each of these will be worth 5%, with their cumulative value not to exceed 10%. For this assignment you are welcome and more importnatly strongly encouraged to consult with your peers and/or exchange ideas but you are not allowed to copy each other's work. To submit your patch, please email the patch and all supporting sub-patches. In the unlikely event the files prove prohibitively large for email, bring them to class on an USB-key and accompany them with a text file containing description (if applicable) of extra credit features. IMPORTANT! In the case your assignment contains extra credit features, clearly state what those are in your email. It is critical that you submit your work prior to the beginning of the class to avoid any late submission penalties. For more info on grading please see the grading policy section above.

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ASSIGNMENT #2 Due November 10th (Tuesday) before class This is your first compositional assignment. Therefore, the structure of this assignment is a lot more open-ended than previous assignments. Your goal is to create a composition using MIDI protocol and any number of internal (e.g. built-in General MIDI instrument) and external instruments (e.g. Korg Triton, or Yamaha ES-8) with a MINIMUM duration of 2 minutes and ideally no longer than 5 minutes (please contact me ahead of time for longer pieces). Use your newfound knowledge of MIDI objects and their manipulation using algorithms/routines mastered through previous assignments. Consider relying upon algorithms to generate interesting gestures/materials. Use all features that MIDI leaves at your disposal (e.g. panning, pitch-bend, multiple instruments) and at the same time focus on utilizing Max in a way that warrants its utilization (e.g. don't use it as a simple alternative to a sequencer but rather explore options that are perhaps unique to the world of Max). As you compose, avoid lengthy repetitions as they tend to get stale rather quickly. Investigate variation without sacrificing a sense of structural unity. REMEMBER FOLLOWING THREE CRITICAL RULES THAT WILL HELP YOU CIRCUMVENT COMMON PROBLEMS:    Start humbly and grow from there through incremental changes    Make sure to make sound as soon as possible and use that to inspire you further    Establish a set of rules to avoid writer's block EXTRA CREDIT: 5% Optionally, your piece can have a performance-oriented aspect (e.g. you typing on a QWERTY keyboard, a mouse, or a musical keyboard/controller). If so, focus on exploring on juxtaposition of computer-generated material and live performance. To submit your patch, please email the patch and all supporting sub-patches. In the unlikely event the files prove prohibitively large for email, bring them to class on an USB-key and accompany them with a text file containing description (if applicable) of extra credit features. PLEASE NOTE that you will be required to present/perform your patch in-class. Therefore make sure that your patch can be easily set up for performance. Make careful note of what computer/OS you've been using and try to stick to that OS to minimize cross-platform incompatibilities (e.g. MIDI port names). Part of your grade will depend upon how well/quickly you can set your patch up and perform it. Consequently, not all students engaged in this course may have an in-depth knowledge of music and/or adequate music performance background to be able to stage a convincing performance. If so, be inventive and try to channel your strengths into your composition (e.g. draw on the LCD object to generate sound, or type words on a QWERTY keyboard to produce musical gestures). Don't forget, keep it simple, even if that means pressing a simple button to start and/or stop the performance. IMPORTANT! In the case your assignment contains extra credit features, clearly state what those are in your email. It is critical that you submit your work prior to the beginning of the class to avoid any late submission penalties. For more info on grading please see the grading policy section above.

Files

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