This module is discontinued in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MUSS5631M Computer Music Practice
30 creditsClass Size: 15
Module manager: Dr Alex McLean
Email: A.McLean@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
Pre-requisite qualifications
Beneficial:- Previous experience of computer programming;
- Awareness of contextual praxes and discourses relevant to computer music and/or music technology;
Essential:
- Willingness to independently develop knowledge and experience of computer programming;
- Proficiency in the use of a range of computer music and digital audio applications;
- Grounding in theory relevant to computer music and music technology at undergraduate level.
Module replaces
MUSI5631M Computer Music StudiesThis module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
1) Provide an overview of fundamental framework-independent concepts (e.g. programming paradigms, conventions and terminology etc.) and training in generic skills relevant to the understanding and effective use of computer music tools and systems (e.g. debugging, interpreting error messages, resolving dependencies, conforming to standard protocols, systematic problem-solving);2) Provide a structured scheme of work that enables students to develop and improve both their practical skills, and their technical, conceptual and syntactical understanding, in one or more of the following computer music frameworks;
Text-based languages such as SuperCollider, Processing, OpenFrameworks, Python, C/C++ as applicable computer music;
Graphical frameworks such as Max/MSP, Pure Data;
Hybrid software-hardware frameworks such as Arduino;
Any other software or hardware framework relevant to computer music;
3) Enable students to audit, reflect upon, and improve their practical skills, and their technical, conceptual and syntactical understanding, in relation to the use of one or more of those frameworks.
Learning outcomes
On completing the module students will:
1) have a knowledge of fundamental framework-independent concepts (e.g. programming paradigms, conventions and terminology etc.) and generic skills relevant to the understanding and effective use of computer music tools and systems (e.g. debugging, interpreting error messages, resolving dependencies, conforming to standard protocols, systematic problem-solving);
2) be able to apply their technical, conceptual and syntactical understanding and practical skills in these areas to the realisation of a portfolio of practical exercises involving the use of one or more of the following computer music frameworks:
a. Text-based languages such as SuperCollider, Processing, OpenFrameworks, Python, C/C++ as applicable computer music;
b. Graphical frameworks such as Max/MSP, Pure Data;
c. Hybrid software-hardware frameworks such as Arduino;
d. Any other software or hardware framework relevant to computer music;
3) know how to realistically evaluate, reflect upon and improve their level of technical skill and understanding in respect of the practical use of computer music frameworks, to the extent needed to be able to independently and successfully master a broad range of unfamiliar computer music frameworks in the future.
Syllabus
Students will develop their knowledge, understanding and skills through the completion of one or more computer music ‘case study’ exercises that will involve the use of one or more of the frameworks mentioned above (see Module Objectives, and Knowledge Outcomes). The exercises will be conceived, designed, and delivered to students in such a way that the learning of fundamental programming concepts and paradigms—and the iterative development and consolidation of that learning—will be embedded within them.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Private study hours | 280.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Private study
280 hours, indicatively to be divided roughly equally between:- reading, peer-discussion and note-taking around fundamental framework-independent concepts, e.g. programming paradigms, conventions, terminology etc.
- independent development and application of the relevant techniques relevant to the topic(s) of study, including consultation of documentation/manuals/supporting resources etc.
- realisation of the portfolio of exercises.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress is monitored primarily through contact in seminar sessions. This may take the form of:- practical help and problem solving in seminars;
- formative assessment tasks;
- in-class tasks under the supervision of a tutor;
In addition, as appropriate to the topic(s) being delivered, tutors may also wish to make use of:
- online fora, discussion boards, email;
- online virtual classroom sessions.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Portfolio | Portfolio of exercises involving the use of one or more of the computer music frameworks mentioned previously (see Module Objectives) | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
If appropriate to the topic, certain Portfolio tasks may be completed in timed, supervised sessions. Others may be completed unsupervised and submitted by a given deadline.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/09/2015
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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