Synopsis of course content
MUS 153S: Electronic Music
ECE 196: Special Topics (Interactive motion and music)
The goal of this course is to develop interactive motion-to-music
compositions in the CIEMAS Interactive Studio. The strongest work produced
in class will be installed in “SoundSpace,” an ongoing exhibit at the North
Carolina Museum of Life and Science. Students will gain experience in digital
music composition, sound design, audio signal processing, and digital image
processing with the goal of developing a system that offers nuanced
interactions between motion and music.
“SoundSpace” is a room with nine ceiling-mounted webcameras and an 8-
channel audio system. Motion under the webcameras controls the
performance of musical composition or sound design. Image processing
translates the live video stream into control signals that can be mapped on
musical qualities, such as pitch, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, and
timbre.
The final installation may be a musical mix, an elaborate sound design that
suggests a particular scene or landscape, a piece that involves live musicians
interacting with the participants moving in the room, a room that tells a story
through spoken/sung text, music, and sound effects, or even an interactive
game that is played by multiple participants.
The music will be realized with SuperCollider, an open source music
programming language designed for real time, networked music
performance. SuperCollider requires facility with computer programming,
however, students will have access to in-depth tutorials and sample
instruments that will speed the learning process. Students interested in
music or sound design should be able to read music and have experience
performing and/or composing their own music. The success of the final
projects depends on your musical imagination and motivation.
Image processing programming will primarily be done using Quartz
Composer, a graphical programming language developed for image
processing applications. The graphical interface of Quartz Composer
supports the development of complex image processing algorithms and
software
constructs without the need to learn the syntax of a formal programming
language. This course will also provide a introduction into asynchronous
application development and software design.
Textbooks
Readings provided via e-reserve.
Assignments
Weekly assignments in SuperCollider and Quartz Composer
Weekly readings.
Creating an interactive motion-music installation for SoundSpace, and
ongoing exhibit at the NC Museum of Life and Science.
Term Papers
None.
Grade to be based on
Your grade is based on your contributions to the development of the music
installation.
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