Introduction to COMPUTER MUSIC

USD $200

Meets Online 

October 21 – November 25, 2024  (6 weeks)

AVAILABLE SECTIONS:​

Mondays, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Pacific Time

​OFFICE HOURS

By appointment

Learn the fundamentals of computer music through hands-on, guided work that will take you from concept to making actual music. This workshop utilizes Max 8, an industry standard software for audio programming, which participants will use to explore the techniques of electronic sound synthesis, build computer instruments, and gain practical experience incorporating those tools into your own musical practice. No prior programming or electronic music experience is necessary for this course.

Enrollment in this workshop are limited to around 8 participants. Enrollment is first-come first-served. The enrollment form asks for basic info (name, email), a question about their musical training (just so we can get a sense of backgrounds of the people we are reaching and enrolling) and an open-format question asking about their interest in the workshop.

For questions about the workshop, contact the instructor.

CONTENT:

This workshop covers the fundamental concepts involved with producing electronic sound, designing computer instruments to perform those sounds, and composing with/ for those computer instruments. Material is divided respectively into three main units: Waveform Manipulation; Performative Technology; and Compositional Structure.

Participants have access to original materials and templates in Max 8 designed for Impulse Workshop, a weekly lab for feedback, questions, and exploring new directions, and office hours with the instructor.

REQUIREMENTS:

Participants will need to own or have a subscription to Max 8 by Cycling ’74. There is a free 30-day trial as well as monthly and annual subscription options available. For participants with a valid academic ID, there is a heavily-reduced price for the “Annual Academic” subscription option.

Downloads and pricing are available here: https://cycling74.com/shop

ATTENDANCE:

Participants choose from available sections when enrolling. Please note that all times are listed in Pacific Time. Sessions will be held live online via INMF’s Google Meet video conference or Zoom; recordings of each session will be available to participants who aren’t able to attend it live. Office Hours are optional and offer an opportunity to address concepts in more depth and go over any questions. Office hours are one-on-one and scheduled by appointment.

*Additional times/sections may be added for Impulse Workshops, depending on demand and faculty availability.

PAYMENT:

No payment is due at the time of registration. Once your spot is confirmed in a workshop, you will receive instructions on payment options. Payment plans may be available for confirmed participants.

INSTRUCTOR:

The faculty mentor of this workshop is Dr. Brandon J. Rolle.

Artistic Director of the Impulse New Music Festival, Dr. Rolle is a composer and conductor with extensive experience researching, teaching, and composing music. Rolle has worked with some of the most important figures in contemporary music, including Pauline Oliveros, Clarence Barlow, and Curtis Roads, and his innovative work draws on psychoacoustics research, electronic music techniques, and computer programming to realize deeply-immersive sound worlds. Rolle lives in Los Angeles where he works as a composer and teaches at the Colburn Conservatory of Music and Chapman University. He holds graduate degrees in music composition from Mills College (MA) and University of California, Santa Barbara (PhD).