1. Course Description
The course provides the student with a historical context for how music is influenced by technology; from the development of the pianoforte to the digital audio workstation. However, the primary focus of the course is based on the use of computing as a critical tool in all forms of musical interaction, detailing the function of the music interface, keyboard controller and mixing control surface. The course provides examples of how music software and computing platforms are employed in a wide range of commercial settings. The student will also be introduced to audio editing software and they will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the principals of sound editing based on musical criteria such as key, pitch, tempo and form. Assessment will be made through coursework and a final written exam
2. Rationale
Technology plays a critical role in all aspects of music from instrument design to the distribution networks and social media that now dominate all spheres of our musical interactions. Since 1980, the microprocessor has been at the centre of this dramatic change, which continues to develop at an unprecedented rate.There is a need for music students to not only understand the historical influence of technology on the evolution of music but to develop a broad understanding of the new opportunities that can arise. The primary aim of the course is therefore based on music-making as a processor based activity but in the context of a long-standing tradition that connects all forms of humanly organised sound with the technology it depends on.