|
These courses are listed as DXARTS 461/2/3.
Please note that students will need to sign up for this course number, not MUSIC 401/2/3. Also be aware
that the courses are titled "Digital Sound Synthesis," "Digital Sound Processing," and "Advanced Digital Sound Processing and Synthesis."
What DXARTS 461-2-3 is:
- DXARTS 461-3 is a year-long
course on the fundamentals of computer sound synthesis, composition, and
research.
- It is designed to provide a thorough
technical and conceptual grounding for future exploration for composers or
digital sound synthesis designers.
- It is a course that emphasizes
this thorough grounding over immediate return; often it takes well into two
quarters before students are able make sounds of a quality that they would
want their dog, let alone their peers, to hear.
- It is a course in which students
learn to use programming languages to design sound synthesis algorithms.
- It is a course on the use of computer programming as a music-compositional tool.
- However, the course does not
presume knowledge of computer programming of entering students.
- It is an introduction into the aesthetics of computer music in the Western "Art Music" tradition.
- It is a course in which students
will raise their critical awareness of electronic sound, and probably acoustic
sound as well.
- It is a course in which gained
technical skills and aesthetic awareness are applied to the creation of creative
works and/or the creation of new sound synthesis tools.
- However, the course does not
presume that entering students know how to compose music or, for that matter, can read music.
- It is a course in which students must work hard and be self-directed.
What DXARTS 461-2-3 is not:
- It is not a course in multi-track studio recording and mixing.
- It is not a course in the use of MIDI keyboards, synthesizers, or sequencing.
- It is not a course in the use of commercial sound editing/mixing software (like ProTools or Digital Performer).
- It is not a course in the use of commercial tools (or "plugins") for sound processing or synthesis.
- It is not a course in analog synthesis.
- It is not a course on popular song arranging or specific techniques used in dance music, techno, etc.
- It is not a course on multi-media sound, film scoring, or synchronization of sound to video.
- It is certainly not a quick and easy way to get 5 credits.
That said, the concepts, discipline,
and awareness established in DXARTS 461-3 will be of value to individuals
seeking to attain high quality and depth in their artistic pursuits in the
above arenas.
Common questions:
Q. Can I do homework for DXARTS
461-2-3 on my own computer rather than in the Digital Arts Computer Center?
A. Yes. DXARTS 461-3 is taught using
public domain research and composition tools, available for most computer
platforms. You will be on your own in configuring your home system, though
some hints are provided on the course web site and other members of the class
often serve as helpful resources. However, students are encouraged to use
the lab. While in the lab you have ready access to TA's and will find that
your fellow students provide inspiration and assistance. It is very common
that the best work in the class is done by students working in the lab.
Q. I've never programmed a computer
/ the most complex thing I've done with a computer is run a word processor.
Should I take this class?
A. The course presumes that many
persons in the class will have little or no familiarity with computer programming.
However, you will need to have a comfort with computers and be able to adapt
to them quickly. If computers are absolutely alien to you, you will probably
find the class very difficult.
Q. I've never composed or played
an instrument. Should I take this class?
A. The course presumes that many
persons in the class will have little or no formal skills in music. In fact,
students who do not have a lot of formal musical training often create some
of the most interesting and creative work in the class.
Q. I'm a national expert in C++,
PERL, and Java, wrote my own SQL query optimization tools using custom neural
network algorithms, study DSP books for relaxation, and have a studio full
of cool music equipment. Am I going to be bored in the class?
A. Only if you are also famous
nationally as an expert composer of experimental Computer Music! Also, while
Computer Music is based in part on fundamental computer programming and digital
signal processing concepts, the uses and specific techniques can be very different
from those found in other technology areas. As the course progresses, it will
provide a flexible framework in which you can choose to challenge yourself
technically and artistically at the level you desire.
Q. What does the computer code
for this course look like?
A. Check out the class examples
on the
course web site.
Getting in to the course
DXARTS 461-3 has become increasingly
popular in recent years, with more students applying that we can admit to
the course and still have it function effectively.
If you still have questions about
the course after reviewing the above materials, it is recommended that you
talk with Hugo Solis, the DXARTS 463 TA. You can do this by e-mail (hugosg AT u DOT washington DOT edu).
To apply for entry to the course,
complete the
Online
Application Form. You will need your UW Net ID name and password to apply.
If you decide not to take the course
after completing the application, please email Juan Pampin (pampin AT u DOT washington DOT edu) so we know to
remove you from consideration.
Deadline for applications is September 1. Application decisions will be notified after September 15 (please note that inquiries before this date will go unanswered). It is recommended that you register for a full slate of courses in addition to DXARTS 461 in case you are not admitted to the course.
|
