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Course Syllabus September 8th, 2011

The Musical Sequence: Expression through Repetition H79.2917.1 Call#16871

Thur 6:30pm to 9:00pm Paul Rothman paulr@nyu.edu

Office Hours

Class Playlist

Since the 13th century, repetition has been an important device in musical composition. In the 20th century, it became a mainstay of jazz, rock/pop and electronic music. This course will survey the use of programmed repetition in art, with a central focus on music. Historical and cultural uses in various forms of music (ostinato, riff, vamp, lehara) and modern technological approaches will be explored. Students will use both hardware (analog circuits and Arduino) and software (Processing, Max/MSP and DAWs) platforms to create their own sequencing systems and works. The class will look at the compositional uses of sequencing as well as various technologies developed in the past 60 years. Project output doesn’t need to be musical (lighting, mechanical or video projects are encouraged) but music is the framework in which topics will be discussed. Assignments will revolve around readings, designing devices (physical and digital) and creating works that utilize repetition.

Assignments

All writing assignments are to be posted on each student’s ITP site/blog and linked to on the class page by 8 pm, the NIGHT BEFORE of the following class. I will read all writing assignments before the start of each class session.

If there are extenuating circumstances(illness, death, etc.), assignments are due the following week. Late work will not be accepted. All production assignments are to be presented in class on the assigned due date.

Attendance

Students are allowed to miss three class sessions before receiving a Failing grade. Don’t be late to class. Participation in class discussion is important. Critiques of fellow students will make their work better.

Laptops

Laptops are permitted in class but must be closed during discussions and presentations. This policy will be enforced.

Group Work

Groups of two are permitted to work on the midterm and final projects. It is encouraged that you work with someone with a different skill set or background.

September 8th Week 1: Course Overview and Intro to Musical Concepts

               -Introductions
               -What is a sequence? repetition?

-Introduction to musical terms and music theory concepts

               --Basic Elements of Music
               --The Staff and Clefs
               --Note and Rest Lengths
               --Steps and Accidentals
              Reading: This is Your Brain on Music - What is Music?
              Assignment:  One page response to reading

Class 1 Keynote

September 15th Week 2: Examples Pre-20th Century

-Introduction to musical terms and music theory concepts cont.

              --Time Signatures
              --Major and Minor Scales
              --Chords
              --Key Signatures

Class 2 Keynote

September 22th Week 3: Examples 20th Century

Class 3 Keynote

September 29th Week 4: Examples 20th Century

October 6th Week 5: Hardware Sequencers: A History

Class 5 Keynote

October 13th Week 6: Microcontrollers and Touch Interfaces

Class 6 Keynote

October 20th Week 7: Software Sequencers

October 27th Week 8: Presentation of Midterm Assignments

November 3 Week 9: Non-Musical Sequencing

November 10 Week 10: Non-Musical Sequencing

November 17 Week 11: World Musical Cultures

December 1 Week 12: Workshop

December 8 Week 13: Workshop

December 15 Week 14: In Class Presentations of Final Work