The Code of Music

This course explores the elements of music through the lenses of computation and interactive design.
Each of the five course units focuses on one element of music (rhythm, melody, timbre, harmony, and structure), approaching it from the perspective of music theory, computation, and design. For each element, students listen to examples from different periods and styles, represent and manipulate the element in code, and create an interactive study around it. The last two weeks of the class are dedicated to final projects, which consist of designing and building an interactive or generative musical piece. Final projects can take the form of digital applications, spatial installations, or physical devices.
In-class coding and assignments will be done in P5.js, but students will be free to use other languages and frameworks for their final projects.