The Code of Music +

This course explores music through the lenses of computation and interactivity.

The first part of the semester consists of a structured exploration of rhythm, melody, timbre, and harmony, from the perspectives of code, design, and music theory. For each musical element, we will hold listening sessions, represent and manipulate the element in code, and create an interactive study around it.

During the second half of the semester we will cover algorithmic composition techniques such as Markov Chains, Neural Networks and L-systems. As students work toward their final projects, assignments will take a more self-directed approach. Professional practitioners will come in to share their work in the field and give students feedback on their projects.

In-class coding and assignments will be done in P5.js + Tone.js, but students will be free to use other languages and frameworks for their final projects. ICM or equivalent programming experience is required.

This class is a good fit for students who are interested in:

– Creating interactive music pieces and digital instruments
– Deepening their understanding of how music works
– Continuing to develop coding skills acquired in ICM

Prerequisites: Introduction to Computational Media (ICM) or equivalent programming experience is required.
About Luisa Hors: https://www.luisapereira.net/

New Interfaces for Musical Expression +

David Rios | Syllabus | ITPG-GT.2227 | Mon 3:20pm to 5:50pm in 370 Jay St, Room 407 Meetings:14
Last updated: March 24, 2025

In this course students create digital musical instruments and do a live performance using them. Over the semester, we look at examples of current work by creators of musical interfaces, and discuss a wide range of issues facing technology-enabled performance – such as novice versus virtuoso performers, discrete versus continuous data control, and the relationship between musical performance and visual display. Readings and case studies provide background for class discussions on the theory and practice of designing controllers for musical performance. Students design and prototype a musical instrument – a complete system encompassing musical controller, algorithm for mapping input to sound, and the sound output itself. A technical framework for prototyping performance controllers is made available. Students focus on musical composition and improvisation techniques as they prepare their prototypes for live performance. The class culminates in a musical performance where students (or invited musicians) will demonstrate their instruments. Prerequisites: ITPG-GT.2233 (Introduction to Computational Media) and ITPG-GT.2301 (Physical Computing)

Prerequisite: ICM / ICM: Media (ITPG-GT 2233 / ITPG-GT 2048) & Intro to Phys. Comp. (ITPG-GT 2301)

Immersive Music & Haptics: Creating Music for the Skin (Topics in ITP) +

Daniel Belquer | Syllabus | ITPG-GT.2380 | Sat 12:10pm to 6:25pm in 370 Jay Street Room 450> Sun 12:10pm to 6:25pm in 370 Jay Street Room 450 Meetings:S-Special
Last updated: March 24, 2025

This is a demo single day workshop to introduce you to a part of the future of music: how to create an immersive, emotional and engaging experience using the multi-awarded Music:Not Impossible haptic devices. MUSIC:NOT IMPOSSIBLE (M:NI) Music:Not Impossible started 10 years ago to create a better live music experience for the deaf and hard of hearing. We passed this threshold a while ago and we are now creating experiences worldwide for all to experience music regardless of hearing level. We have won Time’s Magazine Best Inventions of 2023, the Edison Awards two times and many other important awards and acknowledgements. We also have been praised by the likes of Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga and Jon Batiste. THE INSTRUCTOR Daniel Belquer is a composer, inventor and intermedia artist that has been teaching and creating artworks blending music, theater and interactive technology for decades. He is one of the co-founders of Music:Not Impossible, and has been developing the project since its inception.

Creative Code Orchestra: Improvising with Computers (Topics in ITP) +

Daniel Fishkin | Syllabus | ITPG-GT.2378 | Mon 12:10pm to 2:40pm in 370 Jay St, Room 412 Meetings:14
Last updated: November 11, 2024

In this class, students use computers to play music together, improvising and composing with code. Using the Max graphical language, students will learn to create their own software for musical improvisation, exploring sample manipulation, digital synthesis, and also principles of psychoacoustics and sound spatialization. Students are encouraged to bring in their own instruments in order to explore sound processing of acoustic instruments. In the beginning of the class, students will solder and assemble their own portable amplifiers to create a spatialized laptop sound system. As students develop code together, the class forms a laptop ensemble, moving from theory to practice by designing software instruments for live-computer improvisation in the classroom. The class explores large format ensemble pieces, as well as smaller groups such as trios and duets. Students will learn to improvise, play existing repertoire for laptop, and can compose their own pieces. The class also explores hardware hacking topics such as microphone design and pressure transducers, bringing the sounds of the acoustic world inside and outside of our computers. The class will culminate in a group concert that features a range of performances, involving acoustic instruments, some duets, and large ensemble pieces.

Topics in ITP: Music Design and Discovery +

Elliot Cole | Syllabus | ITPG-GT.2379 | Mon 12:10pm to 2:40pm in Meetings:7-Second Half
Last updated: March 7, 2024

Students will gain competency in the music production and performance software Ableton Live through a series of creative exercises. These exercises are heuristics in the sense that they’re designed to help students find well-formed musical solutions quickly and improvisationally, without presupposing a background in musical theory or performance.

I’ll introduce these technical topics alongside their artistic applications: audio editing (collage), midi (rhythm/melody/harmony), synthesis and effects (sound design), randomness (generative systems design), recording, and interfacing with external sensors, controllers and data (instrument design).

Weekly assignments will solidify skills explored in class.