mtc 437 | mtc 598
       electronic studio techniques, II

 

Course Information | Syllabus

Spring 2012

Glenn Hackbarth
office: W-205 Music Building
phone: 965-3170
email: hackbarth@asu.edu
http://www.public.asu.edu/~glennh

Office Hours:

course objectives

The primary objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and experience of constructing interactive and "less fixed" electronic environments. This course will make extensive use of the Max/MSP/Jitter software (www.cycling74.com) and is roughly divided into three segments as described below.

course content

1. Basic principles of MAX scheduling and preliminary MSP audio
  • Performer Interaction #1: MIDI input via traditional keyboard controllers
  • Installation #1: Non-interactive environment
2. (More) advanced MSP audio
  • Performer interaction #2: sound processing
  • Installation #2: Non-interactive environment
3. Non-MIDI controller elements
  • Performer interaction #3: analysis
  • Installation #3: Interactive installation environment

texts

There are no required texts for this course. All documentation and reading relating to this class will exist as help documents and pdf files housed either on the computers in the studio, or linked via the main MTC 437/598 webpage.

grading

Your grade in this class will be determined by your performance in a series of small projects. Although inventiveness and creativity will play a part in the grading of the projects, the majority of the grade for these events will be in how well you execute the technical requirements of the assignment. Since all assignments are designed to sequentially introduce various important techniques, completion of those assignments by their individual time deadlines will also factor into the grading.

studio work

You should expect to spend approximately six hours in the studio per week. During the first week you will be issued a studio use permission card. By taking your card to the music library and presenting it along with your student ID, you will be allowed to check out the key to the studio as a reserve item. Please note that there is a library imposed time limit on this item and that not returning the key will probably present a great inconvenience to your fellow classmates (who also need same key). Sign-up sheets will be posted periodically outside the studio door. You may sign up for a maximum of 3 two hour slots per week at that time. On Wednesday of any given week you are permitted to sign up for additional time. This should allow all in the class to have ample studio time. IMPORTANT: PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL RULES FOR STUDIO USE IN THE STUDIO RULES DOCUMENT.

attendance

Attendance at all class meetings is expected. Students with excessive absences will be withdrawn from the class. Any student absent for 4 consecutive class meetings will have their use card blocked at the library. If you are experiencing a medical or personal problem which causes your absence, contact me at the above phone or by calling the main School of Music office (965-3170) and leaving a message.

academic honesty

All necessary and appropriate sanctions will be issued to all parties involved with plagiarizing any and all course work. Plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty that is in violation with the Student Code of Conduct will not be tolerated. For the purposes of this course, aspects of plagiarism and cheating include: using someone else's work as your own; or having someone else complete your assignment. For more information, please see the ASU Student Academic Integrity Policy: http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/studentlife/judicial/academic_integrity.htm.