Computer Music
The Computer Music Program emphasizes research in new techniques for electronic music composition and performance, catalyzed through an active concert program of new works by students, faculty, and visitors. Areas of research may include
- new audio synthesis techniques
- audio signal processing
- music cognition
- live improvisation with and by computers
- integrating audio and video
- electronic spatialization of sounds
- techniques for live electronic music performance
- computer music software and HCI design
- audio analysis and feature detection
The Computer Music Program encourages work that overlaps with the other programs of study: Composition, Performance, and Integrative Studies. Analyzing and performing electronic music repertoire as well as writing new music involving electronics are encouraged.
The first-year computer music curriculum is centered on a yearlong “backbone” course covering the essentials of the computer music field. This material divides naturally into three portions (audio signal processing, compositional algorithms, and musical cognition).
In their second year, students work individually with faculty members to deepen their mastery of their subject areas of concentration. For example, a student wishing to focus on signal processing aspects might study techniques for digital audio analysis and resynthesis, drawing on the current research literature.
After having taken a critical mass of such subjects, students enter a qualifying examination preparation period, and, once successful, they start their dissertation research.