Course

Creative Coding for Music

Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 3171
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This class introduces creative coding for music using the MaxMSP programming language in Max4Live, focusing on fundamental topics in programming, audio signal processing, instrument and audio effects design, and user-interface design. Students will research, design, and implement audio signal processing algorithms, design their own instruments and audio effects, and prepare plugins for distribution.
Course content
  • Introduction to MaxMSP programming 
  • Ableton Live and Max4Live environment 
  • Fundamental concepts in computer programming 
  • Audio signal processing in MaxMSP 
  • Digital signal processing 
  • Common audio signal processing algorithms for audio effects 
  • Synthesizer design, polyphony, and signal flow 
  • User interface design and concepts of user experience with audio plugins and instruments 
  • Ableton Live’s Application Programming Interface (API) for communication between Max4Live devices and Ableton Live 
Learning activities

Lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on studio experience. 

Means of assessment

Assessments will be based on course objectives and will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.

Example Evaluation Scheme

Attendance and Participation (10%) 

Lab Assignments (minimum 4) (40%) 

Test (20%) 

Final Project (30%) 

Total 100%

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Design and program original instruments and audio effects with MaxMSP and Max4Live; 
  • Analyze the capabilities and use-cases of the Max4Live programming environment within Ableton Live; 
  • Explain important core concepts in digital audio; 
  • Implement common digital signal processing algorithms used in synthesizers and audio effects; 
  • Plan and design user interfaces for instruments and effects; 
  • Package and distribute Max4Live devices. 
Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for MUSC 3171
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

There are no course offerings this semester.