Prospectus

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Music x Technology

Course
2020-2021

Admission requirements

No admission requirements for this course.

Description

The main topic of this course is the question how technological developments have resulted and will result in new forms of music. However, the relationship between technology and music is not just one-directional, technology has been shaped by developments in music as well. In this course we are primarily interested in music creation including composition processes, musical language and musical instruments or sound sources. Besides that, we are interested in developments in musical performance, presentation and distribution.

The course will address both academic, contemporary and popular electronic music. We will address the democratization of electronic music, the role of the internet, automatic music recognition, generative music and artificial intelligence.

In the course we will come across instruments like the Theremin, the Trautonium, the Mellotron, analogue synthesizers (Moog, Buchla, Arp, EMS), digital synthesizers while not forgetting the studio-based electronic music tradition that originates from the 1940’s.

In order to develop hands on experience we will use and zoom into the following open source software (Audacity, VCV Rack, Ardour, Pure Data, Automatonism, Google Magenta and more)

In the course a historical perspective will be created to not only create a context for discussion, it is meant to inspire new ideas and concepts. Although history plays an important role it is not a history course. Students are asked to study certain concepts that relate to their interest, try-out their ideas, present their work and engage in discussions.

Course objectives

  • The course aims to create a stimulating basis for critical thinking regarding the interrelation of Music and Technology

  • The course aims to stimulate the creation of new ideas and concepts focusing on the interrelation of Music and Technology

Timetable

Academic year 2020-2021, first semester.

Dates and times

Wednesdays 17.30-19.30 hrs.

Seminar dates:

  • 9 September 2020

  • 16 September 2020

  • 23 September 2020

  • 30 September 2020

  • 7 October 2020

  • 14 October 2020

  • 28 October 2020

  • 4 November 2020

  • 11 November 2020

  • 18 November 2020

  • 25 November 2020

  • 2 December 2020

Exam date:

  • 16 December 2020

Location

The lectures/workgroups take place at KOG, room A144, Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES, Leiden.**.

Mode of instruction

Interactive seminar.

Assessment method

The grading of the course is based on the homework assignments, student presentations, an essay and a creative work. Full attendance is a requirement in order to receive the credits for the course.

Reading list

Texts and other materials on Brightspace

Brightspace

Brightspace will be used for:

  • reading materials

  • assignments

  • communication etc.

Registration

Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on the website

Contact

Lecturer: Dhr. E.F. van der Heide MMus
Coordinator: Dhr. ir. R.T.W.L. Schneemann

Remarks

For other courses in the domains of music and fine arts, please visit:

[Elective courses music and fine arts](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/academy-of-creative-and-performing-arts/tuition "Elective courses music and fine arts")