Instructor: Chris Warren
Instructor Email: cdwarren@ucsd.edu
Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers. Prior programming experience is helpful but not required.

Course Description: This is a course that will focus on the creation of novel musical instruments, both hardware and software ("real and imaginary"). To this end, we will investigate the use of audio-oriented programming languages (notably Pure Data, developed here at UCSD) and the repurposing of familiar input devices to develop new modes of musical expression. Topics will range from the technical (sound synthesis and sampling, circuitbending, controllers) to the conceptual (design thinking, musical information, interaction design). A particular emphasis will be placed on the intersection of art and technology and the use of each to inform the other. Small daily projects will lead up to a larger final work and concert.

Course Objectives:

At the completion of this week course, students will have experienced the entire design cycle involved in the creation of a new musical instrument, from ideation to construction, evaluation and iteration. They will have gained the technical and conceptual skills to realize each step of this process, as demonstrated by their final project.

Course Outline:

Week 1: A brief history of musical instruments and technology. Introduction to circuits and hardware hacking. Introduction to graphical programming languages. Design thinking. Basic synthesis.
Week 2: Advanced synthesis and sampling. Input devices. Interaction design.
Week 3: Final Projects and concert.