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CMC2a Tasks

Algorithmic Composition with SuperCollider Using a GUI

Task 9	Name: Generative Composition Using SC 3: using a GUI	Set: w10i	Due: w12i	Weighting: 10%	Courses: cmc2a
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Task Summary		All CMC2a tasks		VLE

A first look at algorithms.

Algorithmic Presentation (pdf)

To Cover

By definition, anything you do using a computer is algorithmic, therefore every computer controlled piece, however, intuitive it may feel, is ultimately, at one level, algorithmic. Of course we, as people, don't really operative on that level, and most 'simple' arrangements and recordings are as intuitive as any analogue recording or, arguably, performance. (There's a whole area of discussion concerning the difference between live performance and recorded playback.)

Algorithmic Composition
Algorithmic Introductory Presentation
Algorithmic Presentation
Using MaxMSP
Using SC
Other Examples: IXI, pSY, Dionysius, etc.
Live Coding

Other resources

- Search for 'Algorithm MaxMSP SuperCollider' in:
Google, Scholar, Books, Image, Video,
University Library

The Files

SC Algorithmic Material via GUI [28KB]

The Task

Algorithms Using a GUI

Choose the simplest of the examples given from these examples using the GUI (you should investigate material from the help files), and using various algorithmic techniques, tools and controls, create a patch that controls one or two musical parameters via controls in the GUI, (say, pitch and speed).
You might consider implementing two 'presets' to allow you to jump to one state or another during a 'performance'. It does not need to stop automatically, (although, of course, it may).
Credit will be given for technical expertise and imagination in implementation.
You should fully document your code, providing sufficiently full comments to ensure that any reasonably informed person could understand the result.
If appropriate, make a demo recording of your patch working. Please keep the size down to a minimum (maximum duration approximately 20 seconds to one minute).
Do bear in mind that SuperCollider is a powerful but complex language. Investigate, develop and understand the material you're given to the best of your ability, but don't expect to add much original functionality without ending up in some difficulty. Remember that if you attempt any significant development on a patch that works well and in which you've invested some time and effort, work on a copy!
Added value
By completing the details of the task you will achieve at least a pass mark. By imaginatively and creatively considering how you might implement the task originally you can add value to your submission, and this added value may increase your mark significantly. Even when making videos of short demonstration tasks try to consider musical and performance criteria.

Finally

Compress (zip) your patches, demos, etc. into one file called your_student_number_"SCAlgGUI" (e.g. 0504335_SCAlgGUI.zip), include a readme with your name and student number and, if necessary, how to use or just open the patch.
Submit a copy of the files to the i-Centre on Thursday 15th December 2011

The Projects

The projects and tasks are designed to help you through the various courses and materials that you'll have to deal with, and also to provide an active and practical element to what could otherwise become a rather dry and technical exercise. Tasks are small exercises - you may be asked to complete one or two per week. Projects are larger and carry a higher percentage of the mark. We will undertake two, three, four or more projects and tasks. The final project is usually an individual choice project, and will be worth significantly more than the others in terms of percentages in your portfolio. We will usually try to set aside a time to perform the projects in a public setting.

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