Computer Science 597B Interactive Music Systems   Fall 2012

Princeton University Computer Science Department

Description and Objectives

We will explore challenges in designing, deploying, and evaluating interactive human-computer systems for music composition, performance, education, entertainment, and research. The foundation of this reading- and discussion-oriented course will be current academic research in computer science and computer music; we will also discuss significant artistic works and relevant commercial systems. The course will include a final research or software development project of the student's choosing.

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Understand the history and scope of academic research related to interactive music systems.
• Be familiar with the key research challenges in this area, and with the significant threads of current research.
• Understand the breadth and nature of computational challenges and human-computer interaction design challenges posed by interactive music application contexts. Understand how computational techniques, as well as sensors and other hardware, are employed in the implementation of real-time interactive music systems. Also understand how computer science methods and perspectives fit into a larger, interdisciplinary landscape.
• Be familiar with the research methods employed in the design and evaluation of interactive music systems.
• Have gained research experience, as well as knowledge and skills related to a topic of particular interest, through the process of proposing and completing the final project.
• Be familiar with the conventions of academic research and writing in this domain.
• Have strengthened skills and gained practice in academic speaking (through in-class presentations), writing (through the final project reports), and critical reading and discussion (through written assignments and in-class discussion of papers).
• As a consequence of the above, be prepared to pursue further research in this area.

Prerequisites

The course is open to any interested graduate students, and to undergraduates with instructor permission.

Topics discussed in the course will be related to areas including music technology, contemporary music performance practice, music theory, musicology, machine learning, signal processing, human-computer interaction, and interaction design, among others. It is unlikely that any student will come to the course with significant experience in all of these areas. That said, having some experience (e.g., a course at the 300-level or above, or extracurricular practice) in at least some of these areas is desirable. If you haven't had any exposure to any of these topics, you may have to put in some extra time catching up.

Part of the fun of the course will be to draw on the ideas and experiences of a diverse set of students. While all final projects should aim for a publishable contribution to the field of music technology, beyond that, there will be considerable leeway to tailor projects to students' backgrounds and goals.

Administrative Information

Time and Location:

• Meeting: Tuesday & Thursday 3:00-4:20pm in Computer Science Building, room 302

• Rebecca Fiebrink
• Email:
• Office: Computer Science Bldg room 408.