Music and Technology: Algorithmic and Generative Music

As taught in: Spring 2010

Diagram of a cellular automata used for generating musical compositions.

Cellular automaton (CA) algorithms, in which rules define the state of cells in a grid, can be applied to musical composition. (Image by Christopher Ariza.)

Instructors:

Prof. Christopher Ariza

MIT Course Number:

21M.380

Level:

Undergraduate

Course Features

Course Description

This course examines the history, techniques, and aesthetics of mechanical and computer-aided approaches to algorithmic music composition and generative music systems. Through creative hands-on projects, readings, listening assignments, and lectures, students will explore a variety of historical and contemporary approaches. Diverse tools and systems will be employed, including applications in Python, MIDI, Csound, SuperCollider, and Pure Data.