MA in Computer Music/ PGDip in Music Technology: Overview

• The MA in Computer Music degree is directed towards students with musical ability who would like to explore the musical applications of technology.
• A PGDip in Music Technology is also offered, where students take 3 modules per semester as in the MA course, but do not undertake the Thesis/Portfolio (MU630)
• The course is creativity-driven, with emphasis on musical aspects of computer programming and audio technology.

Entry Requirements

• Honours degree normally with a minimum of Grade 2.1
• Interview

What You Can Expect:

• Full use of computer resources at the Music Technology Labs at NUI Maynooth.
• Access to studio space, with the possibility of working towards recording and production projects
• Opportunities to have compositions performed.
• Individual tutorial time with a designated advisor.
• Expert advice on musical and technical issues from composers and researchers at the cutting edge of their fields.
• Access to language courses.

The MA in Computer Music in Outline:

MA students undertake 3 modules per semester (60 credits), along with MU643 (30 credits). Arrows indicate a prerequisite module in semester 1. PGDip students take 3 modules per semester (60 credits).

Modules

MU610A Acoustics

This module is compulsory for all MA in Computer Music students. It will focus on the nature of sound and sound perception. It will present basic concepts involved in the phenomena of sound.

MU612A Sound Recording Techniques

This module will introduce the studio to students and provide basic information needed to safely handle studio equipment.

MU611A Synthesis

MU611: Synthesis focuses upon the study of the basic techniques of synthesis, including a detailed study of computer music languages (sound compilers).

MU614A Music Systems Programming 1

This module will focus on computer programming in general. It will first introduce the different operating systems and programming environments used in the lab.

MU619A Electroacoustic Composition

This module will study the ideas, concepts and techniques involved in electronic music composition.

MU621A Recording Project

This module is designed to complement the first semester module on sound recording. Here the student will develop an individual recording project

MU616A Signal Processing

This module will explore the techniques of signal processing for musical applications: delay lines, filtering, spectral processing and transformation.

MU617A Interactive Systems

"Interactive Systems" is concerned with the use of the SuperCollider environment as a tool for generating music and compositions using synthesis and signal processing techniques, and use of the software in the context of live performance.

MU620A Music Systems Programming 2

This module will study several different aspects of music systems programming. These will include low-level MIDI, audio programming, signal processing and component development

MU643 Thesis/ Portfolio

The undertaking of a thesis or portfolio. Three options are given: (a) Thesis/dissertation on a chosen topic of study within Music Technology; (b) Computer music software research/development project; (c) Portfolio of electro-acoustic music compositions.