Electroacoustic Music Composition (MUS4203)

EA Composition
Search…
EA Composition
2022-Spring
Let's get going!
MUS4V09
Advanced Electroacoustic Music Composition
MUS4V09 Semester Project Form
Electroacoustic Music Composition (MUS4203)
Baylor University MUS4203 Spring 2022 course syllabus and online course-guide.
Instructor
​Dr. Ben Johansen​
Course Description
Literature study, composition, and performance of fixed and interactive electroacoustic music. 
Students who do well in MUS4203 may move on to MUS4V09 (Adv,. EA Music Comp.) in order to work on a significant electroacoustic music project of their choice in the style of an independent study.
When
11:15 - 12:15 PM
Where
Marrs McLean Science Building Room 330
Required Attendance Outside of Scheduled Class Time
None.
School of Music's COVID Protocols
You must follow the School of Music's COVID Protocols = https://www.baylor.edu/music/coronavirus​
You must wear a face mask and respect social distancing when meeting with your instructor in person.
Defining Electroacoustic Music
​New York City Electronic Music Festival (NYCEMF) definition:
Electroacoustic music is music whose sound incorporates electronic tools and instruments, including software, in its production or performance. Electroacoustic music often seeks to explore all the sonic possibilities of new technologies, and it includes both works performed live on stage and works created in the studio and played back in concert ...
​Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States (SEAMUS) definition: 
Electro-Acoustic music is a term used to describe those musics which are dependent on electronic technology for their creation and/or performance.
Composing Electroacoustic Music
Baylor Composition Area's ultimate mission is to help students develop their creative abilities to uniquely compose the music of the future (rather than just "learn the trade of composing"). MUS4203 begins with projects focusing on typical pedagogical electroacoustic works (a musique concréte piece, an interactive piece using Max, etc.) in order for students to develop timeless audio editing and manipulation techniques. By the time students take MUS4V09, they should be creating works that move the electroacoustic music world forward (rather than "treading water" in the known pool of electroacoustic possibilities).
Course Topics:
The following indicates the topics covered. Each topic has supplemental reading material that changes yearly in order to stay current.
History of Electronic Music (mediums and aesthetic foundations)
Digital Audio (how it works … how filters work at a sample level)
musique concréte (how to manipulate recorded sounds)
minute project for speakers alone (fixed media)
Audio Synthesis
minute project for fixed media and live musician
Interactive Music (introduction to Max)
minute project for computer (Max) and live musician
Extending inputs and outputs with microcontrollers (and a deeper look into computer hardware and software)
minute project for Arduino
Video art and film scoring with electroacoustic music
minute project for moving image and electroacoustic music (all fixed media)
Projects given only to graduate students:
minute project for live generated computer music (generative music)
minute project for interactive video art (Jitter) and live musician
Course Objective
Principal Objective = by the end of this course, you will be able to compose electroacoustic music.
Additionally, by the end of this course, you will be able to:
List various forms of electroacoustic music along with historical examples.
Perform basic electroacoustic music analysis.
Identify and describe foundational/basic digital signal processing (DSP) tools.
Creatively manipulate recorded sounds to fit your compositional objectives using DSP tools.
Develop code to use in live electroacoustic music performance.
Create an original electronic music complete with edited score(s) and parts (if applicable).
Course Materials
purchase either monthly ($10/month), yearly ($60), or a permanent ($250) license for Max = https://cycling74.com/shop​
Resources (patches, readings, etc.): https://baylor.box.com/s/75l6zavwx7f6i96p614gt46gkfdfpxl7​
Online Course Guide = https://benjohansen.gitbook.io/eacomp/​
books (available online through the Baylor Library)
​The Digital Musician by Andrew Hugill​
​Composing Electronic Music by Curtis Roads​
​Inside Computer Music by Michael Clarke, édéric Dufeu, and Peter Manning​
​Library Listening Reserves 
​Max Cookbook​
Grading
Engage and take risks with technology. Search and be curious.
20% - Listening, Reading, and Recording Assignments + Class Attendance
40% - Minute Projects
40% - Project performed in front of a live audience (one of the Minute Projects fully developed into a performable work) - Due to the impact of COVID-19, the performed work may be pre-recorded and uploaded to a location for the public to view.
Scale:
A  = 96-100 
A- = 90-95
B+ = 87-89
B  = 83-86
B- = 80-82
C+ = 77-79
C  = 73-76
C- = 70-72
F  =  0-69
Attendance
During this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, class attendance must be approached differently from the way it would in a standard semester. If you are sick or have any symptoms (even if they are slight) that might relate to COVID-19, please stay home to protect yourself, your classmates, and your professors. As your instructor, I will expect that you work with me to enable you to receive any necessary course content (including class lectures) and complete any assignments, quizzes, or exams that you may miss due to being sick or having COVID-19-related symptoms. I also expect you to notify me prior to class if you will be missing for COVID-19 or any other health-related reason. If you are well, have no symptoms, and are not required to remain at home for any COVID-19 or other health-related reason, you should attend class and abide by all of the University’s health protocols. Attendance during this time may take many forms due to the various course formats being offered this fall. Be sure to pay careful attention to the additional details below that describe how attendance and class participation will be incorporated into my course.
Importantly, Baylor’s Health Services department on the Waco campus no longer provides notes to “excuse” students from missed classes. Please do not ask Health Services for such documentation.
The following is straight from the School of Music Undergraduate Handbook:
School of Music policy requires that to earn credit in a course a student must be officially enrolled by the end of the second full week of the semester and attend at least 75% of all class meetings. Faculty members may establish additional attendance requirements as outlined in course syllabi. Any student who is not present for at least 75% of the scheduled class sessions for any course will automatically receive a grade of “F” in the course. Any University-related activity necessitating an absence from class will count as an absence when determining whether a student has attended the required 75% of class meetings.
Missing 20min of any portion of a class meeting during the official class meeting time, will result in a 1/2 absence (for example, leaving a class meeting 20min early). This is waved if the reason for missing has to do with COVID-19.
COVID
Throughout the pandemic, Baylor’s commitment has been to the health and safety of our family. Since the spring of 2020, the University has chosen to take actions that align with the most up-to-date health recommendations. Guidelines for the Fall 2021 semester include:
Everyone is required to wear a mask in classrooms and labs. 
Everyone who is unvaccinated is required to be tested twice weekly throughout the semester. For more information about Baylor’s testing program, please visit Baylor’s COVID site at www.baylor.edu/coronavirus. To confirm your exemption from this testing, upload your vaccination record to www.baylor.edu/vaccine.
Vaccinations are available for students at the Baylor Health Center. Please call 254-710-1010 to make an appointment or https://www.baylor.edu/healthservices/.
The symptoms for the Delta variant look very similar to the original COVID symptoms but include headaches, sinus congestion, sore throats, and a runny nose. If you feel sick, please contact the Baylor Health Center to be tested as soon as possible, at 254-710-1010 or https://www.baylor.edu/healthservices/.
Please have a plan in place in case you get sick with COVID or are asked to isolate or quarantine. Baylor will provide limited assistance, but it is in your best interest to have your own plan in place.
We all want to return to a normal fall semester with more in-person events and traditions; vaccinations and face masks help the entire Baylor community to stay healthy.
Academic Success
I believe every student who has been admitted to Baylor can be successful, and I want to partner with you to help you thrive academically. Be sure to take advantage of the many resources available for academic success, including coming to see me during my office hours. Students who regularly utilize the great resources in the Paul L. Foster Success Center such as tutoring, Learning Lab, and Academic Mentoring are among my most successful students. If your academic performance in this class is substandard, I will submit an Academic Progress Report to the Success Center so that the team of coordinated care professionals can ensure that you get the help you need.
First Generation College Students
Baylor University defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. The First in Line program is a support office for first-generation college students to utilize if they have any questions or concerns. Please check out First in Line, visit us in the Basement of Sid Richardson West Wing or email [email protected]
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism or any form of cheating involves a breach of student-teacher trust. This means that any work submitted under your name is expected to be your own, neither composed by anyone else as a whole or in part, nor handed over to another person for complete or partial revision. Be sure to document all ideas that are not your own. Instances of plagiarism or any other act of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Honor Council and may result in failure of the course. Not understanding plagiarism is not an excuse. I expect you, as a Baylor student, to be intimately familiar with the Honor Code at: http://www.baylor.edu/honorcode/​
Students Needing Accommodations

Any student who needs academic accommodations related to a documented disability should inform me immediately at the beginning of the semester. You are required to obtain appropriate documentation and information regarding your accommodations from the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA). Stop by the first floor of Sid Richardson, East Wing in the Paul L. Foster Success Center or call (254) 710-3605 or email [email protected]
Baylor University Title IX
Civil Rights Policy and Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct Policy
Baylor University does not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), citizenship, genetic information or the refusal to submit to a genetic test, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, Texas, or local law (collectively referred to as Protected Characteristics).
If you or someone you know would like help related to an experience involving:
1.Sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, intimate partner violence, or retaliation for reporting one of these types of prohibited conduct, please visit www.baylor.edu/titleix, or contact us at (254) 710-8454, or mailto: [email protected]
2.Harassment (excluding those issues listed in #1) or adverse action based on Protected Characteristics, please visit www.baylor.edu/civilrights, or contact us at (254) 710-7100 or [email protected]
The Office of Equity and Title IX understands the sensitive nature of these situations and can provide information about available on- and off-campus resources, such as counseling and psychological services, medical treatment, academic support, university housing, and other forms of assistance that may be available. Staff members at the office can also explain your rights and procedural options. You will not be required to share your experience. If you or someone you know feels unsafe or may be in imminent danger, please call the Baylor Police Department (254-710-2222) or Waco Police Department (9-1-1) immediately.
Except for Confidential Resources, all University Employees are designated Responsible Employees and thereby mandatory reporters of potential sexual and interpersonal misconduct violations. Confidential Resources who do not have to report include those working in the Counseling Center, Health Center and the University Chaplain, Dr. Burt Burleson.
Military Student Advisory
Veterans, active duty military personnel, and dependents are encouraged to connect with the VETS program, a space dedicated to supporting our military-connected students. Please communicate, in advance if possible, any special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployment, drill requirements, disability accommodations).
Health Resources for Students
Baylor University is strongly committed to addressing the mental health and wellness needs of students by  providing access to on-campus healthcare resources.
Crises and Emergencies:
BUCC Crisis Line: (254) 710-2467 (Business Hours/Non-Business Hours/Weekends)
Baylor Police Department: (254)710-222
MHMR Crisis Center: (254)867-6550
MHMR 24-Hour Emergency/Crisis Number: (254)752-3451
When home during academic breaks, when the counseling center is closed, please call your local resources. Some national numbers for support during a crisis:
National Hope Network Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
General Guidance for struggling students: Baylor University CARE Team Services
Located on the second floor of the Student Life Center, suite 207.
​The Department of CARE Team Services is a team of case managers who work with students who are struggling with mental health issues, financial struggles, and anything else affecting a student’s ability to be successful in the classroom.
Contact Information: (254) 710-2100 ; [email protected].
Students’ Basic Needs (food & housing)
Food insecurity is defined as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for you to live an active, healthy life.” At Baylor, we want all students to have access to food resources that will support their holistic well-being and success. If you or someone you know experiences food insecurity at any time, you can find information on campus and community food resources by visiting The Store. You can also contact Store staff at 254-710-4931. For additional basic needs assistance, please reach out to CASE or the Care Team.
Physical Health and Wellness, Psychiatric Evaluations, Pharmacy:  Baylor Health Services Department
​Baylor Health Services includes Primary Care, Psychiatry, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy and is staffed with fully certified and licensed physicians and nurse practitioners, as well as nurses and administrative staff. Appointments may be made by calling our main number or by logging into the health portal located on our website.
Contact Information: (254) 710-1010; [email protected].
Baylor University Counseling Center  
​The Counseling Center seeks to foster wholeness for every student through caring relationships, cultural humility and integrated mental health services.
Located on the second floor of the Student Life Center.
For an appointment, go to our website to schedule an Initial Assessment or call (254) 710-2467.
Substance and Behavioral Addiction:  Beauchamp Addiction & Recovery Center (BARC)
​The Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center aims to support students in recovery from substance and behavioral addictions through an all-encompassing level of support approach that includes one-on-one mentorship, support groups, and social events open to all Baylor students.
Located in the East Village Residential Community (bottom floor of Teal Residential College).
Contact Information: (254)-710-7092; [email protected]​
Spiritual Life:  Baylor University Office of Spiritual Life
​The Office of Spiritual Life offers programs, persons, and resources to nurture theological depth, spiritual wholeness, and missional living.
Located on the corner of 5th and Speight Street in the BoBo Spiritual Life Center.
Contact Information: (254) 710-3517; [email protected]​
Let's get going!
Last modified 5d ago