MCT4054 – Interactive Music Systems
Course description
Course content
The aim of the course is to develop knowledge of and practical experience with the design and implementation of systems intended for real-time sonic or musical interaction. This could be in the form of a performance-oriented musical instrument, or in various types of interactive sonic systems that explore collaborative physical, or virtual music-making.
Learning outcome
Having completed the course, the student will:
- be familiar with the principles for design and evaluation of musical human-computer interaction.
- have knowledge of different types of sensors and input devices, and strategies for acquisition, filtering and mapping of sensor data.
- be able to design and prototype both hardware and software components of a complete musical instrument or other kind of interactive sonic system.
- have hands-on experience with sensor data acquisition and mapping of sensor data to sound synthesis/processing engines.
- be able to reflect on the aesthetic qualities of interactive music systems.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
The course is available to students admitted to Music, Communication and Technology (master). Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that the students have completed the course MCT4001 – Sound and Music Programming or that students are familiar with audio programming in Pure Data and have some basic experience with electronics.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with MCT4045 – Interactive Music Systems (continued).
Teaching
The course uses a flipped classroom model and blended learning methods, and includes:
- Video lectures, readings and practical tasks in preparation for the workshops.
- 10 workshops of 4 hours
Compulsory activities
- Participation in 8 out of 10 workshops.
- Eight qualifying assignments including a project demonstration.
Information about assignments and the deadlines are available in Canvas. Students have to hand in the assignments within the given deadline, and are responsible for familiarizing with the requirements for the compulsory activities.
The compulsory activities are only valid within the current semester. All compulsory activities must be approved in order to sit for the exam. Students are responsible to keep track of registered absences and check that everything has been approved.
Read more about compulsory activities here.
Apply for a valid absence from compulsory activity or attendance.
Examination
Portfolio (semester project)
The project consists in the design and implementation of a complete and real-time prototype of an interactive music system. This may include systems for musical performances, collaborative music-making, or sound installations. Projects are decided by the students and must be approved by the course responsible. Produced project material must be submitted with a documentation to replicate the results. Projects are summarized in an academic paper describing design and implementation of the developed system, with a particular focus on related works, selected input acquisition and mapping techniques, sound generation, consideration on associated musical and usability aspects. The paper should also include critical thoughts and reflections. The body of the report should not exceed 4000 words.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.