Module Code - Title:
CS4174
-
PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Students will develop their knowledge of performance technology in the context of digital musical instruments through a combination of laboratory based small group project work and lecture based learning.
Syllabus:
This module will focus on the design and the creation of digital musical instruments. Students will design and build a musical instrument - a complete system encompassing musical controller, algorithm for mapping input to sound, and the sound output itself. Students will focus on improvisation techniques as they prepare their prototypes for live performance. The module will culminate in a musical performance where students will demonstrate their instruments.
Key topics will include:
Sensor system implementation for live music performance.
Software implementation of real time performance systems.
Aesthetic issues in digital musical instrument performance.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Organise and execute a successful artistic collaboration in video and audio.
2. Program real time and distributed software for audio and video.
3. Implement real time DSP algorithms and environments.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Produce work reflecting current practices in real time video and audio production
2. Identify and appreciate trends in current practice.
3. Discuss artistic, philosophical, and aesthetic values in current practice.
4. Demonstrate increased confidence and creativity in their ability to design and build their own digital musical instruments using electronics and sound synthesis techniques."
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Present a work in live performance.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered using a combination of lectures and problem based labs. Alongside this students develop their own projects. Learning to learn is a core part of the module delivery approach whereby students learn to get-to-grips with new (to them) technologies through analysis of datasheets, online research and practical experimentation. Group work reinforces the development of strategies for successful collaboration. End of year exhibition and verbal and written examination reinforce the students need to articulate and communicate their thoughts clearly. Open ended briefs allow the development of the students creativity in defining problems and methods within the constraints of the subject matter.
The lecture series is informed directly from practice and performance demonstrated in International conference proceedings and Journal publications.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Purdam,. J (2012)
Beginning C for Arduino: Learn C Programming for the Arduino and Compatible Microcontrollers
, Apress
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Nicholas.Ward@ul.ie