Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MAX AND ABLETON LIVE
Code MUSI209
Coordinator Prof M Fairclough
Music
Mattf@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to the MAX programming environment
• To enable students to effectively build DSP patches for making electronic music
• To enable students to effectively build patches for Ableton Live and non-linear making music applications


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will develop further their knowledge of computing and music

(LO2) Students will be able to make a DSP patch that processes sound in a variety of ways

(LO3) Students will be able to build patches and use them within a live performance or non-linear compositions

(LO4) Students will understand the concept of non-linear electronic music

(LO5) Students will develop their music composition techniques

(S1) General computer and IT literacy

(S2) Music specific computer and IT literacy

(S3) Independent study and research skills

(S4) Problem solving and creative and lateral thinking


Syllabus

 

• Introduction to Max and Object Oriented Programming
• The implementation of MIDI within Max
• Building digital signal processing (DSP) patches
• The application of MIDI in Max and interacting with other software
• Integrating Max within Ableton Live
• Composing non-linear music in Live with Max
• Controlling a patch using MIDI devices or wifi devices such as the iPAD


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method: Lectures
Description: Through a series of lectures and seminars, which include a substantial amount of hands-on practice, students will learn the fundamentals of Max and object-oriented software programming. They will be introduced to the key concepts, tools and options available in Max, enabling them to build their own custom DSP music patches and apply them in Ableton Live.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The lectures focus on practical techniques needed for creating DSP patches. There will be hands-on practice as well as discussion of applications and related aesthetic idea.

Teaching Method 2: Seminars
Description: Seminars allow more practical application of the ideas from the Lecturer. Students will spend time completing patches and applying them to musical ideas.
Attendance Recorded: No

Self-directed Learning: Students are expected to use the Music Mac suites out of class times to practise developing their own patches to be u sed in the assignments. Additionally, they will need to compose pieces in Max and Ableton Live to demonstrate their working practices.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

12

      48

24

108
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 42
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment ID: Coursework 1 - Composition Project 1 Assessment Description: Short composition using only Max for Live effects. Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard Uo  A composition of bet    40       
Assessment ID: Coursework 2 - Composition Project 2 Assessment Description: Composition using Max and Ableton Live Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty ap  3-4 minute compositi    60       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.