A must-have introduction that bridges the gap between music and computing The rise in number of composer-programmers has given cause for an essential resource that addresses the gap between music and computing and looks at the many different software packages that deal with music technology. This up-to-date book fulfills that demand and deals with both the practical use of technology in music as well as the principles behind the discipline. Aimed at musicians exploring computers and technologists engaged with music, this unique guide merges the two worlds so that both musicians and computer scientists can benefit. Defines computer music and offers a solid introduction to representing music on a computer Examines computer music software, the musical instrument digital interface, virtual studios, file formats, and more Shares recording tips and tricks as well as exercises at the end of each section to enhance your learning experience Reviews sound analysis, processing, synthesis, networks, composition, and modeling Assuming little to no prior experience in computer programming, this engaging book is an ideal starting point for discovering the beauty that can be created when technology and music unite.

Inside Computer Music is an investigation of how new technological developments have influenced the creative possibilities of composers of computer music in the last 50 years. This book combines detailed research into the development of computer music techniques with thorough studies of ninecase studies analysing key works in the musical and technical development of computer music. The text is linked to demonstration videos of the techniques used and software which offers readers the opportunity to try out emulations of the software used by the composers for themselves and view videointerviews with the composers and others involved in the production of the musical works. The software also presents musical analyses of each of the nine case studies using software and video alongside text to enable readers to engage with the musical structure aurally and interactively.

Over the past six years personal computers have carved a deep niche in the music world. This widespread popularity is largely due to the establishment of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard in 1983. This communications protocol allows computers to send, receive, and store digital information generated by various electronic musical instruments. In addition to numerous writings exploring the possibilities of present and future technology, this annotated bibliography offers educators many introductory sources, articles on how to evaluate and purchase equipment, and directories of available software. Specifically, it provides a collection of source material, an overview of significant publications in the field, and serves as a point of departure for further inquiry. Part I of the bibliography is divided into seven sections, each devoted to information regarding a specific computer. Articles written about two or more popular computers or models not covered elsewhere are detailed in part II. Music education is the subject of Part III and Part IV lists and annotates significant books. The appendix contains information on associations involved with the musical applications of personal computers and brief descriptions of several popular online services. Author and subject indexes are also included. Music and the Personal Computer covers a variety of topics that will be of interest to practicing musicians, music educators, and computer enthusiasts with interests in music.

This agenda-setting book presents state of the art research in Music and Human-Computer Interaction (also known as ‘Music Interaction’). Music Interaction research is at an exciting and formative stage. Topics discussed include interactive music systems, digital and virtual musical instruments, theories, methodologies and technologies for Music Interaction. Musical activities covered include composition, performance, improvisation, analysis, live coding, and collaborative music making. Innovative approaches to existing musical activities are explored, as well as tools that make new kinds of musical activity possible. Music and Human-Computer Interaction is stimulating reading for professionals and enthusiasts alike: researchers, musicians, interactive music system designers, music software developers, educators, and those seeking deeper involvement in music interaction. It presents the very latest research, discusses fundamental ideas, and identifies key issues and directions for future work.

A comprehensive text and reference that covers all aspects of computer music, including digital audio, synthesis techniques, signal processing, musical input devices, performance software, editing systems, algorithmic composition, MIDI, synthesizer architecture, system interconnection, and psychoacoustics. The Computer Music Tutorial is a comprehensive text and reference that covers all aspects of computer music, including digital audio, synthesis techniques, signal processing, musical input devices, performance software, editing systems, algorithmic composition, MIDI, synthesizer architecture, system interconnection, and psychoacoustics. A special effort has been made to impart an appreciation for the rich history behind current activities in the field. Profusely illustrated and exhaustively referenced and cross-referenced, The Computer Music Tutorial provides a step-by-step introduction to the entire field of computer music techniques. Written for nontechnical as well as technical readers, it uses hundreds of charts, diagrams, screen images, and photographs as well as clear explanations to present basic concepts and terms. Mathematical notation and program code examples are used only when absolutely necessary. Explanations are not tied to any specific software or hardware. The material in this book was compiled and refined over a period of several years of teaching in classes at Harvard University, Oberlin Conservatory, the University of Naples, IRCAM, Les Ateliers UPIC, and in seminars and workshops in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Virtual Music is about artificial creativity. Focusing on the author's Experiments in Musical Intelligence computer music composing program, the author and a distinguished group of experts discuss many of the issues surrounding the program, including artificial intelligence, music cognition, and aesthetics. The book is divided into four parts. The first part provides a historical background to Experiments in Musical Intelligence, including examples of historical antecedents, followed by an overview of the program by Douglas Hofstadter. The second part follows the composition of an Experiments in Musical Intelligence work, from the creation of a database to the completion of a new work in the style of Mozart. It includes, in sophisticated lay terms, relatively detailed explanations of how each step in the process contributes to the final composition. The third part consists of perspectives and analyses by Jonathan Berger, Daniel Dennett, Bernard Greenberg, Douglas R. Hofstadter, Steve Larson, and Eleanor Selfridge-Field. The fourth part presents the author's responses to these commentaries, as well as his thoughts on the implications of artificial creativity. The book (and corresponding Web site) includes an appendix providing extended musical examples referred to and discussed in the book, including composers such as Scarlatti, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Debussy, Bartok, and others. It is also accompanied by a CD containing performances of the music in the text.

This innovative volume brings together under one cover a comprehensive, easily understandable overview of the computer music field, including composing, teaching, recording, arranging, and printing of music. The focus of this book is on what computer music systems are and the principles upon which they are based. Section I describes and compares the musical capabilities of dozens of computer systems, providing a general introduction to the field. Presents discussion of terminology and buzzwords, offers a tutorial on digital music techniques, and describes how the MIDI standard lets music keyboards communicate with each other and with personal computers. Section II discusses and analyzes 196 computer music programs in the areas of early childhood, music composition, ear-training, music theory, instrumental methods, music appreciation, history, terminology, sequencing, editing, printing, transcription, and music analysis.

Many DJs, gigging musicians, and electronic music producers understand how to play their instruments or make music on the computer, but they lack the basic knowledge of music theory needed to take their music-making to the next level and compose truly professional tracks. Beneath all the enormously different styles of modern electronic music lie certain fundamentals of the musical language that are exactly the same no matter what kind of music you write. It is very important to acquire an understanding of these fundamentals if you are to develop as a musician and music producer. Put simply, you need to know what you are doing with regard to the music that you are writing. Music Theory for Computer Musicians explains these music theory fundamentals in the most simple and accessible way possible. Concepts are taught using the MIDI keyboard environment and today's computer composing and recording software. By reading this book and following the exercises contained within it, you, the aspiring music producer/computer musician, will find yourself making great progress toward understanding and using these fundamentals of the music language. The result will be a great improvement in your ability to write and produce your own original music!