Do you want to create sound and music with your computer? Do you want to build new kinds of musical instruments? Do you want to be a part of a laptop band? This is the course for you! 

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of music computing, including digital synthesis, algorithmic composition, and musical interface design. Students will develop their knowledge by creating computer musical instruments in music programming languages and developing new computer music works to present in concert with an ensemble of other students. 

Modern music technology exists at the forefront of computing practice and involves new live programming paradigms, human interface design, digital signal processing, networking, and machine learning. Students will gain experience in these concepts and learn how to conceptualise and realise new computer music instruments, compositions, and performances.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe and apply the fundamental concepts of sound and music computing.
2. Apply collaboration skills with computer musicians through design feedback and critical self-reflection.
3. Critically examine computer music systems, interfaces and performances.
4. Create a computer musical instrument, composition or interactive media work.

Research-Led Teaching

This class applies research from the fields of music technology and new interfaces for musical expression to teach sound and music computing in a collaborative environment. Students will come into contact with cutting edge computer music research and have the chance to explore the new creative computing possibilities enabled by recent developments in these fields.

Examination Material or equipment

NA

Required Resources

students are expected to bring:

• their laptop (to all classes)
• headphones if available

Recommended Resources

Sound and Music Computing related resources are described here: https://comp.anu.edu.au/courses/laptop-ensemble/resources/

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

More details and instructions for the assessment tasks as well as learning materials can be found on the course website: https://comp.anu.edu.au/courses/laptop-ensemble/

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Computer music tools and resources, Digital audio
2	Digital Synthesis	Computer music diary 1
3	Sampling	Computer music diary 2
4	Algorithmic Composition	Computer music diary 3
5	Networks and Collaboration	Computer music diary 4
6	Interfaces	Computer music diary 5; Portfolio 1
7	Algorithmic Composition 2	Computer Music Solo Work
8	Synthesis and Sampling 2	Computer music diary 6
9	Live Coding	Computer music diary 7
10	Networks 2: Topologies	Computer music diary 8
11	Computer music artifact development	Portfolio 2
12	Computer music artifact development
13	(exam period)	Final performance and artifact submission

Tutorial Registration

You must register for a workshop group before the start of week 1. See ANU MyTimetable for workshop options.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Computer Music Diary	0 %	*	*	1,2,3
Portfolio 1	20 %	27/03/2023	13/04/2023	1,2,3
Solo Computer Music On-Screen Performance	20 %	17/04/2023	03/05/2023	1,4
Portfolio 2	20 %	15/05/2023	30/05/2023	1,2,3
LENS Performance	40 %	02/06/2023	*	2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

• Students are expected to attend all workshops and lectures in person for the course as these learning activities are collaborative.
• Students are expected to attend and participate in the final laptop ensemble performance to complete their final assessment for the course.

Examination(s)

Part of the final assessment will involve a live laptop ensemble performance in the exam period. Students must participate in the performance: https://comp.anu.edu.au/courses/laptop-ensemble/assessments/lens-performance/

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Computer Music Diary

In each of weeks 2-6 and 8-10 you will create a short computer music performance either by yourself (60s) or in a small group (180s) and a short written reflection (maximum 200 words). Each performance will cover one aspect of computer music that you will cover in the previous week. This assessment is not marked, but it will be played back each week to the class for peer and teacher feedback and it is required to complete the portfolio assessments.

See the course website for more details and instructions.

Assessment Task 2

Portfolio 1

Portfolio 1 includes your weekly reflections written as part of your first four computer music diary entries. This portfolio also includes your overall reflections on the diary submissions for the specified weeks. You will write a significant extra reflection covering four weeks of the semester where you will critically engage with your progress and the computer music concepts we have discussed.

The discussion must articulate your overall reflections on the diary submissions for the specified weeks. Specifically, you need to make connections between the creative criteria for each week, the computer music concepts explored, your response to that challenge, and how your response was used in the workshops. The discussion should use examples from your diary entries and also reference your colleague’s work or examples external to the class (references to work you didn’t create should be listed in the reference section).

You must include figures, screenshots and code excerpts of your SMC software in your documents to demonstrate your understanding of computer music concepts covered during the specified weeks. Portfolio 1 should be 1000-1500 words (including the four weekly reflections). This task should be completed in markdown format in the GitLab template repository and submitted as a PDF through Wattle.

See the course website for more details and instructions. Late submission is not permitted for this assessment.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	N
Sophistication of articulation and application of fundamental concepts in sound and music computing. (50%)	Excellent to outstanding SMC implementations going beyond learning materials.	Very good application of SMC concepts, but not beyond learning materials.	Application of SMC at level of learning materials. May have gaps in some areas.	Some effort to replicate SMC learning materials resulting in functional SMC software. May have only applied some SMC concepts covered.	Very little SMC software or software that is below the level of learning materials.
Sophistication of critical reflections obtained through collaboration. (20%)	Very detailed reflections on collaborations that distill outstanding insight into workshops and group diaries.	Detailed reflections on collaborations showing very good insights into workshops and group diaries.	Some reflection on collaborations showing good engagement, but not a high level of insight into the workshops and group diaries.	Minor reflections on collaboration. May not have completed all group diary entries or participated in all collaborative work.	No reflection on collaboration or reflections that do not show a sufficient engagement in workshops and group diaries.
Sophistication of critical examination of responses to computer music diary prompts. (20%)	Very detailed reflections on all diary prompts. Excellent critical reflection on process and independent research to address prompts and supplement learning materials.	Detailed reflections on responses to the diary prompts. Evidence of critical reflection on process and detailed engagement with all learning materials.	Some reflection on responses to the diary prompts. Evidence of good preparation and regular engagement with most learning materials.	Minor reflections on responses to the diary prompts. Evidence of preparation and engagement with most learning materials.	Very little reflection on responses to the diary prompts or reflections showing insufficient engagement with learning materials.
Clarity of communication including adherence to submission formats and specifications for the diary and portfolio. (10%)	Excellent adherence to submission format and clarity of communication.	Good submission format with very clear communication.	Acceptable submission format. Good communication.	Poor adherence to submission formats. Communication may not be clear.	Very poor adherence to submission format with incoherent communication.

Assessment Task 3

Solo Computer Music On-Screen Performance

You will create a piece of individual computer music using the SMC programming systems studied in the course so far. You can frame your work as an improvisation with a new computer music instrument, a computer music composition, or interaction with a computer-based sound artwork.

This assessment will take the form of a screencast recorded as a single-take. This means that you should not be mixing multiple recordings or creating layers in video editing software. Your performance must be between 180s and 210s in length (3-3.5 minutes). The video must be no larger than 1920x1080 (Full HD) and sound quality must be excellent.

Your work should demonstrate sophisticated application of fundamental concepts in sound and music computing. Your performance should demonstrate sophisticated interactions with the SMC software you have created with a well thought-out presentation.

See the course website for more details and instructions. Late submission is not permitted for this assessment.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	N
Sophistication of application of fundamental concepts in sound and music computing. (50%)	Excellent to outstanding SMC implementations going beyond learning materials.	Very good application of SMC concepts, but not beyond learning materials.	Application of SMC at level of learning materials. May have gaps in some areas.	Some effort to replicate SMC learning materials resulting in functional SMC software. May have only applied some SMC concepts covered.	Very little SMC software or software that is below the level of learning materials.
Sophistication as a solo performance with a computer music instrument, of a computer music composition or as an interactive media work. (50%)	Excellent to outstanding performance. Sophisticated interaction and presentation demonstrating in-depth exploration of SMC software. Excellent adherence to the submission format.	Very good as a computer music performance with detailed interaction and presentation that demonstrates the SMC software. Excellent adherence to the submission format.	A good computer music performance that may not show sophisticated interaction and presentation of the SMC software. Good adherence to the submission format.	A satisfactory performance that may have limited interaction and weak presentation of the SMC software. The adherence to the submission format may be poor.	Below acceptable standards as a performance. May have very poor adherence to submission format.

Assessment Task 4

Portfolio 2

Portfolio 2 includes your weekly reflections written as part of your final four computer music diary entries. This portfolio also includes your overall reflections on the diary submissions for the specified weeks. You will write a significant extra reflection covering four weeks of the semester where you will critically engage with your progress and the computer music concepts we have discussed.

The discussion must articulate your overall reflections on the diary submissions for the specified weeks. Specifically, you need to make connections between the creative criteria for each week, the computer music concepts explored, your response to that challenge, and how your response was used in the workshops. The discussion should use examples from your diary entries and also reference your colleague’s work or examples external to the class (references to work you didn’t create should be listed in the reference section).

You must include figures, screenshots and code excerpts of your SMC software in your documents to demonstrate your understanding of computer music concepts covered during the specified weeks. Portfolio 2 should be 1000-1500 words (including the four weekly reflections). This task should be completed in markdown format in the GitLab template repository and submitted as a PDF through Wattle.

See the course website for more details and instructions. Late submission is not permitted for this assessment.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	N
Sophistication of articulation and application of fundamental concepts in sound and music computing. (50%)	Excellent to outstanding SMC implementations going beyond learning materials.	Very good application of SMC concepts, but not beyond learning materials.	Application of SMC at level of learning materials. May have gaps in some areas.	Some effort to replicate SMC learning materials resulting in functional SMC software. May have only applied some SMC concepts covered.	Very little SMC software or software that is below the level of learning materials.
Sophistication of critical reflections obtained through collaboration. (20%)	Very detailed reflections on collaborations that distill outstanding insight into workshops and group diaries.	Detailed reflections on collaborations showing very good insights into workshops and group diaries.	Some reflection on collaborations showing good engagement, but not a high level of insight into the workshops and group diaries.	Minor reflections on collaboration. May not have completed all group diary entries or participated in all collaborative work.	No reflection on collaboration or reflections that do not show a sufficient engagement in workshops and group diaries.
Sophistication of critical examination of responses to computer music diary prompts. (20%)	Excellent adherence to submission format and clarity of communication.	Detailed reflections on responses to the diary prompts. Evidence of critical reflection on process and detailed engagement with all learning materials.	Some reflection on responses to the diary prompts. Evidence of good preparation and regular engagement with most learning materials.	Minor reflections on responses to the diary prompts. Evidence of preparation and engagement with most learning materials.	Very little reflection on responses to the diary prompts or reflections showing insufficient engagement with learning materials.
Clarity of communication including adherence to submission formats and specifications for the diary and portfolio. (10%)	Excellent adherence to submission format and clarity of communication.	Good submission format with very clear communication.	Acceptable submission format. Good communication.	Poor adherence to submission formats, but communication may not be clear.	Very poor adherence to submission format with incoherent communication.

Assessment Task 5

LENS Performance

The LENS (Laptop Ensemble) performance is the major project for this course. You will create a computer music system that can be performed live by a group of students at a live concert. This could take the form of a new computer music instrument or composition that a group of performers can control.

Your performance must be sophisticated in terms of fundamental concepts in music computing, have high technical quality as a coherent performance, and demonstrate a high level of expression and collaboration by the performers. 

In order to create your LENS Performance, you will be assigned to a laptop ensemble during the semester  and you must involve all members of the ensemble in your performance.

You will also submit all of your performance materials (code) and a readme PDF explaining how your performance works after your concert.

In summary, your LENS performance consists of:

• an in-person ensemble performance that you will participate in with your group
• performance materials PDF submitted through GitLab and Wattle

See the course website for more details and instructions.

Late submission is not permitted for this assessment.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	N
Sophistication of application of fundamental concepts in sound and music computing. (50%)	Excellent to outstanding SMC implementations going beyond learning materials.	Very good application of SMC concepts, but not beyond learning materials.	Application of SMC at level of learning materials. May have gaps in some areas.	Some effort to replicate SMC learning materials resulting in functional SMC software. May have only applied some SMC concepts covered.	Very little SMC software or software that is below the level of learning materials.
Technical Quality (20%)	A performance showing an outstanding level of stability, technical polish, and consideration of staging.	A performance showing an very good level of stability and technical polish with good consideration of staging.	A performance showing a good level of stability but some lack of technical polish. Staging has been considered.	A performance that may have some issues with stability but lacks technical polish. Staging considerations may be lacking.	A performance with serious stability issues and a lack of technical polish. Staging considerations may be lacking.
Demonstrated capacity for expression and collaboration (20%)	Performance demonstrates an excellent to outstanding capacity for expression (creative control) by all performers and collaboration that goes beyond learning materials.	A performance that shows very good capacity for expression and creative control by the performers. Collaboration is demonstrated and necessary for the performance.	A performance that shows some capacity for expression and creative control by the performers. A good capacity for collaboration is demonstrated but it may not be completely necessary.	A performance with some capacity for expression by the performers, but it may not lead to fully collaborative creative control.	Performance does not demonstrate a capacity for expression (creative control) by the performers and the level of collaboration is below acceptable standards.
Presentation and communication through performance materials (10%)	An outstanding presentation of performance materials clearly communicating the submissions and performance procedure.	A very good presentation of performance materials clearly communicating the submissions and performance procedure.	A good presentation of performance materials. The submission and performance procedure may not be fully communicated.	A satisfactory presentation of the performance materials. The submission and performance procedure may be only weakly communicated.	Unsatisfactory performance materials that may have minimal or no communication of the performance and submission.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

The written assessments are submitted through Wattle, video assessments are submitted through Microsoft Teams and your performance materials should be submitted through GitLab. See the course website for details: https://comp.anu.edu.au/courses/laptop-ensemble/

Hardcopy Submission

NA

Late Submission

Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Marks and feedback on assessment items will appear on Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assessments is not available.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students