Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 347 D100

Creative Electronics Lab II (3)

Class Number: 6489

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA 247 or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed study of historic and current systems and techniques of live electroacoustic performance, and their applications for creative use. Students will create personal electroacoustic performance systems/stations, working towards a focus upon gestural and expressive performance in both solo, duo, and ensemble situations. May be taken twice for credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

An investigation of the practice, techniques and concepts underlying contemporary live electronic music. The course will do so through the creative exploration of the field, focusing on individual creation and experimentation. However, rather than working toward a creative master-project, this course will employ process-focused exercises to develop creative fluency in live electronic composition working with various tools. Continued exposure to new work and artists working in live-electronic-related practices will serve intensive listening and discussion as context / backdrop. Rather than facilitating the technical mastery of tools towards mainstream purposes, this course will focus on the discovery and development of a personal toolkit for creating original live electronic work.

Grading

  • Attendance/participation 10%
  • Listening journal 20%
  • Studio diary 30%
  • Miniatures 30%
  • Final Project 10%

NOTES:

ATTENDANCE

Punctuality is a graded aspect of attendance.
3 late arrivals to class or tutorial of 5 minutes or more equal one absence.
Each unexcused absence lowers your grade by a full degree (A becomes A-).

PARTICIPATION:

Full engagement with material (assigned readings, works, etc.).
Offer thoughtful responses to in-class discussion.
Engage actively with others’ work and working process in discussions and presentations.
Prepare thoroughly for classes and tutorials, including reviewing missed material after an absence.

LISTENING JOURNAL/ANALYSES:

At-home responses to assigned works.

STUDIO DIARY:

Weekly submissions of recordings that document students' studio practice, and demonstrate the exploration of techniques and processes explored in class and tutorials.

FINAL COMPOSITION AND MINIATURES

Various miniatures will be assigned throughout the semester. Each miniature will focus on a particular technique or theme (e.g. live mixing, real-time synthesis, live processing etc.). One larger-scale performance will serve as a final project for the class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Basic resources:

(Please contact faculty if you have any questions or concerns regarding these. We will do everything possible to figure alternatives where necessary)

• A computer or tablet
• Headphones (preferably over-ear as long term exposure to in-ear is not advised and we’ll be doing a lot of listening)
• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. Whichever you prefer or have available ( Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reaper, etc.). Instruction will not be limited to any single software, rather you will learn generalized techniques and approaches that can be applied to any software environment.
• Max/MSP 8, Cecilia 5
• A way to record sound digitally (so that it can be transferred to your computer/tablet for editing). For example, a smartphone or a small portable recorder such as the Zoom H1N (~CA$160). An additional advantage of a portable recorder is that it can function as an audio interface for your computer; that is, you can record directly to your computer!

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.