Computer Music: Final Exam Part Two

Computer Music (MUSC 216)
Final Exam Part TWO
Isadora Programming

This is an OPEN BOOK exam. You may consult any online or written sources which we used in class. However, you may not consult with other students or anyone else. All work must be your own.

This PORTION of the EXAM will count for 50% of your overall Final Exam grade. The entire Exam must be completed and submitted by the deadline described in the Class Schedule.

Before you begin programming this example, create a NEW FOLDER in the SHARED folder of your computer hard drive called: FinalExam

Save this programming example in that folder and then plan to include it on your Project2 CD.

The programming problem is to create an Isadora file which will play random notes while you press a specific key on the computer keyboard and then stop playing the random notes when you release the key.

Programming Example: Create a new Isadora file from scratch. It will only have ONE scene.

Scene: Play random notes. Title this Scene, 'RandomNotes'

All the RandomNotes should play on MidiChannel 1.

Program your this Scene to play RANDOM NOTES when you hold down the 'x' key and to stop playing RANDOM NOTES when you release the 'x' key. You can consult your finished Project 2 Controller file for ideas. However, in your Project 2 file, you played RANDOM NOTES by clicking a button on the Control Panel (for example, in your AutoProcess). In this example, you will have to initiate the RANDOM NOTES process by pressing the 'x' key and stop the process by releasing the 'x' key. RANDOM NOTES should continue playing as long as you hold down the 'x' key.

The RANGE of the RANDOM NOTES should be exactly from C4 through C7 (no lower, no higher).

Make the time interval between the notes: 3/4 second.

Include a PROGRAM CHANGE COMMAND for MidiChannel 1 such that the RandomNotes always play the General Midi sound (program): Violin -- Hint: you only have to send out the program change ONCE, not every time a note is played.

Create a slider on the CONTROL PANEL which controls the volume for the Violin sound on MidiChannel 1. Add a simple comment to the control panel which gives directions on what to do.

Please start with a NEW file. Don't try to modify a version of your Project2 Controller. Only the processes described above should be included in this Scene of your Isadora file. IF OTHER PROCESSES ARE INCLUDED, YOU WILL HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED FROM THE GRADE. There are many ways to get this process to work, so there is NOT just one way. Be creative.

The notes should turn ON when you press the appropriate key, and turn OFF when you release that key.

Add a comment to the Control Panel which gives directions on what keys to press, etc.

How the Scene, RandomNotes will be graded (100 pts):

1. You created a well organized Control Panel which includes all the required features -- 20 points
2. Do random notes play when you hold down the 'x' key and continue to play as long as you keep the 'x' key held down -- 20 points
3. Do random notes stop playing when you release the 'x' key -- 10 points
4. Is the range of the random notes correct -- 10 points
5. Is the time interval (3/4 second) between notes correct -- 10 points
6. Does the correct sound (Violin) play when you initiate the file and begin playing -- 10 points
7. Does the volume slider work correctly -- 10 points
8. Does the Program Change work correctly so that you always hear the Violin sound: 10 points.

Things that will subtract from your grade:

1. There is no Control Panel -- deduct 50 pts.
2. There is a Control Panel but there is no volume slider -- deduct 25 pts.
3. There is a Volume Slider on the Control Panel but it doesn't do anything or is programmed incorrectly -- deduct 25 points
4. There are no comments on the Control Panel with directions for what to do -- deduct 20 pts.
5. Notes turn on but don't turn off in the RandomNotes Scene -- deduct 20 pts.
6. You did not start with a new file but obviously modified an existing file such as an assignment or your Project. -- deduct 50 pts.
7. The program locks up or crashes -- deduct 50 pts.
8. Notes do not play CONTINUOUSLY while the the appropriate key is held down -- deduct 20 pts.
9. The Violin sound does not play all the time in the RandomNotes Scene, but changes to another sound -- deduct 20 pts.
10. Notes start playing spontaneously with out pressing any keys -- deduct 20 pts.

When you finish programming this example, create a folder entitled: FinalExam. Save (or copy) this programming example into that folder. Copy your FinalExam folder onto your Project2 CD and submit them together on ONE CD. DO NOT use a CD-RW - or re-write able CD. Only use a CD-R. If your CD does not mount or if all your files are not submitted together, you will not get full credit.

If your exam files do not get copied properly onto the CD, you will not get any credit for them. So please DOUBLE CHECK your disk carefully. If you are burning your CD from a Windows machine, MAKE SURE you check it on a Macintosh computer before you submit it. If the CD does not mount, or if folder/files do not get copied on to the CD that you submit, then you will not get any credit for them.

Make sure the following information is printed CLEARLY on your CD with a permanent marker:

1. Your name
2. Your complete telephone number
3. Your e-mail address

Make sure you submit your CD in a CD case or sleeve. Don't just drop it in the envelope in which you submit your project. CDs submitted with out cases or sleeves will have 10 points deducted from the total project.

Main Page