Computer Music: Musc 216
Alternative Independent Projects

In lieu of Project2, a student may present a proposal for an ALTERNATIVE PROJECT. Alternative Projects will not be considered in lieu of Project 1. This type of project will be mostly INDEPENDENT, in that there will be little or no help from the instructor. Independent projects of this nature may be well suited to students who are particularly interested in programming and/or electronic circuitry design.

Although any interesting/innovative project proposal will be considered, probably the most practical (do-able) projects will be concerned with managing MIDI input and output.

An Alternative Project proposal MUST be submitted by the same date as the due date for the Mid-Term Exam. Also, the idea for the Alternative Project MUST be discussed with the Professor before the Proposal is submitteed.

The written proposal must be a formal document and must be:

1. typed in a formal writing style
2. a printed hard-copy
3. be a MINIMUM of 2 pages, double spaced, 12 pt. type
4. 1st paragraph PLAINLY describes your proposal
5. the rest of the proposal specifies:

a. step-by-step methodology for how you will complete your proposal
b. describe in detail any technical aspects of your proposal, particularly programming procedures, circuitry design, etc.
c. give some bibliographical references for where you will find your resources

6. if the proposal is accepted, you must give WEEKLY written updates (reports) of your progress. If it is the Summer session, you must give written updates every TWO class sessions.
7. an IN-CLASS presentation/demonstration must be presented during the last class session
8.  Other demands/restrictions may apply, depending on the nature of your proposal .

Proposals for Alternative Projects will NOT be permitted 'at the last minute' in lieu of Project 2. Proposals MUST be discussed in advance with the Professor and formal Proposals must be submitted in writing.

PROGRAMMING PROJECTS

If a programming project is pursued, the student will be responsible for any hardware requirements such as a MIDI interface and/or synthesizer. Here are a few ideas:

1. Write an application in Objective-C or JAVA using Apple's Developer utilities XCODE and Interface Builder which plays a MIDI note when a button is clicked. Here "plays" implies that the application will send a NOTE ON/OFF COMMAND to either an internal synth such as SimpleSynth or an external synth via a MIDI interface. This is the EASY part because this is well documented and the programming issues are not that complex. Now, create a cross-platform version which runs on Windows.

2. Write an application in Python or Perl which is cross platform (Macintosh and Windows) and uses wxWindows or some other Widget set and which plays a MIDI note when a button is clicked. Here "plays" implies that the application will send a NOTE ON/OFF COMMAND to either an internal synth such as SimpleSynth or an external synth via a MIDI interface.

3. Write a MIDI PLUG-IN for RealBasic (see Real Software) in C++ which works on the Windows Platform.

4. Develop ANY method or strategy whereby a user can receive and process a MIDI NOTE via a web browser from a remote location.

5. Track body motion in real time and send MIDI events based on specific motions.

See MIDI Programming Resources

ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY PROJECTS

All the following project ideas will require the implementation and programming of a microprocessor.

1. Send a MIDI event when some controller is activated, for example:

- you press a button on your circuit board

- you apply pressure to some pressure sensitive material such as a PIEZO-ELECTRIC strip

2. Send MIDI events when the user interacts with either infrared or laser beams,

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