programming with max/msp - Virtual Sound

Electronic Music and Sound Design - Introduction
INTRODUCTION
This is the first of a series of three volumes dedicated to digital synthesis and
sound design. The second volume will cover a range of additional topics in the
realm of sound synthesis and signal processing, including dynamics processing,
delay lines, reverberation and spatialization, digital audio and sampled sounds,
MIDI, OSC and realtime synthesis. The third volume will be concerned with nonlinear
techniques (such as AM and FM synthesis), granular synthesis, analysis
and resynthesis, convolution, physical modeling, micromontage, and computeraided
composition.
PREREQUISITES
This first volume will be useful to several levels of reader. Prerequisites for
its study are minimal, and include nothing more than rudimentary musical
knowledge such as an understanding of notes, scales, and chords, as well as
basic computer skills such as saving files, copying and pasting text.
The volume should be equally useful for self-learners and for those studying
under the guidance of a teacher. It is laid out as chapters of theoretical background
material that are interleaved with chapters that contain practical computer
techniques. Each pair of chapters stands together as a unit. We suggest
that curricula follow this structure, first touching on theory, then following up
with hands-on material, including computer activities. The theoretical chapters
are not intended to substitute for more expansive texts about synthesis; they
provide, instead, an organic framework for learning the theory that is needed to
invent sounds on the computer and to write signal processing programs.
TIME NEEDED FOR STUDY
The time needed for this material will, of course, vary from person to person.
Nonetheless, here are two estimates to help in planning, one for learning under
the guidance of an expert teacher, and the other for self-learners:
Self-learning
(300 total hours of individual study)
Chapters Topic Total hours
1T+1P+IA Sound synthesis 100
2T+2A Additive Synthesis 60
3T+3P+IB Subtractive Synthesis and Filtering 110
4T+4P Control Signals 30
Teacher-assisted learning
(60 hours of classroom-based learning + 120 hours of individual study)
Chapters Topic Lessons Feedback Studio time Total hours
1T+1P+IA Sound synthesis 16 4 40 60
2T+2P Additive Synthesis 10 2 24 36
3T+3P+IB Subtractive Synthesis 18 4 44 66
4T+4P Control Signals 5 1 12 18
from “Electronic Music and Sound Design” Vol. 1 by Alessandro Cipriani and Maurizio Giri
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