Bill Alves - Current Courses
- Humanities 1 - Introduction to the Humanities: Arts of Our Times
Humanities 1 is an introduction to college level studies in the humanities and social sciences focusing on the development of essential reading, critical thinking, research, and writing skills. The last fifty years have been a time of upheaval and explosive change,
and this excitement is reflected in contemporary literature, music, and
visual arts. In this course, we will explore the connections between these
dynamic arts, as well as between the works of art, our society, and ourselves.
Ours is an era when traditional boundaries have crumbled, boundaries between
past and present, East and West, and popular and fine arts (though this
course in general will not cover pop forms such as rock or techno). In
addition to reading of novels, poems, stories, and articles, we will also
view works of visual art and have regular listening assignments (though no
previous musical experience is expected).
- Integrative Experience 144 - Mathematics and Music: The Cosmic Harmony
A seminar exploring some of the many intersections between mathematics and music within our own and non-Western cultures, including proportion in art, tuning systems, algorithmic composition, artificial intelligence and creativity, and music synthesis. We will also examine the ethical, aesthetic, and cultural ramifications of compression technology, sampling, downloading, and the effects of technology on music and vice-versa.
- Media Studies 127s - The Harmony of Sound and Light.
A hands-on exploration of the use of technology to closely integrate sound and computer generated or manipulated images and the aesthetic background to such art forms. Prerequisites: CS 5 or equivalent knowledge of computer programming. Enrollment limited to 18.
- Music 48 - Electronic Music Ensemble.
Rehearsal and performance of new and recent compositions for synthesizers and other instruments. Instrumentation and musical styles may vary. Though in some cases synthesizers may be provided, in most cases students will be expected to own their own instruments. Prequisite: ability to play an instrument from notation. Admission by audition.
- Music 49 - American Gamelan Ensemble.
Rehearsal and performance of new compositions for instruments adapted from the gamelan, a Javanese orchestra of metallophones and gongs. No prior experience on these instruments is required, but some ability to read Western music notation is a prerequisite.
- Music 63 - Music of the Peoples of the World.
This course will cover the fundamentals of music and listening through a survey of traditional music around the world. Among those cultures covered will be those of sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Japan, China, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Neither an ability to read music nor any other background in music is required.
- Music 81 - Introduction to Music.
A direct experience of music based on extensive listening to music from diverse historical epochs and cultures. Primary goals of this course include the ability to recognize and appreciate major musical styles and their cultural context. An introduction to the fundamentals of music and musical terms is also included.
- Music 88 - Introduction to Computer Music.
This course will cover the basics of using a general purpose computer to generate and manipulate digital sounds. The primary software used will be csound on a Macintosh, though compilation on faster Unix machines will also be available. While this course will not concentrate on MIDI instruments, their integration with computer-generated sound files will be explored. A background in computers is helpful, but not required. The artistic applications of computer music technologies will also be discussed, and, while a background in music will be helpful for this, it is also not required. Most of the coursework will consist of short hands-on projects as well as a major final project. The final project is generally a computer music composition or realization, but other possibilities will be offered for those students who do not feel comfortable composing. Enrollment limited to 25.
- Music 104 - Music Since 1900.
The explosive changes of the last hundred years have created one of the most
tumultous but exciting periods of the arts in history. Art music has matched the last
century's diversity and change, mirrored its excitement and tragedies. As we move into
the twenty-first century art music has continued to challenge as it has begun to break
down barriers between high and low art, between East and West, old and new. This course
is a creative look at these multifaceted styles, techniques, and expressions that
have made art music so powerful. Prerequisite: Ability to read scores.
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Updated on January 16, 2007 by Bill Alves alves@ hmc.edu.