Fostering Computational Thinking in Undergraduated Music Conservatory Students

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the syllabus of a music technology course at undergraduate level in a Music Conservatory. The aim of the course is to introduce the students to computational thinking through the use of Pure Data, a free visual programming environment for music production. Starting from very basic notions in music technology and in the use of the program, the students are guided towards the knowledge of the fundamental steps of computational thinking in music production. Simple musical structures such as pattern repetition, transposition, polyphony and chords are implemented with the use of loops, abstractions, cycles, pattern storage systems and timing controls. While students become acquainted with these processes, also creative group activities are proposed with the aim of exploring the potentialities of the numeric control of sound events and musical form.