Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title From Hardware-hacking to Hyper-instruments
Code MUSI318
Coordinator Dr JM Crossley
Music
Jonathan.Crossley@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students from classical, popular and technology backgrounds to the fields of hardware hacking and hyper-instruments

To foster ideas of organology, luthiery, instrumental augmentation and extension through technologies including (but not exclusively) hardware hacking, bespoke electronics and instrumental extension and modification.
To develop unique compositions and/or electronic responsive environments that emerge out of, and are responsive to the bespoke hardware, software and instrumental systems developed.
To use Ableton to support the compositions, bespoke hardware, and instruments in realisations of live performances, solo or in groups.
To be able to write about the design, composition, and performance of the work from technical, historical, and reflexive standpoints.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Conceive of an instrument or system extending or outside conventional practice

(LO2) Integrate technologies in an immersive way into a performance and system conception

(LO3) Create a composition or improvisation, presented live, that is intrinsically linked to these innovations

(LO4) Conceive of ways to extend and build on existing skills through technological expansion

(S1) Critical thinking and self-reflection

(S2) Working in groups

(S3) Time management

(S4) Performance improvement through feedback


Syllabus

 

- Exploring the field of hardware hacking to discover and develop bespoke sonic tools
- To explore these, and other technological innovations towards the extension of existing instrumental or vocal practice
- To develop compositions that use, and emerge from these designs and developments
- To present compositions, instruments, and systems either solo, or in groups at a live performance
- To prepare a 2500-word essay covering the elements of the course


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Students will receive a 60-minute lecture per week and a 2-hour practical session in either a laboratory (circuit bending) or in an open performance space.
The lecture is designed to deliver theory, historical context and to introduce students to innovators and practitioners in the field for stimulus.
The workshop sessions at the start of the course will be focussed on hardware hacking, tacking assortments of DC level circuits and teaching students how to re-purpose these, through exploration, into their own unique sound generation systems. Later sessions will begin to integrate innovations in their hyper-instruments / hardware-hacked instruments / software designs and explore group work and practice through live workshops.
Through the workshops students will gradually aim towards creating solo live circumstances towards assessment. These can be either notated, improvised, or any combination of this but must be performed live, either solo or in groups.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

        24

36
Timetable (if known) 60 mins X 1 totaling 12
 
        120 mins X 1 totaling 24
 
 
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Presentation in class of system, instrument, and compositional work in progress Length: Minimum 5, maximum 6 minutes.         
Essay    40       
Live performance and final composition (notation / system / technology / instrument) Length: Minimum 4 minutes, maximum 7 minutes. This is not an anonymous assessment.    60       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.