Computer Music

Introduction

To define exactly the term Computer Music (CM) is a difficult task. We may say that CM is the science and/or technology on how computers can assist us in the process of analyze, play, create or modify musical sounds and structures.

Computer technology may be used during the composition process, as a way of music representation, in the creation or simulation of instruments, or to modify the context or the psicoacoustical conditions of the listener. These are only some of the possibilities of CM; in fact the most common use of it is simply playing music in our computer (e.g. when we listen to CD in our CD Player).

As you may have guessed CM is an interdisciplinary science: to a minimum understanding you will need at least a little knowledge of Music, Acoustics, Digital Signal Processing, Computer Programming and possibly Psychology of Perception.

OK ! That sounds too academic, but don't give up yet. Although most of the research in this field comes from the university world, you do not need to be an expert to enjoy many of the possibilities of CM. If you follow this little introduction to CM you may find some useful applications of computers and related hardware to music.

If you want to learn more I recommend you the reading of 'ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER MUSIC' by F.Richard Moore published by Prentice-Hall Inc.

Computer Music

Contents

Introduction