2013 ATMI National Conference
Boston, MA

November 2, 2013

Max/MSP Software Design for Music, Math and
Computer Science Outreach

Reginald Bain, Professor
Composition and Theory
School of Music
University of South Carolina
813 Assembly St.
Columbia, SC 29208 USA
rbain@mozart.sc.edu

Abstract

Cycling 74’s Max/MSP, a powerful graphical programming environment for real-time interactive computer music composition/performance, may also be used by educators to design instructional applications for music. Inspired by some of the interdisciplinary approaches that have emerged from the Mathematics Across the Curriculum movement, a project launched at Dartmouth College in the late 1990’s that included an exploration of the interconnectedness of fields like art, computer science, mathematics, and music, among other disciplines, the author has created a number of software applications that allow students to interactively explore the intersection between music and mathematics using computers. This paper will demonstrate some of the applications, and then discuss design issues and implementation strategies associated with their use at a recent Duke Talent Identification (TIP) weekend outreach opportunity for middle and high school students.

Handout

Presentation Handout (pdf)

Selected Examples

  1. Rock Beat
  2. Cross Rhythm Explorer
  3. SLAPI – https://reginaldbain.com/software

Links

  1. Mathematics Across the Curriculum (MATC) at Dartmouth College {Website}
  2. The Center for Mathematics and Quantitative Education at Dartmouth {Website}
  3. Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) {Website}
  4. South Carolina Honors College (SCHC) {Website}
  5. Duke TIP Scholar Weekend at the University of South Carolina – No longer available
  6. Carolina Science Outreach – No longer available

References

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Cycling ‘74. 2013. Max 6 Help and Documentation. Palo Alto, CA: Cycling 74. Available online at: <https://docs.cycling74.com/max6/dynamic/c74_docs.html>.

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Mathieu, W. A. 1997. Harmonic Experience: Tonal Harmony from its Natural Origins to its Modern Expression. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions International.<https://books.google.com/books?id=PBN_QgAACAAJ>.

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Updated: October 9, 2022

Reginald Bain | University of South Carolina | School of Music
https://reginaldbain.com/atmi13/