Students enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning about the history of computer music through software such as PureData, Audacity, and Soundhack. However, they felt that the second half of the course focused too much on the PureData program. The course would improve if it met more than just once a week in order to help students have more practice with the programs. It would also improve if there was less focus on the PureData program and more variety in the class assignments and projects. Prospective students should know that this course is more about composing music and there is no previous background needed to take this course. It involves a substantial amount of reading in the beginning, but is overall an enjoyable course.

Students thought that the best aspect of this course was the hands-on approach to learning the materials and getting a chance to create their own compositions. They liked the tutorials and the insight into the field of computer music. Students felt that the readings were disconnected from the content taught in the lectures and that some of the music theory aspects could be daunting for students without a musical background. Students suggested spending more time relating what was read to what was taught during the lecture and thought that more opportunities for compositions and additional music activities would be very helpful. Prospective students would benefit from a background in music or programming but neither is required to get the most out of this course.

Students praised this course for serving as a good introduction to how to make music using a computer and as a good overview of the history of computer-driven music. Perceived issues with the course varied greatly; however, multiple students found that the course’s work, which involved programming computer applications, was intimidating for those without a strong background in computers. Suggestions for improvement varied but largely centered on a desire by multiple students that the course provide more examples of past project both to inspire students and to give them an insight into how to complete projects. Prospective students should know that students found the course to be enjoyable and taught by a helpful instructor. Students also found that the course didn’t require students to have a musical background and that the course was not about how to create electronic dance music.