course-details-portlet

MUST1055

Composing Noise

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

This course focuses on the basics of noise composition, including how to sculpt, organize and incorporate timbral sounds into a composition. In this course students will explore technological tools for creating noise as well as controlling sonic parameters inside the noise (pitch, rhythm, timbre). This course combines basic DIY hacking, with Digital Audio Workstations, and some real-time control using Max/msp.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the candidate must

  • Have knowledge of non traditional notational practices using text, graphic and spatial scores, along with some basic knowledge of traditional notation and be able to implement in a short composition
  • Have basic knowledge of technological tools to control harmonic and rhythmical parameters of sound
  • Have basic knowledge of textural possibilities in a composition
  • Have basic knowledge of how to incorporate acoustic instruments into a noise composition
  • Have basic knowledge of arranging for various instruments and combining them with live and electronic sounds in a musical composition
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of hacking handmade electronics

Skills:

After completing the course, the candidate must

  • Be able to use non tradition notational practices in combination with traditional notation as appropriate in a composition of various styles.
  • Be able to use basic hacking elements of DIY handmade electronics and implement it in a short composition
  • Be able to create & develop textural musical materials within a composition thinking in various styles
  • Be able to explain aesthetic and craftsmanship choices in own composition

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises.

There will be up to 10 compulsory exercises during the course that need to be handed in. Participation in group work activities is mandatory.

Instruction is mandatory and demands minimum 80% attendance.

Compulsory assignments

  • Assignments
  • Satisfactory participation in compulsory classes

Further on evaluation

All compulsory assignments must be passed before the student is allowed to take the final examination. The final examination is evaluated with a letter grade.

The home exam is an assignment in composition which demonstrates that the students are able to both create a new idea in a personalized style and to develop that idea drawing on techniques learned during the course. Students must be able to implement several techniques in development of musical materials, resulting in a short composition with a clear form.

Required previous knowledge

The course requires admission to the Bachelor's Programme in Music Technology. 1-2 places are reserved for students at the Bachelor's programmes in Film and Video Production or Music Perfomance Studies, or at the Master's programme in Electronic Systems Design and Innovation - Acoustics.

Subject areas

  • Music Technology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Music

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Duration 1 weeks Exam system Inspera Assessment