course-details-portlet

MUST1060

Introduction to audio programming

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 Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

The course gives an introduction to text based audio programming in Csound, and how one can use this to make digital audio effects, as well as implementing techniques for sampling, sound synthesis and analysis. Furthermore, an introduction to making plug-ins with those techniques as a starting point that can run in standard recording software (DAW) is given.

Learning outcome

The candidate should after a completed course:

  • have basic knowledge of the structure and functionality of simple digital audio effects, synthesis methods and techniques for sound analysis.
  • have knowledge of basic functionality in text based programming languages such as Csound
  • know how various sound software and controllers can communicate with each other
  • know how to structure functionality and methods in audio programming tools so that they easily can be re-used and modified

Skills:

The candidate should after a completed course

  • be able to apply basic techniques in text based audio programming
  • be able to make her/his own plug-ins with sound effects, sound analysis and synthesis using Cabbage
  • be able to compose music using her/his own digital instruments and sound effects
  • be able to reflect in writing on aesthetical and technical choices related to music productions created with the tools presented in the course

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, group instruction and exercises. Teaching is usually conducted in Norwegian, but may take place in English. Instruction is obligatory and demands minimum 80% attendance.

Students will submit 6-7 weekly assignments in audio programming. Additionally, a larger individual project assignment in practical audio programming running over several weeks will be given. Students will present this assignment in a plenary session.

Compulsory assignments

  • Satisfactory participation in compulsory classes
  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

The home examination consists of the candidate creating an audio composition with a duration of 3-7 minutes, mainly using the tools reviewed in the course. In addition, the candidate must write a report of 4-6 pages which accounts for and reflects on various aspects of the compositional process.

Required previous knowledge

The student must have passed the exam in MUST1050 Basic Music Technology. The course also 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.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MUST1052 7.5 sp Autumn 2015
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Music Technology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Music

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

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