Class Info

MUS 344-001: Sonic Arts and Music Production Laptop Ensemble (Mondays, 4-6pm)

An ensemble of humans, laptops, controllers, and speakers. Ensemble members both compose and perform in the ensemble, exploring computer-mediated instrument design, sound synthesis, programming, and live interactive performance.


MUS 344-002: Sonic Arts and Music Production Advanced Laptop Ensemble (Wednesdays, 4-6pm)

The Advanced Laptop Ensemble is a unique ensemble experience, one that encourages each student to explore intricate production and collaborative techniques with other dedicated artists. The curriculum is centered around artistic collaboration and creative leadership. Rather than specific rubrics and strict guidelines, Advanced Laptop Ensemble pushes students not only to develop their own ideas and concepts—but to deliver upon those concepts in creative and experimental means. The class culminates with a multimedia showcase of student pieces, allowing each student/collaborative group an opportunity for formal performance experience.

The laptop ensembles are part of Portland State University's Sonic Arts and Music Production (SAMP) degree.

Laptop Ensemble (MUS 344) is a one credit class. Students must take it three times to graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in SAMP. Students must complete MUS 247 (Studio Production) or have permission from the instructor in order to enroll in MUS 344-001 (Laptop Ensemble) and an audition/interview is required to enroll in MUS 344-002 (Advanced Laptop Ensemble).

MUS 344-001 (Laptop Ensemble) is capped at 20 students. MUS 344-002 (Advanced Laptop Ensemble) generally has 8-12 students. MUS 344-002 is more self directed and students will work together to create the rubrics and curriculum for the class.

The audition/interview process for MUS 334-002 consists of the following:

  • The audition can be live (and part of the interview) or pre-recorded (and submitted in advance of the interview). Students should submit at least 5 minutes of work where they are the primary composer and performer.

  • The interview will discuss the following:

    • The student's existing work/audition material

    • Projects that the student would like to work on, either as part of the advanced ensemble or at some point in the future.

    • What the student's knowledge and experience is with the following: Max/MSP/Jitter, Max for Live, programming for arduinos, TouchDesigner, monome grids, granular synthesis, field recordings, other laptop ensembles, and experimental and electronic music history. (Knowledge of all of these topics is not required, but help to inform topics that the advanced laptop ensemble may address during the term.)

MUS 344-001 (Laptop Ensemble) can be taken up to three times for credit and MUS 344-002 (Advanced Laptop Ensemble) can be taken up to six times.