Composing with Computers I (Electronic Music Composition)
MIT OpenCourseWare's introduction to electronic composition, treating sound itself as raw material. Students record sources from their own surroundings, then sample and manipulate them alongside analog and digital synthesis, using digital signal processing, convolution, feedback, noise, and algorithmic techniques for basic mixing. Weekly composition assignments are paired with weekly listening assignments drawn from sound art, experimental electronica, classical electronic music, popular music, and pieces made by earlier students in the course. The emphasis stays on musical and sonic decisions rather than the underlying technology, math, or acoustics, though those get touched on as needed. Materials are the actual MIT OCW course site content, free to access under a Creative Commons license, with no certificate offered. Good fit for anyone wanting a hands-on, project-based entry into electronic composition without prior technical background.