Teaching Computer Science to Digital Artists through Music and Sound

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an introductory curriculum in computer science modeled on a traditional Applied Introduction to Programming and Algorithms course sequence, but designed specifically for artists as a means of furthering their creative work. Computer science theory is presented in lecture/demos, with weekly assignments that consist of making 30-second compositions incorporating the skills gathered from class. With this project, our goal is to improve the quality, breadth, and effectiveness of technology and computer learning for an entire undergraduate and graduate art school student body. A broader objective of the project is to develop an experimental, trans- disciplinary model for teaching computer science curriculum that can be replicated at other arts institutes, and extended to students in similar non-traditional computer science contexts.