Music, mathematics and computation have been intertwined already since the origins of ancient Greek music theory. This class explores various aspects of this continuously fascinating relationship. It also aligns with current day empirical research aiming at understanding the human musical mind by bringing together approaches from musicology, mathematical music theory, psychology and computational modeling.
In particular, the class will offer a deeper look into three main, interrelated questions: firstly, how does music work? Through symbolic representations we will identify and develop its underlying structural principles, not only explaining but also motivating various theories of harmony, voice-leading and rhythm across different genres and styles of Western music.
Secondly, where does the understanding of music enter into its performance? How are the abstract objects of theory musically realized? We will explore the challenges that arise when improvising and bringing pieces to performance on stage. Finally, what is it about music that humans find so naturally attractive? We will launch a discussion on the origins and cognitive foundations of human music making. The class will be complemented by interactive sessions in which the students can apply their understanding in analysis or computation as well as in composition, improvisation and playing at their instruments.
Focal elements:
- Introduction to central concepts of music theory, including harmony, voice-leading and rhythm, both in mathematical formality and in practice-oriented presentation.
- Notation systems and higher-level symbolic representations of music
- Connections between features of musical structure and human cognition
- Music as data, computational modeling of music
- Practical exercises in music analysis (by hand or computer)
- Practical music making including experiments with different compositional and improvisatory approaches
- Discussion of the principles of music performance
- Colloquium on the human capacity of music
Leitung:
Prof. Dr. Martin Rohrmeier, EPFL
Kit Armstrong, Pianist
Eingeladene Gastreferierende
tbd
Koordination
Dr. Meret Tuor, Schweizerische Studienstiftung
Administration
Michelle Hug, Schweizerische Studienstiftung
Arbeitssprachen
Englisch (Deutsch)
Orte
Magliaso
Zielgruppe
Open to students of all subject areas, however, a musical background (score reading and playing an instrument/singing) is required. Students are asked to bring their instruments if portable and possible. (max. 20 Teilnehmende)
Literatur
Aldwell, E., Schachter, C. and Cadwallader, A. (2011). Harmony and Voice Leading. 4th ed. Schirmer.
Huron, D. B. (2006). Sweet Anticipation: Music and the Psychology of Expectation. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Jackendoff, R., & Lerdahl, F. (2006). The capacity for music: What is it, and what’s special about it?. Cognition, 100(1), 33-72.
Pearce, M., & Rohrmeier, M. (2012). Music Cognition and the Cognitive Sciences. Topics in cognitive science, 4(4), 468-484.
Anmeldeschluss: Dienstag, 1. April 2025
