Coding in the Music Classroom
LINEWAVES is a resource for educators who want to
teach music using coding and computational methods.
Teach students to code while they learn about music.
Reinforce musical concepts with computer science.
Digital Pedagogy, Modular Design
LINEWAVES models the core principles of digital pedagogy: inclusion, collaboration, and participation. All materials are organized into modules that can easily be combined, customized, and integrated into existing curricula. Modules reflect a range of platforms and methodologies, and are designed for diverse applications and skill levels.
View the latest modules here:
- Pedal PointThis module illustrates how to identify and analyze a pedal point. A […]
- Scale DegreesThis module explores how to identify the scale degree of notes in […]
- Cantus Firmus, Part IIThis module is a continuation of the previous module on composing a […]
Who is it for?
LINEWAVES modules can be used in a variety of contexts—from the undergraduate music theory core to humanities courses that engage with music to computer science courses. While most of the content is designed with undergraduates in mind, there are also resources for secondary and postgraduate students. Check out our Guides to see how you can incorporate modules into your teaching.
What can you do?
Lots of things! For example:
- In a course on music fundamentals, examine how melodies are constructed by comparing the prevalence of skips and steps in different musical styles.
- As part of a lesson on post-tonal theory, have students code a function that detects whether two melodies are related by transposition.
- In a composition course, use a Markov chain to generate new melodies in the style of any composer–even yourself!
Check out our Guides or our Getting Started page for more ideas.
Why coding?
LINEWAVES helps students learn code while they learn music. Code literacy is quickly becoming essential across disciplines, including the arts. At the same time, using computational methods to study music can illuminate the repertoire in new ways. Furthermore, many of the modules lay out methodologies that students can use to conduct their own research projects and learn through critical inquiry.
Contact
Drake Andersen
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music
Vassar College
info [at] linewaves.org