Center for Innovation in the Arts Courses

The Center for Innovation in the Arts (CIA), formerly the Music Technology Center, was created in 1993 and centered on a single Macintosh Classic computer. Today, the CIA offers classes in music production, interactive technology and scoring for film and TV. Advanced students may pursue an independent study to create an original work intended for live performance or recorded media.

Faculty and Staff

Edward Bilous, Director
William Fastenow, Director of Technology
Daniel Freeman, Faculty
Sumire Hirotsuru, Producer
Greg Kalember, Faculty
Mari Kimura, Faculty
Nathan Prillaman, Faculty, Program Coordinator
Brianna Rafidi, Production Stage Manager

Course Listing 2020-2021

GRMUS P660 — Introduction to Music Technology

2 credits
Fall, Spring
Edward Bilous, Nathan Prillaman

An introduction to the basic skills needed for composing and arranging electronic music. Topics of study include sequencing, sampling, and editing and processing digital audio. Basic Macintosh skills are required.

GRMUS P662 — Composing for Visual Media

2 credits
Fall
Edward Bilous

Prerequisite: GRMUS P660. For students interested in learning the fundamental skills needed to compose and produce music for visual media including film, television, games and emerging art forms. Topics include creative collaboration with directors and visual artists, traditional and emerging art forms, diverse styles of music composition and production, and analysis of masterworks of professional composers. Students will be required to compose and produce original scores to excerpts from feature films, documentaries, and other filmed media.  

GRMUS P663 — Creation, Improvisation & Technology

2 credits
Fall, Spring
Mari Kimura

This course is for students embracing different forms of music making, challenging conventional distinctions between diverse styles. Students can choose their own interest and concentration without the traditional boundaries or ‘genre’ in music. For example, performance students can study extended technique for their instruments. String students in particular could study with the instructor on contemporary string technique and extended technique she developed, “Subharmonics”, and how to incorporate such element in composition and improvisation.

GRMUS P664 — Scoring to Picture Workshop

2 credits
Spring
Edward Bilous

Prerequisite: GRMUS P662This intensive workshop is designed for Juilliard composers interested in music for narrative media. Students will score scenes from films or TV programs with the expert guidance of an established composer of film and TV music. The workshop experience will expose students to all aspects of the process from creation to production, including a spotting session, recording the score with Juilliard musicians, and a final film mix.

GRMUS P665 — Independent Study in Emerging and Collaborative Arts

2 credits
Fall, Spring
Edward Bilous

With permission of the instructor. A class for advanced students interested in working with new technology in the creation of original compositions. Projects may include the use of computers and electronic or acoustic instruments in live performance or the creation of a recorded work.

GRMUS P666 — Music Production Workshop

2 credits
Fall. Spring
Greg Kalember

Prerequisite: GRMUS P660. A survey of electronic music production techniques most frequently used by composers, arrangers, and producers in the recording industry. Topics of study include creating rhythm tracks, arranging for electronic instruments, the use of signal processing, and basic mixing skills. Homework will include creative projects as well as listening assignments.

GRMUS P667 — Introduction to Interactive Music Technology

2 credits
Fall, Spring
Mari Kimura

An introductory class in which students will learn about the revolutionary program called MaxMSP (digital signal processing in Max), which allows musicians to perform interactive and electroacoustic computer music without any external devices such as synthesizers.

GRMUS P668 — Advanced Interactive Music Technology

2 credits
Fall, Spring
Mari Kimura

Prerequisite: GRMUS P667An advanced class in which students will be introduced to the revolutionary program called MaxMSP (digital signal processing in Max), which allows musicians to perform interactive and electroacoustic computer music without any external devices such as synthesizers. Students will create and perform their own works using “Max,” and will discuss aspects of performance practice and musicianship related to interactive computer music. Cutting-edge technology and musical activities on the Internet will also be explored.