# computer music > application of computing technology in music **Wikidata**: [Q1122550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1122550) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_music) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer-music ## Summary Computer music is the application of computing technology in music, functioning as both a creative practice and an academic discipline. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including the study of music as a field of specialization and the use of algorithms for composition. This domain bridges the gap between computer science and the arts, enabling new forms of musical expression through technological means. ## Key Facts - **Definition**: The application of computing technology in music. - **Classification**: Recognized as an academic discipline, a field of study, and an academic major. - **Key Technique**: Algorithmic composition, which involves the use of algorithms to create music. - **Related Style**: Chiptune, a style of synthesized electronic music that emerged in 1978. - **Major Research Center**: The Computer Music Center, the oldest center for electronic and computer music research in the United States, established in 1958. - **Notable Contributor**: Paul Hudak (1952–2015), an American computer scientist and musician who developed Haskore, a domain-specific language for computer music. - **Associated Works**: Includes albums such as Frank Zappa's *Civilization Phaze III* (1994) and *Jazz from Hell*, as well as Neil Young & Crazy Horse's *Arc* (1991). - **Cataloging IDs**: - GND: 4113239-7 - LCCN: sh85029511 - NDL: 01038169 - NII: 01038169 - BNF: 15075544n - NLA: 34259666 - SELIBR: 300393171 - BNE: ph124504 ## FAQs ### What is computer music? Computer music is the application of computing technology in music, ranging from composition and analysis to sound synthesis. It is studied as an academic discipline and a specialized field of knowledge. ### How is computer music studied academically? It is treated as an academic major and a field of study where students focus on the intersection of music and technology. This includes research in informatics, programming languages, and electronic music. ### What are some examples of computer music techniques and styles? Key techniques include algorithmic composition, which uses algorithms to generate music. A notable style is chiptune, a genre of synthesized electronic music that began in 1978. ### Who contributed significantly to the field of computer music? Paul Hudak was a pivotal figure who advanced the field by creating Haskore, a domain-specific language for computer music composition. He was also a co-designer of the Haskell programming language and a professor at Yale University. ### What is the Computer Music Center? The Computer Music Center is the oldest center for electronic and computer music research in the United States. It was founded in 1958 and serves as a headquarters for research in this domain. ## Why It Matters Computer music matters because it fundamentally transformed how music is created, performed, and studied by integrating advanced computing technology with artistic expression. It established a vital academic bridge between computer science and the arts, fostering innovation in areas like functional programming and domain-specific languages. The work of pioneers like Paul Hudak demonstrated that programming languages could be sophisticated tools for creative composition, influencing both theoretical computer science and practical music production. Furthermore, the preservation and study of this field through institutions like the Computer Music Center ensure that the evolution of electronic music remains a critical part of cultural and technological history. ## Notable For - Being defined as the application of computing technology in music. - Status as a recognized academic discipline and field of study. - Encompassing algorithmic composition, the technique of using algorithms to create music. - The development of chiptune, a synthesized electronic music style originating in 1978. - Association with the Computer Music Center, the oldest research center of its kind in the U.S. (est. 1958). - The creation of Haskore by Paul Hudak, a domain-specific language for computer music. - Connection to notable albums including Frank Zappa's *Civilization Phaze III* and Neil Young's *Arc*. ## Body ### Definition and Scope Computer music is broadly defined as the application of computing technology in music. It serves as a specialized field of study and an academic discipline, often pursued as an academic major. The field involves the use of informatics and programming to explore new ways of creating, analyzing, and understanding music. It is cataloged under various classification systems globally, including identifiers such as the GND (4113239-7) and LCCN (sh85029511). ### Academic and Research Context As a field of study, computer music is limited to a specific area of knowledge regarding the intersection of technology and sound. A central hub for this research is the Computer Music Center, which is recognized as the oldest center for electronic and computer music research in the United States. This institution, headquartered in the U.S., was founded in 1958 and has played a pivotal role in the development of the genre. ### Key Contributors: Paul Hudak A significant figure in the history of computer music is Paul Hudak (1952–2015). Hudak was an American computer scientist, university teacher, and musician who taught at Yale University. He is best known for co-designing the Haskell programming language, but his contributions to computer music were equally impactful. - **Haskore**: Hudak developed Haskore, a domain-specific language designed for computer music composition. This work bridged the gap between functional programming and musical creativity. - **Education and Career**: Hudak studied at Vanderbilt University, MIT, and the University of Utah. He spent his career at Yale, where he served as a professor and the Master of Saybrook College. - **Recognition**: He received the Presidential Young Investigator Award in 1985 and was named an ACM Fellow in 2003. - **Publications**: He authored influential texts, including *The Haskell School of Expression*, which introduced functional programming concepts to a broader audience. ### Musical Styles and Techniques Computer music encompasses various techniques and sub-genres that rely on computing technology: - **Algorithmic Composition**: This is a primary technique within the field, involving the use of algorithms to create music. It represents the automation of compositional processes through computing. - **Chiptune**: Emerging in 1978, chiptune is a style of synthesized electronic music that utilizes sound chips from vintage computers and gaming consoles. It represents a distinct cultural application of computer music technology. ### Associated Works Several notable musical works are associated with the context of computer music, reflecting the genre's influence on popular and experimental music: - **Frank Zappa**: Known for his experimental approach, Zappa released *Civilization Phaze III* in 1994, a double studio album, and *Jazz from Hell*, both of which are related to the computer music entity. - **Neil Young & Crazy Horse**: Their 1991 live album *Arc* is also listed within the context of computer music works. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. BBC Things 3. BabelNet 4. Quora 5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 6. KBpedia 7. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)