Computer generated music as a teaching aid for first year computing

Computer generated music can be useful in introductory programming courses as the theme for programming projects as well as a method for demonstrating algorithms. Two ideas for student programming projects that have actually been assigned are described. But the emphasis of the paper is on the use of a technique known as algorithmic granular synthesis. This is explained first as a computer music technique and then its use as a method for demonstrating algorithms such as sorts and searches is described. Following this is a discussion of ideas for using computer music in other computer science courses.