MUMT 306: Lab Exercises

Lab #9

10 March 2026

Modify the envelopes.pd Pd patch demonstrated in class, changing the [noise~] object to a object and using an additional envelope to control the oscillator frequency.
Add a [line~] or [curve~] object to the resonfilt.pd Pd patch demonstrated in class to control the filter center frequency.

Lab #8

24 February 2026

Lab #6

10 February 2026

Work on one of the Elegoo Arduino Lessons 11, 14, 15, 18 or 23 and then demonstrate the results in class.

Lab #5

3 February 2026

Create an Arduino program that implements a repeating 4-bar bass riff. Use the serial.print() function to output "MIDI" messages from the Arduino. Use Pd to read the messages and send them to the DLS Synthesizer.

Lab #4

27 January 2026

Continue interfacing sensors (thermistor, photoresistor, tilt switch, 3-color leds, buttons, piezo buzzer, ...) to the Arduino and/or look at Elegoo tutorial examples.

Lab #3

20 January 2026

Install the Arduino IDE on your laptop. Open the application and connect your Arduino board via a USB cable (make sure the power led illuminates). Then select the appropriate device in the Tools->Board menu and the appropriate I/O port in the Tools->Port menu. Open the File->Examples->01.Basics->Blink sketch, compile, upload and verify it works.
Create a Max or Pd patch that implements a MIDI echo. Repeat the input note three times with decreasing velocity and allow the delay between the notes to be variable.

Lab #2

13 January 2026

Create a list of MIDI messages and corresponding times to recreate the first measure or two of Happy Birthday.
Create a Pd patch that implements a simple repeating one-measure bass line. If you have time, add a drum part.

Lab #1

6 January 2026

Download plugdata and verify operation.
A few programs that might be useful include: Virtual MIDI Piano Keyboard (VMPK), SimpleSynth (ask me if you need it on OS-X 10.15) and MidiKeys. Similar programs for Windows may be available.
Open and experiment with the Pd patches demonstrated in class.