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OVERVIEW and COURSES OF STUDY
The Center for Experimental Music & Intermedia (CEMI) is an interdisciplinary center for the creation and research of electroacoustic music located on the campus of the University of North Texas.
Internationally renowned for its long
*history of innovation, CEMI fosters cutting-edge music and intermedia projects through the integration of computer music, video/film, dance, plastic arts and theater. Works by local, national and international composers are regularly presented on the annual CEMI concert series.
Students working at CEMI take classes and private lessons as part of their course work in the Division of Composition Studies; both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered. Visiting composers-in-residence have studio access and technical assistance.
CEMI resources include its staff and faculty, undergraduate and graduate course offerings, and a fully-equipped suite of creation studios and state-of-the-art performance venues.
CEMI is an important interdisciplinary link between diverse UNT artists and scientists, and routinely features on-campus collaborative research and creative projects among composers,
computer scientists, filmmakers, visual artists, choreographers and others.
CEMI focuses on the creation of both realtime and non-realtime electroacoustic works. Realtime works utilize interactive technologies for control of realtime digital signal processing and synthesis, highlighting the human-computer interface through live performance with technology.
Non-realtime works utilize various sound synthesis and modification techniques in the creation of tape pieces that are performed in concert via multi-channel diffusion systems. Both genres may include visuals in the form of video, projections, and lighting design, as well as collaborations with dance, theater, set design, etc.
CEMI actively promotes research, publications, and new technology in the fields of sound 
synthesis and composition, digital signal processing, diffusion, human-computer interaction, computer interface devices, haptic/tactile feedback devices, and enabling technologies for persons with disabilities (a natural outgrowth of interactive technology).
Recent publications include articles on software synthesis, gestural control with tactile feedback, and interactive computer music with video tracking technology.
CEMI also will actively promote the transfer and commercialization of new technologies, where applicable.
COURSES OF STUDY
CEMI is an important center for teaching and learning within the Division of Composition, providing a welcome environment for students—of all ages and backgrounds—to create and perform new multimedia works.
All undergraduate and graduate composition majors may take electronic and computer music courses utilizing the CEMI studios as a part of the required curriculum.
While many graduate students (at both the M.A. and D.M.A. levels) take courses in CEMI during their respective programs, candidates for the D.M.A. may, in fact, elect to complete their degree with an emphasis in Computer Music. Such studies include work in digital audio recording, production, sound processing, sound synthesis, real-time performance/interactive systems, algorithmic composition and digital video.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION
Please check the Division of Composition website for admission requirements and application procedures. To find the information please click here.
COURSES CURRENTLY OFFERED THROUGH CEMI
- MUCP 4670 / 5670: Introduction to Electroacoustic Music
- MUCP 4680: Topics in Electroacoustic Music
- MUCP 4595 / 5595: Performance Art/Multimedia
- MUCP 5680: Seminar in Computer Music I
- MUCP 5690: Seminar in Computer Music II
- MUCP 5700: Digital Software Synthesis
- MUCP 5710: Real-Time Systems
- MUCP 6200: Advanced Computer Music Research
STUDENT PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES IN CEMI
In addition to the regular CEMI Event Series (click here for current season info), a key component to the students' experience in CEMI is the programming and production of concerts devoted to student works, including the “Centerpieces” series, “Composer Forum” special events and concerts of the Performance Art/Multimedia class.
Works for the “Centerpieces” concerts are selected each semester by a panel of graduate composers and faculty, and are presented in the Merrill Ellis Intermedia Theater. The series showcases the latest computer music and intermedia research being done at CEMI; over the past five years over one hundred student works have been premiered. This has been a valuable proving ground for many student works that have gone on to win both national and international competitions, including the prestigious international Bourges Competition.
Each semester the Performance Art/Multimedia class produces two concerts of student work featuring music, live video, installation art, sculpture and theater. This class regularly attracts students from all areas of the UNT campus, including the College of Music, Radio Television and Film, and the School of Visual Art. Through this class the technical resources of CEMI are made available to all students of the university.
