ESP Biography



STEPHEN POLETTO, Brown U. undergrad studying computer science.



Major: Computer Science

College/Employer: Brown University

Year of Graduation: 2012

Picture of Stephen Poletto

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Stephen Poletto had never considered computer science or digital audio as interests in high school. It was not until college that he had the opportunity to explore these fields. As someone who loves to teach, Stephen is hoping to show high school students why these areas are so exciting.

Stephen is a junior at Brown University, pursuing an Sc.B. in computer science. He has served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for several introductory computer science courses at Brown. He is also the Production Director at WBRU-FM in Providence, RI, where he trains new interns on how to produce commercials for radio.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

C4102: Programming for Sound: Real-Time Audio Processing with MaxMSP in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
In this course, we'll take a look at MaxMSP, a visual programming environment used for real-time digital signal processing. Max programs are made by arranging and connecting simple objects, each of which performs a specific function. These objects are combined in a data-flow system within a visual canvas. By mapping data from external controllers (video game controllers, iPhone, midi controllers, etc.) the performer can process and sequence live audio to create an interactive musical performance.


C4103: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in Java in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
In this class, we will explore object-oriented programming, using Java as the language of study. This class assumes no prior experience with programming. Students will learn what objects are and how to design programs using them. We will consider simple programs to start and move on to more advanced topics like inheritance and polymorphism. Because of the limited time constraint, this class will move quickly.


A4104: Introduction to Digital Audio Production in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
In this course we will learn the fundamental basics of digital audio production. With more sophisticated commercial audio production software available, musicians are increasingly doing production work themselves as opposed to paying for professional sound engineers. We will consider how sound is represented in computer architecture, and then move on to various processing techniques, such as compression and equalization. By the end of the class, students will have all the basic skills to do their own mixing and mastering.