i would say that as a general rule, it is good to know as much as possible
about anything.
but even a little knowledege is better than none.  as far as math goes i have
had several years of calculus and differential equations, from high school
through college.  but the majority of math that i use in computer music
revolves around basic algebra.  i havent yet had a reason to use partial
differential equations that i know of yet, but if i encounter such a
situation i will probably be better prepared.  as far as theory goes, i am a
senior undergraduate in music theory/composition, so i know quite a bit about
theory.  so far with csound, i have used my theory/comp skills more than my
math skills.  the math is however important to me because it helps me
visualize what is going on inside various ugs.
one doesnt necessarily need to know what one is doing for their work. (look
at congress for example)  twiddling knobs can be very effective even if you
dont know what the knobs are actually doing.  in fact some of my greatest
sounds have been produced when things reacted differently than expected.
i guess what i learned as a boy scout pays off:  be prepared.  i dont always
use every tool at my disposal (math, theory, screwdriver, etc), but it is
nice to have them if i need them.

pete

ps - as far as online math teaching, forget it.  go out to your local book
store/university and get a good book on calculus, harmony, etc.  also buy
plenty of paper and pencils (and a pencil sharpener).  a good book has tons
more information and would probably be cheaper.  plus it allows you to learn
away from the computer, which in my opinion is better most of the time.


David Schuyeteneer wrote:

> What types of maths does the regular, graduated computer musician masters
> ??
> Calculus ?? Algebra ??
> What maths are useful for sound/music ?
>
> Are there any good teaching packages for PC available ? online perhaps ?
>
> Also, what basic MUSIC theory does a computer musician needs to know....I
> can imagine that
> it is not absolutely necessary to graduate an extended music-notation
> program to use Csound,
> but I also can imagine that at least a BASIC knowledge might be very
> useful...(which notes sound
> harmonic together, wich not...etc....)
>
> David.