For centuries, musicians have incorporated chance-based elements into their compositions, first through coin flips and dice rolls and more recently through computer software. Today, building music-oriented algorithmic systems is easier than ever with Max.
Creative Coding
Algorithmic Composition in Max: Bringing Order to Chaos
Watch a preview
Part 1 - MIDI Setup & Guitar Synth
Course overview
Learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop you will have built a system for algorithmically generating a short multi-instrumental composition which you will be able to go on to improve and expand upon to fit your own preferences.
Who is this course for?
- • Learn to construct music-generating algorithms in Max, to compose semi-autonomously or supplement your compositional practice.
Requirements
- • You should be comfortable with the general workflow and data formatting in Max
- • Knowledge of MIDI format and routing to DAWs (Ableton, Logic etc) would be a plus, although Max instruments will be provided
- • A basic familiarity with Git, C++ and audio processing
- • You should have some basic knowledge of music theory: chords, scales, modes etc
Course content
Course Overview
2 lessons
+
Course Overview
2 lessons
- What you will learn in this course
- Requirements
Algorithmic Composition Workshop
9 videos, 1 resource
+
Algorithmic Composition Workshop
9 videos, 1 resource
- Max patches
Part 1 - MIDI Setup & Guitar Synth
Checking access...Part 2 - Sequencer Setup
Checking access...Part 3 - Basic Melody Generation
Checking access...Part 4 - Bell Synth Setup
Checking access...Part 5 - Ostinato Generation
Checking access...Part 6 - Chord Voicing Generation & Organ Synth
Checking access...Part 7 - Chord Sequence Generation
Checking access...Part 8 - Transport Setup
Checking access...Part 9 - Piece Structuring and Final Composition
Checking access...
Instructors
Sam Pearce-Davies
Samuel Pearce-Davies is a composer, performer, music programmer and Max hacker living in Cornwall, UK. With a classical music background, it was his introduction to Max/MSP during undergraduate studies at Falmouth University that sparked Sam’s passion for music programming and algorithmic composition. Going on to complete a Research Masters in computer music, Sam is now studying a PhD at Plymouth University in music-focused AI.