Getting Started with Stochastic Music in Max hero

Creative Coding

Getting Started with Stochastic Music in Max

Level

Beginner

Duration

1h 30m of video content

Format

Recorded workshop

Added

08/04/2024

Watch a preview

1. Introduction - What is Stochastic Music?

Course overview

This workshop is an introduction to creating stochastic music using Max/MSP. Stochastic music is composed by applying mathematical probability on musical material. It was popularised in the 20th century by the composer Iannis Xenakis. By using simple random generators, Brownian motion, and Gaussian Processes, it is possible to generate unique musical phrases and textures that balance spontaneity and structure. The aim of this workshop is to create a solid understanding of the fundamentals of working with randomness in your musical creative practice in compositions, installations, and generative artworks.
Check out this tutorial from Umut for an example of his work.

Learning outcomes

Understanding Stochastic Music Fundamentals

Technical Skills in Max/MSP for Stochastic Music Creation

Applying Stochastic Concepts in Musical Creation

Who is this course for?

  • • Artists looking to expand their compositional toolkit with stochastic processes, aiming to incorporate mathematical probability into their musical creations.
  • • Those involved in creating sound installations or soundscapes, where generative sound elements can enhance the listener's experience through randomness and structure.

Requirements

  • • An Internet connection
  • • A Zoom account

Course content

Getting Started with Stochastic Music in Max

7 videos

+
  • 1. Introduction - What is Stochastic Music?
    Checking access...
  • 2. Randomness in Max - Making Music
    Checking access...
  • 3. Different Modes of Randomness
    Checking access...
  • 4. From Randomised Notes to Randomised Music
    Checking access...
  • 5. Getting Started with Normal Distribution
    Checking access...
  • 6. Implementing Normal Distribution in Max
    Checking access...
  • 7. Making Music with Normal Distribution
    Checking access...

Instructors

Umut Eldem

Umut Eldem

Instructor

Umut Eldem is a composer, pianist, and researcher. His musical works and research focus on the exploration of synaesthesia as an artistic medium. He has given lectures on his research of synaesthesia, and had his audiovisual works and installations combining sound and colours presented in Belgium, Turkey, Romania, Russia, and Luxembourg. Umut Eldem is currently a PhD researcher at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp, and musical director of the theatre collective Mixed & United. He gives lessons and workshops on music history, musical analysis, and audiovisual design. He is also the keyboardist of the bands Starblind = Earthbound and Transport Aerian. His current PhD research entitled ‘The Hearing Glass: Synaesthetic Correspondences in The Musical Practice’ intends to take the results of his previous research and develop them into an inter-sensory theory of audiovisual art.

Frequently asked questions