There are a broad array of techniques musicians can use to generate music in Max. One such process involves taking inspiration from Alan Turing’s early work on proto-computers, in particular the notion of a tape with data being displayed on it.
What you'll learn
Understand the fundamentals of a Turing Machine in a musical context
Patch together a generative process using randomisation and counters
Build a functional UI to tweak different aspects of the generative process in real time
Use the finished device to both generate music through MIDI and control broader parameters of software instruments
Requirements
A computer and Internet connection
Access to a copy of Max 7 or 8 (i.e. trial or full license)
Course content
---- Session Materials
---- Sub-Patches
---- Part 1 - Introduction to Turing Machines and Creating the ‘Tape’
---- Part 2 - MIDI Setup
---- Part 3 - Inverting the Data
---- Part 4 - Control Parameters – Rate & Length
---- Part 5 - Control Parameters – Flip Part 1
---- Part 6 - Control Parameters – Flip Part 2
---- Part 7 - Accounting for the Tape
---- Part 8 - Sync Setup Part 1
---- Part 9 - Sync Setup Part 2
---- Part 10 - Data Output Formatting
---- Part 11 - Visual Data Representation
---- Part 12 - Setting Up the UI
---- Part 13 - Melodic Demonstration
---- Part 14 - Trying Out a Different Setup
Who is this course for
This workshop will provide you with the information to construct such a generative device, a ‘Turing Machine’, to supplement your compositional practice.