Algorithmic Composition in Max: Bringing Order to Chaos

Taught by: Sam Pearce-Davies

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.

Level

What you'll learn

In this workshop you will learn a variety of algorithmic processes and useful tools to construct your own systems: including drunken walks, list manipulation and step-sequencer pattern generation. Primarily focusing on MIDI-controlled instruments, you will gain an understanding of how chance can be factored into numerous aspects of composition, from melody and harmony to overall piece structure and instrumentation.
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.

Course content

Algorithmic Composition Workshop

Max patches
Part 1 - MIDI Setup & Guitar Synth
Part 2 - Sequencer Setup
Part 3 - Basic Melody Generation
Part 4 - Bell Synth Setup
Part 5 - Ostinato Generation
Part 6 - Chord Voicing Generation & Organ Synth
Part 7 - Chord Sequence Generation
Part 8 - Transport Setup
Part 9 - Piece Structuring and Final Composition

Membership plan: Going Deeper | Topics: Music Production

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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

Who is this course for

Learn to construct music-generating algorithms in Max, to compose semi-autonomously or supplement your compositional practice.

Useful links

Link: https://spearced.com/ </
Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCr9mFiNcGVzeXzfmwfqxiQ%22%20data-mce-href=%22https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCr9mFiNcGVzeXzfmwfqxiQ%22%3Ehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCr9mFiNcGVzeXzfmwfqxiQ </

About the workshop leader

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.