Abstract Composition in Ableton and Max For Live – On demand

Level: Intermediate

Ableton and Cycling 74’s Max For Live offer a vast playground of programming opportunities to create unique compositions and rich sound designs. In this workshop you will create musical and sonic ideas using abstract techniques of composition. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to begin exploring generative composition and complex sound design.

Session Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Discuss the relevance of using generative processes in certain musical contexts.
Explore how we can use these processes to create musical ideas.
Look at ways to capture these ideas to use for future projects.
Exploring various sound design techniques to add colour and shape.

Session Study Topics

Deploy Ableton and Max For Live devices to generate musical content.

Develop this content with various devices such as instruments and effects.

Capture, edit and consolidate the content.

- Reflect on the content we created and discuss ways to develop the project further.

Requirements

A computer and internet connection
A good working knowledge of computer systems
A basic awareness of music theory and audio processing
Good familiarity with Ableton and Max For Live
Access to a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite, or Ableton Live 10 with a Max For Live license.

About the workshop leader

Ned Rush aka Duncan Wilson is a musician, producer and performer. He’s most likely known best for his YouTube channel, which features a rich and vast quantity of videos including tutorials, software development, visual art, sound design, internet comedy, and of course music.

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An Introduction to Markov Chains: Machine Learning in Max/MSP

Difficulty level: Beginner

Overview

Markov chains are mathematical models that have existed in various forms since the 19th century, which have been used to aid statistical modelling in many real-world contexts, from economics to cruise control in cars. Composers have also found musical uses for Markov Chains, although the implied mathematical knowledge needed to implement them often appears daunting.

In this workshop we will demystify the Markov Chain and make use of the popular ml.star library in Max/MSP to implement Markov Chains for musical composition. This will involve preparing and playing MIDI files into the system (as a form of Machine Learning) and capturing the subsequent output as new MIDI files. By the end of the session you will have the knowledge of how to incorporate Markov Chains into your future compositions at various levels.

Topics

Max
Markov Chains
Machine Learning
Algorithmic Composition

Requirements

You should have a basic understanding of the Max workflow and different data types.
Knowledge of MIDI format and routing to DAWs (Ableton, Logic etc) would be a plus, although Max instruments will be provided.
No prior knowledge of advanced mathematical or machine learning concepts are necessary, the focus will be on musical application.

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.

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Interface design in Max with JS/JSUI

In this workshop we’ll look at scripting techniques for changing the appearance and behaviour of Max patchers, and the use of Javascript graphics to build new types of on-screen displays and controls.

Max contains an embedded Javascript engine which can be used to control aspects of Max from a textual language, providing more power and versatility than the default click-and-drag graphical interface which Max programmers are used to. The Javascript engine also has an embedded graphics system, allowing totally new and innovative interface elements to be created and embedded into the familiar Max world.

Topics:

– Max
– Javascript
– Patchers and scripting
– Graphics libraries

Requirements:

– Difficulty level: intermediate

– A good working knowledge of Max is expected

– Some familiarity with textual programming languages and graphics programming would be useful, but not required.

About the workshop leader:

Nick Rothwell is a composer, performer, software architect, coder and visual artist. He has built media performance systems for projects with Ballett Frankfurt and Vienna Volksoper, composed sound scores for Aydın Teker (Istanbul) and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, live coded in Mexico and in Berlin with sitar player Shama Rahman, written software for Studio Wayne McGregor and the Pina Bausch Foundation, and developed algorithmic visuals for large-scale outdoor installations in Poland, Estonia, Cambridge Music Festival and Lumiere (London / Durham). He also teaches at Ravensbourne University London and writes for Sound On Sound magazine.

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Algorithmic Composition in Max: Bringing Order to Chaos

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

Level: Intermediate

Composing with randomness

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.

What you will 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.

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.
You should have some basic knowledge of music theory: chords, scales, modes etc.

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 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.

Website

YouTube channel

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