Initial Idea Development
Since I am interested in music and had previously researched an algorithmic composer in a previous unit, I wanted to attempt using code to compose a simple song which lasts a minute maximum. There are several Audio Programming Languages, but research into several led to the conclusion that Sonic Pi seemed to be the easiest to learn and seemed to have a beginner friendly interface. As well as this, the live coding performances I found online were very engaging to me.
The execution of this project would involve learning a new language but I planned to learn the very basics and create the simplest tune I could; as long as I could create a minute long tune then that was satisfactory. I also had no background in music theory, so everything from a sensible chord progression or a note would have to be googled. I also found a previous lecture and task on ‘performing code’ to be incredibly intriguing, so I wanted to do something which would apply code performance to this project.
There were several video tutorials for Sonic Pi online, but they seemed to be teaching a version that was no longer available as it had updated since. So, I decided to use the manual Sonic Pi itself provides in order to familiarise myself with the basics.
Inspirations
The below are my initial inspiration for the tunes. These seemed especially doable as they did not incorporate any instruments but piano, which would be perfect to attempt as I do not have a background in music production and was just starting out with coding music.