Learn how to use code to write and perform music on this fun course. No prior programming experience needed!
Aimed at musicians with little or no coding experience, this fun course will teach you how to compose and perform music using code as your instrument. Based on the free Sonic Pi framework, popular in the Algorave scene, you’ll cover everything from the very basics of programming to using Sonic Pi for live performance, including writing a drum sequencer. Later in the course, you’ll even learn how to integrate your code with MIDI & audio instruments.
What you’ll learn
- Gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of coding and program flow..
- Learn how to generate, create, record and perform music with Sonic Pi..
- Use synths, samples, filters and envelopes in code to enhance your sound design repertoire..
- Use Sonic Pi’s randomisation function to create generative music..
- Take the knowledge gained in this course and be able to create entire musical compositions using code as your instrument..
Course Content
- Introduction –> 1 lecture • 1min.
- Getting Started with Sonic Pi –> 8 lectures • 30min.
- Synths, Samples, Filters and Envelopes –> 4 lectures • 29min.
- Program Flow –> 15 lectures • 55min.
- Data Structures –> 10 lectures • 1hr 3min.
- FX –> 6 lectures • 17min.
- Live Performance –> 5 lectures • 40min.
- Wrapping Up –> 1 lecture • 3min.
Requirements
Aimed at musicians with little or no coding experience, this fun course will teach you how to compose and perform music using code as your instrument. Based on the free Sonic Pi framework, popular in the Algorave scene, you’ll cover everything from the very basics of programming to using Sonic Pi for live performance, including writing a drum sequencer. Later in the course, you’ll even learn how to integrate your code with MIDI & audio instruments.
With four hours of video split across fifty lectures, you will find detailed descriptions and demonstrations of:
- How to create music by coding musical patterns with synths and samples.
- Fundamental programming concepts, including program flow and Sonic Pi’s built-in data structures.
- Creating a drum sequencer, looping melodies, chord progressions and bass lines from scratch.
- How to use filters and ADSR envelopes for code-based sound design.
- How to add effects such as distortion, delay and reverb to make your sounds more interesting.
- How to control MIDI and audio from your code.
- How to use the features of Sonic Pi to enhance your live performances.
We’ll be using the free Sonic Pi throughout the course, and by the end, you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to create unique musical compositions and perform live using code. As you’ll see, anyone can learn to program. We take each new concept step-by-step, and it’s easier than you think, even if you have absolutely no prior coding experience!