Computer-Assisted Composition

Computer-assisted composition (CAO) offers composers the possibility of integrating algorithms into their creative process. These digital tools fit naturally into their workflow, facilitating the creation of musical sketches in sound form or scores.

IRCAM offers training courses dedicated to two computer-assisted composition software programs and the libraries of the “bach” family.

• OpenMusic is a graphical programming environment designed to assist composers in their writing work.
• Orchidea is a software environment that calculates the best combinations of orchestral sounds to match a target sound by specifying certain constraints. In other words, it is a process that generates a score from a given target sound.

The bach, cage, dada, and ears libraries for Max are dedicated to computer-assisted composition and were developed by Andrea Agostini and Daniele Ghisi. They can interact with other Max features and are suitable for creating scores and sound synthesis.

In 2024, based on the results of end-of-training evaluations, 100% of OpenMusic participants have achieved all or most of their objectives, with a satisfaction rate of 100%. In 2025, based on the results of end-of-training evaluations, 75% of Orchieda participants have achieved all or most of their objectives, with a satisfaction rate of 100%.