Computer-assisted composition and orchestration
Explore new forms of musical writing using digital tools, algorithms, and dedicated creative environments for composition.
Explore new forms of musical writing using digital tools, algorithms, and dedicated creative environments for composition.
Computer-assisted composition (CAC) offers composers a vast field of experimentation where programming, musical writing, and sound research come together. Integrated into the creative process, these tools make it possible to design musical sketches, generate scores, transform sound materials, and develop innovative approaches to orchestration.
Through its training programs, IRCAM supports artists in discovering and mastering several leading environments for algorithmic composition and computer-assisted orchestration.
OpenMusic is a visual programming environment dedicated to musical creation. It allows users to develop composition processes using graphical structures and custom algorithms. Used for both instrumental writing and musical research, it helps composers build forms, materials, and generative systems.
Orchidea is a computer-assisted orchestration software that analyzes a target sound and proposes the best orchestral combinations capable of reproducing it. Using advanced sound analysis and search algorithms, it automatically generates score proposals while taking into account specific instrumental and musical constraints.
The bach, cage, dada, and ears libraries developed by Andrea Agostini and Daniele Ghisi for Max provide a powerful set of tools dedicated to computer-assisted composition. They facilitate the manipulation of complex musical structures, score generation, symbolic processing, and sound synthesis, while fully integrating into the Max creative ecosystem.
These environments make it possible to explore contemporary approaches to composition: algorithmic generation, assisted writing, automatic orchestration, interaction between sound and score, and the creation of evolving musical systems. The training programs offered promote a practical and experimental approach suited both to artists and to researchers, developers, and participants wishing to integrate digital technologies into their musical practice.
Composer & student
« I absolutely loved this course, and really enjoyed the 6-week format which gave us a chance to explore all subjects in depth. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher. Grégoire was always extremely clear, open to answering all of our questions and his contents were interesting and inspiring. The fact that we got homework each week was brilliant. »
Musician, composer, and teacher
“An excellent course that helped me better understand the logic and creative potential of OpenMusic. The course fostered both technical autonomy and artistic reflection, making it a valuable tool for composition, research, and experimentation.”
Retired
Computer-assisted composition training in Max with the ‘bach’ family of libraries, online “The Bach training was simply excellent: wonderfully structured, well presented, and supported by truly useful resources. It is a vast subject, but masterfully condensed into what, for me, represents the essential elements, thus offering a perfect entry point for deeper exploration.”
