Composers, musicians, teachers, and any creative individuals with a foundation in music and music technology who wish to explore tools for computer-aided orchestration.

• Basic knowledge of Max and its environment: hands-on familiarity and understanding of Max’s basic tutorials (Max Basics tutorials 1–11, 14–22; Max Data tutorials 1 and 2; MSP tutorials; MSP Basics tutorials 1–5; MSP Panning tutorials 1–3; MSP Analysis tutorials 1 and 2; MSP Delay tutorials 1–3 and 6), or completion of the Max Beginner course
• Knowledge of music theory, including note reading and rhythm
• Good working knowledge of a music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, Dorico, etc.)
• Basic understanding of mathematics: arithmetic, geometry (triangles, Pythagoras’ and Thales’ theorems, symmetry, area), powers, single-variable equations, and statistics
• Proficiency with essential functions of an Apple computer (keyboard and mouse use, file and folder management, menu navigation, launching applications)
• Basic knowledge of the Zoom application for attending online courses
• A visit to  https://www.bachproject.net/  is recommended before the course

Some details of the training program are subject to modification as the software on which it is based evolves.

Exercises are assigned at the end of each session, to be reviewed collectively during the following session.

Thursday, January 7, 2027: Getting Started

• Introduction to the bach.roll and bach.score editors
• Examples of basic algorithmic generation in bach
• Exercise: Create a short random sequence in bach.roll and edit it

Thursday, January 14, 2027

• Using slots: playing an audio file in a sequence with bach.roll
• Examples of real-time algorithmic generation with bach.roll
• Exercise: Create an algorithmic sequence that plays audio files from a bach.roll

Thursday, January 21, 2027

• Understanding iteration functions in bach
• Introduction to the cage library
• Quantization
• Exercise: Create a sequence in bach.roll based on progressive variation of one element. Use the cage library to generate base material to be repeated and gradually modified

Thursday, January 28, 2027

• Using the cage library for technomorphic models
• Extracting material from analyses and using conditional selections
• Exercise: Create a sequence (melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic in nature) in bach.roll using material derived from analysis and modified with operators from the cage library

Thursday, February 4, 2027

• Introduction to the ears library: analysis and transformation of sound in non-real time
• Exercise: Present a sequence in bach.roll or bach.score containing MIDI notes, samples, and transformed sounds (e.g., spatialized), created with the ears library. The sound files should be triggered by notes (controlled via slots)

Thursday, February 11, 2027

• Abstractions: using cage.meta
• Introduction to the “dada” library: selected models of algorithmic generation
• Final exercise: Multiple choice knowledge assessment, to be submitted one week after the course

• Technical session on the first day of training to check trainees' installation.
• Attendance controlled; signature of an attendance sheet required every afternoon.
• Delivery of a certificate of achievement.
• Knowledge will be evaluated through a multiple-choice quiz, to be submitted within a week after the course ends

This training course will be delivered online in English.

• Technical requirements: Participants should download Max 9 (paid license, trial available), as well as the free libraries bach, cage, dada and ears through Max’s Package Manager prior to the training.
• To ensure the best learning experience, using two screens and a reliable internet connection is recommended.
• Format: The course alternates between theoretical presentations, analysis of examples, and hands-on exercises.
• Educational materials: Presentations, a course manual provided at the beginning of the training, and additional files distributed progressively.

Exercises are assigned after each session, corrected, and discussed during the following class.

Access to software during and after the training course

The Max environment is used throughout the course by both the instructor and participants.

No licence is provided before, during, or after the training. The cost of a Max licence is not included in the course fee. Participants must therefore have their own Max licence in order to follow the training.

Premium members of the IRCAM Forum benefit from a 30% discount on all training courses. Participants who have completed this training course and do not hold an IRCAM Forum membership may benefit from a 30% discount on a Premium subscription, valid for one month.

In 2026, 70% of participants in the Computer-Assisted Composition in Max with the “bach” library suite training course achieved the learning objectives, with a 100% satisfaction rate.