Computer-Assisted Composition

OpenMusic, Orchidea, and the Bach, Cage, and Ears libraries

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%.

What peopole are saying

"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." Andrea, compositeur et étudiant, Orchidea, Online

"Watching Claudia explain, create, and troubleshoot patches in OM has been extremely helpful" Venkatesh, student and composer, Online