In my senior year at U.C. Berkeley, I built a generative music system using Cycling ‘74’s Max 8 and an 8 knob MIDI controller.

The goal of the project was to explore how chance-based generative music systems could be made expressive by human inputs. This system combined algorithmic composition techniques with real-time control, allowing for dynamic and evolving musical experiences influenced directly by the performer’s interactions.

It is now used as a case study in successful design by the course instructor(s).

🎯 Objectives

  • Explore Generative Music: Investigate the potential of generative music systems to create evolving soundscapes.
  • Human Input Integration: Develop a system where human inputs via an 8 knob MIDI controller could influence and shape the generative process.
  • Expressiveness: Assess the expressiveness and musicality of the system through live performance.
  • Technical Proficiency: Enhance my skills in using Cycling ‘74’s Max 8 software and MIDI hardware integration.

⚗️ Methodology

  • Software: Utilized Cycling ‘74’s Max 8 for creating the generative music algorithms and managing MIDI input.
  • Hardware: 8 knob Akai MIDI controller for real-time manipulation of program parameters.
  • Generative Techniques: Implemented chance-based algorithms to generate musical sequences and structures.

🎶 Performance

🧑‍🏫 How I Built It

⭐ Results

At the conclusion of the Max64 project I'd achieved the following:

  • Functional System: Successfully developed a generative music system that responds to human inputs via a MIDI controller.
  • Expressive Output: Demonstrated that chance-based systems can be made expressive and performative through real-time human interaction.
  • Positive Feedback: Received positive feedback from professor on the system’s musicality and ease of use.
  • Used as Course Example: The above videos and project code were used as a case study of what is possible with Max 8, shown to incoming students.