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SIGNAL TO SOUND // algorithmic music composition

Signal to Sound is a four-day workshop on algorithmic music composition. Unlike traditional linear sequencing, this workshop focuses on generative systems and live-coding to create evolving, non-linear musical compositions.

The sessions are designed to take the participants from a foundational understanding of algorithmic history to a functional live-coding setup.

We will spend the first part of the workshop discussing the theory and history of generative music and exploring open-source tools. The core of the workshop will focus on ORCA—an esoteric live-coding environment. We will cover installation, syntax, and functional logic, eventually learning how to route ORCA to your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or standalone VSTs to control your own sound libraries.

The workshop concludes on Day 4 with a participant showcase, where you will demonstrate your work to a live audience.

workshop schedule

who is this for?

This workshop is beginner-friendly and requires no prior coding experience. It is best suited for:

- Musicians and producers looking for new ways to generate ideas outside of a standard MIDI grid.

- Sound artists interested in generative and non-linear systems.

- Coders or enthusiasts curious about the intersection of logic and electronic music.

session breakdown

Day 1: foundations

an introduction to sound theory and an historical overview of music production on a computer. exploring various open-source tools and resources that exist outside the traditional DAW environment.

Day 2: introduction to ORCA

we dive into ORCA, an esoteric live-coding environment. we will walk through the initial setup, learn the logic of the grid, and master the syntax of its functions.

Day 3: DAW integration & more functions

we will explore how to patch ORCA into your DAWs (Ableton, Logic, etc.) and standalone VSTs. we will practice using the tool for ideating new musical pieces, creating compositions, and learning some improvisational techniques for live performance.

Day 4: live coding 101

the workshop concludes with creating your own patch and doing an open showcase where you will perform (live-code) your piece with other participants and friends at the space.

A Note on Prerequisites for Single-Day Attendees

Day 1: No prerequisites.

Day 2: Please arrive with a laptop. No prior coding knowledge is required.

Day 3: Participants joining for this day only must have ORCA already installed and a basic understanding of its logic, as we will be focusing primarily on MIDI routing and performance.

Day 4: Participation for the last day is reserved for those who have attended the full workshop.

what will you need?

- A laptop (macOS, Windows, or Linux).

- Headphones.

- A DAW (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic, etc.) or standalone VSTs installed.

about the facilitator

beatnyk is a New Delhi-based sound designer and electronic musician. With a background in engineering and a practice rooted in the intersection of sound, art, research, and technology, he has been an active member of the Algorave India and code.drift collective. His work focuses on using live-coding and opensource programs to create live performances and participatory sound archives.

in case of any questions, please email: beatnyk@outlook.com / studiobeatnyk@gmail.com