This practical, project-based book I co-authored with Alex Ruthmann from New York University, is designed for music students, educators, and aspiring coders who want to explore the creative possibilities at the intersection of music and technology. Using the Scratch programming language, it introduces readers to the tools and knowledge to engage in real-world experiences that blend computation with creativity. Through a series of hands-on projects, it introduces many the core principles of computational thinking, all while making, playing, and experimenting with music, sound, and interactive media.
The book begins with a gentle, accessible introduction to the Scratch 3.0 environment. Readers start by using a computer keyboard and mouse to create and manipulate sounds, turning their devices into expressive musical instruments. These early projects focus on building confidence and familiarity with coding basics while encouraging playful exploration of sound design and performance.
As the book progresses, readers dive deeper into programming musical sequences, melodies, and structures. They learn how to assemble these elements into a virtual band—an ensemble of digital instruments that can be performed live or automated using algorithms. These projects not only reinforce coding skills but also introduce musical concepts such as rhythm, harmony, and form in a highly interactive way.
In the later chapters, the book expands into more advanced applications of computational thinking in music. Readers explore how to design games with dynamic sound effects, teach the computer to generate music using rules and algorithms, and use live video input to interact with sound in real time. The journey culminates in an exciting chapter on musical live coding, where readers write and manipulate code on the fly to perform, improvise, and create original music in real time.
Throughout, the book emphasises creativity, experimentation, and the joy of making music with code. Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring coding into the music classroom, a student curious about digital creativity, or a coder interested in sound, this book offers a rich, engaging pathway into the world of interactive music and computational artistry. Get a copy for OUP.
Here is the table of contents:
Chapter 1. Getting Started with Scratch
Chapter 2. A Musical Keyboard
Chapter 3. A Mouse Theremin
Chapter 4. Making Your Own Sounds
Chapter 5. Design Your Own Instrument
Chapter 6. Musical Riffs
Chapter 7. Musical Expression
Chapter 8. Building the Band: Rhythm Guitar and Keyboard
Chapter 9. Building the Band: Drums and Bass
Chapter 10. Conducting the Arrangement
Chapter 11. Making Games with Sound Effects
Chapter 12. Generative Music
Chapter 13. Video Interaction
Chapter 14. Live Coding