Getting Started with Max & MIDI

Return to: BAIN MUSC 336 | BAIN MUSC 336 Learning Max | ATMI 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• 1. Music from Random Numbers
  • 01 Random MIDI Pitches
• 2. Working with MIDI Data – Requires a MIDI controller
  • 02a Notein
  • 02b Viewing MIDI Data
• 3. Input/Output and Execution
  • 03 Print, Add, Bang!
• 4. Data Conversion
  • 04a MIDI Pitch Number to Pitch Notation
  • 04b Decimal to Binary
  • 04c ASCII Codes
• 5. Real-Time Interactive MIDI Programming – Requires a MIDI controller
  • 05a Hyperinstrument
  • 05b Harmonizer
  • 05c Echoer
• 6. Offsets and Scaling
  • 06 Offsets and Scaling
• 7. Selection
  • 07a Select
  • 07b Send and Receive
  • 07c Weighted Random Rhythm
• 8. Iteration
  • 08a Counter
  • 08b Iteration
  • 08c Counter(point)
  • 08d CounterCanon
• 9. Musical Algorithms
  • 09a Weighted Random Melody
  • 09b Random Canon
  • 09c Brownian Pitch Walk
  • 09d Phasing
• 10. Instrumentation
  • 10a GM Instruments
  • 10b GM Drums
• 11. Scales
  • 11 Winkler Scale Tutorial {BAIN MUSC 336}
• 12. Project Templates
  
  • 12a Random Drum Beat Template
  • 12b Random 4-Voice Canon Template
  • 12c DNA Sonification Template
• 13. Other Apps
• Algo Rock Beat
  
• Cross-Rhythm Explorer
  
  

References

Bain, Reginald. 2022. “Teaching Algorithmic Composition through Genetic Data Sonification.” Association for Music Technology National Conference, paper presentation. Long Beach, CA.

Bain, Reginald. 2013. “Max/MSP Software Design for Music, Math and Computer Science Outreach.” Association for Music Technology National Conference, paper presentation. Boston, MA.

Cycling ’74. 2021. Max 9 Documentation. Available online at: <https://docs.cycling74.com>.

Dobrian, Chris. 2017. Max Cookbook. Available online at: <https://music.arts.uci.edu/dobrian/maxcookbook/node/56>

Hass, Jeffery. 2025. Introduction to Computer Music: An Electronic Textbook, 2nd ed. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University. Available online at: <https://cmtext.indiana.edu>.

Manzo, V.J. 2016. Max/MSP/Jitter for Music: A Practical Guide to Developing Interactive Music Systems for Education and More, 2nd ed. New York, Oxford.

Winkler, Todd. 1998. Composing Interactive Music: Techniques and Ideas Using Max. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Wright, Matt. 2017. Programming Max: Structuring Interactive Software for Digital Arts. Valencia, CA: Kadenze. Available online at: <https://www.kadenze.com/courses/programming-max-structuring-interactive-software-for-digital-arts/info>.

Updated: 10/8/25