Scratch Music Projects

In this practical, project-based learning guide, music students, educators, and coders receive the necessary tools to engage with real-world experiences in computation and creativity using the programming language Scratch. Designed to teach students the fundamental concepts of computational thinking through interactive music, sound, and media, projects vary in complexity for use throughout the year.

This book is divided into three sections: "Coding and Interacting with Riffs," "Music and Sound for Interactive Games," and "Performing the Computer." The first section provides a gentle introduction to the Scratch 2.0 programming environment through hands-on projects in sequencing digital audio and MIDI sounds. The second section shows readers how to create original music for interactive video games. It begins with a look under the hood of classic video game, Snake, and the techniques used to integrate soundtracks and sound effects before it provides an introduction in basic sound editing and creation. The third and final section then suggests ways to add musical interactivity to Scratch code. It teaches readers to build a virtual Theremin with live control using the computer mouse and built-in sensors on the IchiBoard, then offers a more in-depth mapping IchiBoard sensor data to musical sound through light, sound, touch, resistive, and accelerometer sensors.

Andrew R. Brown is an active creative practitioner and educator working in interactive and digital media with a focus on music and sound. His research interests include digital creativity, computational aesthetics, and the philosophy of technology. He is Professor of Digital Arts at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia.

S. Alex Ruthmann is Associate Professor of Music Education and Music Technology at New York University Steinhardt, Director of the NYU Music Experience Design Lab, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Music, Technology & Education.