A 1-hour workshop exploring how to create music with code using Strudel.
Strudel: https://strudel.cc || Self-hosted option (install the PWA for best performance)
Site Gallery / Tutorial: https://strudel.patternclub.org/workshop/site-gallery
More Examples!: https://github.com/alienmind/algorave/tree/main/examples
This presentation: https://alienmind.github.io/algorave/#/algorave-strudel-workshop
- [08 mins] Introduction: Algorave Culture & Context
- [20 mins] Part 1: The Basics & Demo: Walkthrough of core functionalities
- [20 mins] Part 2a: Vibecoders track: If you just wanna play with LLM+MCP (BYOK!)
- [20 mins] Part 2b: Livecoders track: If you already know some music
- [02 mins] Part 3: Strudel Awards: maybe ;-)
- Web-based Live Coding: A port of TidalCycles (Haskell) to JavaScript - Open Source and community-driven!
- Zero Footprint: No installation required!
- Portability: Make music anywhere, on any device with a browser.
Algorithm + Rave = Algorave
- Live Creation: Music and visuals generated in real-time.
- Transparency: "Show us your screens" - the code is part of the performance.
- Diverse Tooling: While we use Strudel, others perform with TidalCycles, SonicPi, SuperCollider, etc.
- Visuals: Optional! Often coded live using Hydra, P5.js, etc.
I'm working on a side project - that integrates strudel knowledge base + LLM+MCP powered "composition" for "vibe" music coding. https://github.com/alienmind/algorave
Unfortunately not ready yet! - Stay tuned for the next workshop!
PLAN FOR TODAY: real livecoding and/or "some" vibe coding (w/ alternative implementation)
Follow along here: http://strudel.patternclub.org/workshop/site-gallery
- The basics - Making your first sounds + mininotation
- Rhythms, Polyrythms
- Sound and Synths libraries
- Some more advanced examples
- Raise your hand ✋ if you already know some music and wanna try livecoding.
- Lower your hand 👇 if you don't know any music or wanna be part of the vibe coding team.
IN REALITY: no need to choose, you can be both ;-)
So you want to "vibecode" some Strudel? Let's start by setting up an SSE enabled MCP server
- Calvin Williamson MCP-Strudel - Visit the web site
- SSE endpoint - https://mcp-strudel.mcp.mathplosion.com/sse/
Skip next slide: if you want to reuse my setup by using a GitHub codespace / devcontainer
Click on Code -> Codespaces -> Create codespace on main
Open your terminal and run:
Add the server to your configuration (~/.gemini/settings.json)
Open up side by side:
- MCP Strudel Website
- Optionally: Use my Strudel.cc fork (or Official Strudel.cc - not accessible with corporate laptops)
- Any terminal with Gemini CLI
- Pick the session_id from MCP, paste it to LLM as first prompt: "Use session_id: xxxx for Strudel operations" so it can interact with MCP server window
Try this prompt: Try "Write an amazing house track using Strudel".
- Follow Along: We will do some real livecoding. Feel free to copy what I do and modify it, or write your own!
- Experiment: Explore the examples, change numbers, upload new sounds, break things...
- Resources: Use the examples or the gallery, more free sounds available in freesound.org
Remember - ⚡ENERGY: YES! ✨QUALITY: NO! - you’re not looking for a perfect polished track, but something that feels good to you :)
Raise your hand if you wanna show what you've made!
Please see REFERENCES.md for a complete list of links and resources used in this workshop.





