Composition Tools
The following link will take you to a folder of Max patches that I have designed over the years to aid in different compositional situations. A brief description of each is given below.
Inclusion Set Tool: The user inputs any 3-10 pitch class set in prime form and the patch will display any derived subset or superset in addition to information like Forte number, interval vector, root(s) and dissonance level. The patch also allows for transpositions and inversions of the selected set. (in collaboration with Jamie Leigh Sampson and TR Beery)
Serial Trichord Tool: This tool allows the user to input a 12-tone pitch class row. All 48 transformations can be made to the row. The row is also associated with the 12 trichords. 0 = (012), 1 = (013) etc. The trichords will be transposed based on the pitch class in the 12-tone row. The user can then transpose or invert the set class around the pitch class in the 12-tone row. However, the set class can also be altered on each pitch class so as to not conform to a strictly serial application of the 12 trichords. In this way, the user can define unique pitch class set patterns that are still based upon the selected 12-tone row. The patch also allows for random row generation.
Serial Tetrachord Tool: The tool follows the basic model above. However, the user selects all tetrachords instead of using a row to define which set will be associated with a pitch class. All other features from the Trichord Tool remain.
Set Scale Tool: The tool allows for the user to input sets of 3-6 pitches in normal order. The tool then gives the user the relevant scales in which this set exists. This tool was inspired by George Russell’s Lydian Chromatic Concept.
Two Scale Tool: A simple patch that allows the user to display two different scales simultaneously on the screen. The scales include the Modes of Limited Transposition, Diatonic Modes, Acoustic Modes, Harmonic Minor Modes, and Harmonic Major Modes. The idea was for students who want to seamless morph between two scales in melodic writing.
Word Randomizer: A patch where the user can input a selection of text and choose the size of random output word groupings. The patch will randomly select words and group them into phrases. The was developed for a former student, Daniel Swartz, who was interest in nonsense poetry.
Word to Pitch Chromatic Tool: This tool associates letters to pitches where A-L = 0-11 and M-Y = 0-11. (Q and Z are skipped). The user can input any number of words and the patch will output a list of word/pitch list pairings. The was developed to create my piece “F*!#face Von Clownstick” for Nicholas Phillips’ 45 Miniatures project.