Connecting Python to Ableton for Music Creation

Introduction

• Presenter: Mark Evansen
• Objective: Connect Python to Ableton for music creation

Part 1: Setup and Computer Settings

• Ableton Setup

  • Start with a blank Ableton session with three MIDI parts:
    1. Drum kit
    2. Ethereal Theremin whistle
    3. Electric bass
  • Record enable all three tracks to hear playback

• MIDI Setup on Mac

  • Use IAC (Inter-Application Communication) for MIDI communication between programs
  • Steps to setup IAC:
    • Go to Audio MIDI Setup
    • Navigate to Window -> Show MIDI Studio
    • Double-click on IAC Driver to open settings
    • Ensure "Device is online" is checked
    • Add 3-4 MIDI ports (only one needed for this setup)
  • In Ableton, set MIDI input for each part to IAC Driver Bus 1
  • Assign MIDI channels:
    • Drums: Channel 1
    • Theremin: Channel 2
    • Bass: Channel 3

Python Setup

• IDE

  • Use Thonny IDE for its simple and uncluttered interface

• Python Libraries

  • Install Scamp Suite (via pip or Thonny's Manage Packages tool)
  • Scamp Extensions (optional)

• Python Script Overview

  • Import Scamp library
  • Create session object with tempo of 100 stored in variable s
  • Create instruments using session object:
    • Drum part: MIDI messages over IAC Bus 1, Channel 1
    • Theremin part: Channel 2
    • Bass part: Channel 3
  • Script structure:
    • Infinite loop to play notes on drums, theremin, and bass
    • Play note parameters: pitch, volume (0-1), duration (beats)

Adding Randomization and Effects

• Use Python's random library for randomization
  • Drum pitch: random.randint(36, 45)
  • Bass pitch: Same as drums
  • Theremin pitch: Glissando effect with [80, 78]
  • Randomize durations using random.uniform(0.2, 1.3)
• Add acceleration effect with s.set_tempo_target(1000, 50)

Additional Information

• Next steps: Creating a slap bass part
• Resources:
  • Code available in video description
  • Early access and additional resources available on Patreon
• Patreon supports Scamp development efforts

Conclusion

• This video focused on the setup for integrating Python with Ableton
• Upcoming videos will delve into more creative aspects of music making with Python