Numerology Techniques #1 : Getting Started

This is the first in a series of video tutorials about Numerology 2. This video covers the basics of working with the MonoNote sequencing module, Audio Unit synthesizers and effects, and a bit about working with Presets.

The musical example used in the video is very much like the classic early tracks by Tangerine Dream, such as Rubycon and Phaedra: an 8-step sequence with a dotted-quarter note delay. Back then, they the Moog 960 sequencing module; it was one of the first step-sequencing devices ever built, and easily the most popular. In fact, you can still buy replicas of that module today. It represented what is true of many great musical instruments: "easy to learn, a lifetime to master".

The same can be said for the compositional technique it implemented : step sequencing. This is perhaps the easiest way to compose music: pick a few notes, and have some device play them in order, one after the other. The musical term for this is an ostinato.

If you create a few of these patterns, then alternate between them as you play, you're well on your way to making some real music. In the rarefied world of classical art music, there is a whole genre of compositions that have been written using this pattern-sequencing technique. It is traditionally referred to as minimalism.

In art music of the last 35 years, the term minimalism is sometimes applied to music which displays some or all of the following features: repetition (often of short musical phrases, with minimal variations over long periods of time, ostinati) or stasis (often in the form of drones and long tones); emphasis on consonant harmony; a steady pulse; hypnotic effect; sometimes use of phase shifting where sound waves gradually move out of sync with each other. (from Wikipedia)

Composers that have used this technique include Philip Glass, John Cage, LaMonte Young and Michael Nyman. So despite a seemingly simplistic structure, step sequencing and pattern sequencing are techniques that offer limitless possibilities, whether you just want to get a cool groove going, or sketch your your next Opera. These are techniques that anyone can learn, and with regular practice, build interesting compositions.

This video will walk you though through the first steps of sequencing with Numerology: First by adding sequencing and synthesier modules to a project, then programming some notes into the sequencer, and then using presets to create multiple patterns.

The example file here has the same patterns as in the video, but uses the Apple DLS Synthesizer module, so you can run it regardless of what AudioUnits you have installed on your system.