An Introduction to Live Coding and Music – with Alex McLean (Upper Chapel, Sheffield)

Discover music-making through code in this beginner-friendly Sheffield workshop

An Introduction to Live Coding and Music is a hands-on creative workshop led by Alex McLean, offering a welcoming entry point into the world where music, patterns, and code meet.

Taking place at Sheffield’s historic Upper Chapel, this relaxed daytime session is designed for complete beginners — no prior experience in coding or music-making is required. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to experiment with sound.

What is live coding?

Live coding is a creative practice where music is made by writing and changing code in real time. In this workshop, Alex introduces Strudel, the open-source platform he co-instigated, which allows complex rhythms and musical patterns to be created using just a few lines of simple, readable code.

Participants will explore:

• How musical patterns can emerge from code

• Creating and modifying rhythms by listening and adjusting live

• The relationship between repetition, variation, and sound

• How coding can be an expressive, playful musical tool

The emphasis is on learning by listening and experimenting, rather than technical theory.

Who is it for?

This workshop is suitable for:

• Beginners with no experience in coding or music

• Musicians curious about new creative tools

• Coders interested in sound and rhythm

• Anyone interested in pattern, creativity, and digital art

What to bring

Participants should bring a laptop or similar device with:

• A web browser

• Audio output (able to make sound)

• Access to: https://strudel.cc/

Part of Music in the Round Sheffield

This event forms part of Music in the Round Sheffield’s Percussion, Pattern & Primes weekend.

Booking offers

• Save 20% when booking 10 or more Music in the Round Sheffield events in one transaction

• Save 10% when booking 5 or more events in one transaction

🎟 Tickets & full details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/an-introduction-to-live-coding-and-music