Coding like a DJ with Sonic Pi: hands-on workshop

A hands-on workshop with Sam Aaron, creator of Sonic Pi, in which he'll guide you through how you can create music using code.

This is event is part of the Family Open Day in the Department of Computer Science and Technology and is part of the Cambridge Festival.

Sonic Pi is ‘a new kind of instrument for a new generation of musicians’. A free beginner-friendly tool for creating music with computer code, anyone and everyone can use Sonic Pi.

Join us for this beginner-friendly introductory workshop where Sam Aaron, creator of Sonic Pi, will demonstrate that Sonic Pi is not just a powerful tool for professional musicians, but is also simple enough to teach computer science whilst having fun making music.

Together we will learn how to code fresh beats, driving bass lines and shimmering synth riffs. All this whilst exploring core computer science concepts such as sequencing, functions, variables, loops, data structures and algorithms. Expect to leave wanting to start your own live coding band!

This workshop is suitable for everyone from the age of 10 upwards and no prior knowledge of coding or music is necessary. We ask that children under the age of 13 are accompanied by an adult during the workshop.

Participants may also wish to attend the live Sonic Pi demonstration session (separate booking required) that takes place in the morning, before this workshop.

Access

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is based in the Willam Gates Building 15 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FD. There is step-free access into the building and lifts up to the 2nd floor where this session will take place.

Directions and parking

The Department is accessible via public transport. It is a 15-minute walk from Madingley Road Park & Ride. The 'U' bus stops on JJ Thomson Avenue, just before our building.