vectorscores is a new series of dynamic compositions by John Teske. The scores are written algorithmically so the works as a whole are crafted but the details are unique for each performance.

John has been exploring ways to express complex ideas to musicians given limitations on rehearsal time, funding, and location. vectorscores uses web technology to create scores and parts for musicians that use animation to present musical material, generate and update parts in real-time, and allow a musician's choices to influence other players' parts.

vectorscores is iterative and transparent, with a public code repository and the latest progress published to the website. The project is a continual work in progress, with every rehearsal and performance helping the composer further shape the works and clarify notation.

Advantages over traditional scores

  • online access to scores via web browser
  • use of animation
  • tutorial function for education and to aid in rehearsal—useful when dealing with complex music, tight timelines and budgets, or the absence of the composer
  • unique musical possibilities including: parts generated based on input, collaboration, realtime generation of musical material, etc.
  • vector graphics can be scaled and manipulated without loss of quality

How to Perform

Server options

  • View and perform the scores from vectorscores.org
  • Clone the repository and run a local webserver

Viewing options

  • View on any internet-enabled device
  • When running locally, use a (W)LAN to serve the scores. By running the websockets server you can also perform scores with individual parts.
  • Use a video splitter to view the same score on multiple screens
  • Project the image for performers (projecting for the audience is less ideal in a concert setting)

Read more about running vectorscores locally.

Contributing

  • Performances. Perform works created with vectorscores. Contact me and I'll list performances here along with links to any audio and video documentation.
  • Compositions. Use the vectorscores framework to compose your own score. You are welcome to use my work a starting point—but please make them your own!
  • Repository. I encourage feedback and contributions to this project. Feel free to submit issues and pull requests!

Licenses

The vectorscores framework is released under the MIT License. Copyright of compositions resulting from code and parameters using the framework belong to the composer.

Support

vectorscores is supported by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

Roadmap

Public access to works

  • public-facing website
  • open source repository
  • clone or download repository to run on local machine or WLAN
  • documentation of premiere performances and other performances as available
  • download pre-selected vector files and pdfs of scores (TODO)
  • download generated vector files and pdfs of scores (TODO)