Welcome
This site provides resources for learning how to create digital music using Python code. You can find TunePad curriculum, tutorials, games, puzzles, and more. This materials is designed for learners who are new to both music and coding.
What is TunePad?
- TunePad a free, online platform for creating music with Python code.
- TunePad was developed at Northwestern University with funding from the National Science Foundation.
- TunePad is free for everyone to use. We don't make money from advertising, and we will never sell your personal information.
What is Python?
- Python is one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world.
- Python is easy to read and write, which makes it a popular choice for beginners.
- It’s also powerful, which makes it a good choice for professionals.
- Python is used for data science, artificial intelligence, web development, art, music, and video game development.
- Python is a “text-based” language, which means that you type code instead of dragging blocks.
Getting Started
Our getting started activities are designed for beginners who are new to both music and Python programming.
Quick Start Guide
Get started creating music with code. This guide walks through the basics of coding music with Python in TunePadBeginner
Why Music and Code?
Why would anyone want to make music with Python code?Beginner
Chicago House Beat
In this warmup activity create a Chicago House beat with Python code.Beginner
Rhythm and Tempo
Learn about beat, tempo and the foundations of rhythmBeginner
TunePad Song Tutorials
TunePad tutorials give step-by-step instructions for recreating popular songs.
Chicago House Beat
In this warmup activity create a Chicago House beat with Python code.Beginner
Bad Bunny Remix
Learn to use lists in Python to create chords. Practice using chords together to make progressions.Beginner
Halloween Theme
Practice using functions and parameters in Python to play repeated patterns. Practice with variables, lists, and operatorsIntermediate
Interstellar Theme
Recreate the iconic melody from the movie, Interstellar.Beginner
TunePad Puzzlers
TunePad puzzlers are games and challenges designed to sharpen your music+coding skills.
Fix Someone Like You
Adele is sad because of the code someone wrote for her song in TunePad. See if you can make the Python program better.Intermediate
Underwater Mystery Melody
See if you can fix all of the syntax errors to reveal the mystery melody!Beginner
Suspenseful Mystery Melody
See if you can fix all of the syntax errors to reveal the mystery melody!Intermediate
Dark Side Mystery Melody
See if you can fix all of the syntax errors to reveal the mystery melody!Intermediate
TunePad Interactives
TunePad interactives are tools to help explore the connections between music and code.
Interactive Drum Kit
Learn the names and sounds of percussion instruments. Get the TunePad command to play different drum sounds.TunePad Drum Scope
See waveforms for different accoustic drum sounds. Create your own drum patterns and see the resulting TunePad code.TunePad Beat Composer
Experiment with digital drum sounds and create your own rhythmic patterns for TunePad.TunePad Documentation
Ready to dig in? Read the documentation for all of the TunePad functions and modules.