An Intermediate Mapping Layer for Interactive Sequencing

The definition of mapping strategies between input devices and sound generating algorithms is an essential process in computer music. Traditionally, mapping has been considered in the context of digital musical instruments where the control of low level sound features (note articulation, timbre) is the goal. This paper describes the motivation, implementation and example application of an intermediate mapping layer for interactive sequencing. Building upon the mapping literature, we expand it by exploring the control of predefined musical sequences, focusing on the ability to make spontaneous musical decisions, creative exploration by browsing, and easy mapping between devices. It involves a parameterization of rhythm, melody, and harmony along with collaborative mappings in both libmapper and Ableton Link.