Born in the 1970s, computer-assisted music (CAM) involves creating music using a digital instrument or computer software. The concept? Composing, recording and mixing audio tracks using virtual instruments and software functions,  

In the age of digital technologies, CAM is now used in electronic music and in all musical trends. Where does CAM come from? How do you produce computer-assisted music? What tools and software should you choose when starting out? Newzik sheds some light on the subject. 

Where does CAM come from?

The synthesizer at the origins of computer music 

Even before the advent of computer software and digital instruments, computer music first developed with the advent of the synthesizer. Introduced in 1971, the analog synthesizer's predecessor, the "minimoog", is used by pop, rock and jazz bands around the world.

What differentiates the sound produced by a minimoog from that of an acoustic instrument? Unlike sound produced directly by mechanical actions such as plucking, blowing, percussion or string rubbing, the synthesizer has the ability to reproduce all these sounds on its own. And without having to learn how to play the various instruments to create a complete piece of music.

While the sound of a synthesizer is no substitute for that of a classical guitar or piano, the synth has inspired an entire generation of musicians to exploit these new sounds in new musical genres.

💡 The very first computer-generated music was created in 1951, from a medley of the then English national anthem God Save The King, the children's nursery rhyme Baa Baa Black Sheep and Glenn Miller's jazz tune In The Mood. The song was originally created to test the program of a machine called "Baby".

The arrival of the first CAM software and virtual instruments 

Computer-assisted music developed with the arrival of the first personal computers. Computer software and its composition functions, accessible to all, revolutionized musical composition. 

CAM appeals to enthusiasts who want to learn music the easy way. That's right, sound editing functions are at your fingertips with a computer and training in the use of CAM software. 

Create music without having to master the rules of solfeggio it's possible! With software, composing and recording a piece of music becomes a real possibility for anyone curious about having fun with pre-recorded melodies. 

Learning and mastering the language of software is essential for creating your own CAM tracks. There are different types of CAM software: 

• The sequencer automates playing, synthesizer configuration and device control, and is indispensable for electronic music composition. 

• Computer-assisted musical instruments (CAMIs ) make it easier to perform and improvise, even without extensive musical knowledge. 

• The "tracker " audio software uses sound samples and guarantees highly accurate sound reproduction. 

• The software at music notation produces scores, and the software synthesizers simulate real instruments. 

• The effect plug-in offers a variety of audio modifications.

• The educational software lets you learn the basics of music (solfeggio) on your own, through exercises (note recognition, sound recognition, etc.). 

How do I create and record CAM ?  

Would you like to start producing CAM ? To create and record computer-assisted music, you need to respect a few rules and equipment requirements. We'll guide you through them! 

1.get the right hardware: computer and software 

Start by equipping yourself with a computer powerful enough to run CAM software. Use high-quality headphones or studio speakers for listening. To play virtual instruments, you can use a MIDI keyboard .

Then opt for software from CAM such as : 

✅ Ableton Live,

✅ FL Studio,

✅ Logic Pro

✅ Pro Tools,

✅ GarageBand (for Mac users)

✅ Audacity or LMMS (both freeware) 

2.create a melody and start composing 

Start by imagining a melody, a few chords and a rythm. Then play your tune on a MIDI keyboard, guitar, or draw notes directly into your chosen software.

Add virtual instruments included in your software or plug-ins to create instrument sounds such as pianos, synthesizers, electronic drums and so on. Then create different tracks for each instrument or musical part (melody, bass, drums, etc.). Use editing functions to adjust note duration, volumes and effects, and create smooth transitions between parts. 

3.record and mix your composition 

If you play a musical instrument or sing, record your performance in the software using a microphone.

Adjust volume, EQ, reverb, compression and other effects on each track to achieve the desired sound. Once the mix is complete, proceed with mastering to finalize the track, balance the overall volume and prepare the track for broadcast.

Would you like to rework your song using sheet music? Export your audio track from CAM to your Newzik library to transpose, annotate or edit it.annotate and play it right from the application!

🎶 Trying to perfect your skills at CAM ? Record your audios on computer software, then export them to Newzik ! Share, annotate and transpose your virtual composition into a dynamic score thanks to NewzikWeb. Let's play!