Get groovy with Sonic Pi

You asked, and we delivered: today, we are introducing our six new Sonic Pi projects for Code Clubs!

What is Sonic Pi?

Sonic Pi is a programming environment that lets you create music and other sounds with code while learning programming concepts at the same time.

Despite the name, you don’t need a Raspberry Pi to get started with Sonic Pi. If you do have one, Sonic Pi is included with Raspbian, but it is also available as a free download for MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

Our new Sonic Pi projects

Some of you already have experience with Sonic Pi, so it’s no wonder that so many of you asked for some projects for your clubs in our last survey! The scope of what you can make with Sonic Pi is incredible – from live DJ sets, to indoor musical rocketry, to a winning Pioneers entry!

So what do we have for you to get your groove on?

Compose Your Own Tune

Bored of the standard buzz or ring of your doorbell? Get creative and code your own personalised chime. You can even download the tune and make a ringtone for your phone or notification sound for your tablet or PC!

Drum Loop

Get more boom for your tish with the Drum Loop project, in which you will learn to create a drum solo, with added intro and outro. Whatever you compose, it will always need more cowbell!

Special Effects

You’ve already been coding games in Scratch, and now it’s time to add a wow factor by including some special effect sounds. Suspense, horror, action, and more — whatever your game’s genre, Sonic Pi will make it stand out from the rest.

Code the Tetris Theme Tune

The world’s most infectious earworm is now yours to create. Learn how to convert sheet music into code and mix your own version of the classic Tetris theme tune: the Russian folk dance Korobeiniki.

Musical Round

From music class to school trips, everyone had practiced their skills at singing in the round. With the Musical Round project resource, you will learn how to stagger code to play the same tune at different times. Frère Jacques, anyone?

Live DJ

Sam Aaron, the creator of Sonic Pi, uses his software to code live music for the audience of his events. Be like Sam Aaron using the Live DJ project, in which you will learn how to add and edit code without stopping the music.

Do more with Sonic Pi

If you’re itching to get lost in the world of Sonic Pi, or to improve your skills, you could also check out The MagPi Magazine’s Sonic Pi Essentials guide. As with all publications from The MagPi team, the Essentials guides are available as a free PDF download online, or in physical form for £3.99 via The Pi Hut.

We can’t wait to see what awesome Sonic Pi creations come from Code Clubs across the UK! Make sure to tag us and Sonic Pi on Facebook and Twitter with any music you think we’d like to see, and always keep your Code Club Regional Coordinator in the loop — they love to show off the creativity of their clubs.