A Gentle Introduction to SuperCollider

Learn SuperCollider with us! A powerful programming environment for real time sound synthesis

SuperCollider is one of the most joyful (and powerful) programming environments for real time sound synthesis and processing, algorithmic & generative composition, and many other audio related applications. It is widely used by artists and scientists alike for both research and artistic creation. It features a state-of-the-art sound engine and an easy to learn, fully featured object oriented language. Moreover, it is open source and totally free of charge. SuperCollider works on Mac, Windows, and Linux (including embedded systems such as the Raspberry Pi).

You will learn SuperCollider from scratch with seasoned instructor Bruno Tucunduva Ruviaro, who has 15 years of experience teaching SuperCollider to diverse audiences and is the author of the book "A Gentle Introduction to SuperCollider".

Please note: this workshop will happen fully online.

An intensive but gentle introduction to SuperCollider

This five-day workshop welcomes participants of any discipline with or without prior programming or musical experience. The class is aimed at musicians, composers, researchers, sound artists, programmers, and all computer & electronic music enthusiasts interested in learning more about SuperCollider.

If you have no prior experience, we will guide you through the creation of your first sounds, instruments and musical structures in SuperCollider.

If you have some prior experience with SuperCollider or other similar software, you will be able to move more quickly into advanced topics with help and advice from the instructor.

This is a project-based class in which you will learn the practical skills you need to achieve your goals. People of all computer skill levels are welcome. Participants immediately start working on projects the first day and are expected to finish a short project by the last day. We will end the week with a listening session where all participants will play and discuss their final projects.

Schedule

• Monday July 6 to Friday July 7
• Everyday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (California time), with one hour for lunch
• 30 hours of instruction time total
• Note: California time in July is PST which is the same as UTC-7.

Fee

Full time participation: $200

Diversity in Computer Music Scholarship

A limited number of scholarships are available to promote the engagement of students from underrepresented backgrounds in the field of electronic and computer music, including women, ethnic and gender minorities. For more information, please visit this page.

Course Contents

What is SuperCollider and how it compares to other programming environments such as Pd and Max/MSP

Patterns: Pbind and family

UGens (Unit Generators)

Building your own Synth Definitions (SynthDef)

Brief demo of synthesis techniques: additive, subtractive, AM, FM, granular synthesis

Synth Server & Language

Using external controllers (MIDI or OSC)

Building GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) in SuperCollider

The course is based on the book A Gentle Introduction to SuperCollider by Bruno Ruviaro, and additional topics are normally covered more in depth according to students' interests and questions.

About the Instructor

Bruno Ruviaro is a composer and author of the book "A Gentle Introduction to SuperCollider" (2014). He was Associate Professor of composition and electronic music at Santa Clara University until 2025, where he also directed SCLOrk - the Santa Clara Laptop Orchestra. He has taught the SuperCollider workshop at CCRMA for multiple years since 2011. He is now based in Brazil where he teaches at University of São Paulo. You can listen to some of Bruno's music here: http://brunoruviaro.com/FAQ — SuperCollider Workshop

1) What can I do with SuperCollider?
You can create sounds from scratch instead of relying on presets—synths, beats, textures, sound effects, even live performances. It’s great for experimenting and finding ideas you wouldn’t get from typical tools.

2) I’ve heard it’s super difficult to learn.
It has that reputation because it’s different from most music software. But taken step by step, it’s very doable. Start simple, build gradually, and things begin to make sense quickly.

3) Why should I take this workshop?
Because it helps you understand what’s actually happening with sound. You won’t just use tools—you’ll build your own, and know how to shape them the way you want.

4) Do I need programming experience?
No. You’ll learn just enough as you go. If you already know some coding, great—but it’s not necessary to get started.

5) Is this only for experimental music?
Not at all. It works for electronic music, film, games, installations, or general sound design. You can go experimental, but you don’t have to.

6) Which of my favourite artists have used it?
Quite a few, especially in electronic and experimental scenes. It’s widely used in academia and live coding communities, and has been used by artists like Aphex Twin (in related environments), as well as many contemporary composers and sound artists working today.