I'm wondering if there's any software that exists (shareware or freeware, better..) that allows one to set notes, chords, and possible sound files, and instruct the sequencer, for example, to create a 4-minute song in which a chord is played every five seconds, or every three measures, or whatever, until the song is over.

Ideally, one would be able to tell the sequencer to generate notes exactly on specific time intervals but also to be able to randomize them within user-specified limits.

What I have in mind at this point is to create an "ocean sounds" song for my kids, to have wave sounds, but also to play seagulls, wind, etc. at random intervals (within limits.)

I suppose a noise generator (for rain, wind, etc.) is OK too as long as it's randomizable.

If anyone knows of software that can do this kind of stuff, please let me know!

I looked into what it might take to create a generator to build MIDI files but I'm in over my head

thx
Andrew

Its PC only, but Koan would be perfect for what you want to do:

http://www.sseyo.com/products/koanpro/index.html

Supercollider is for Mac and can also do what you want. I haven't used it myself but have helped set up a couple of generative music installations that use it. You have to learn a new programming language but people seem to pick it up in a couple of weeks. And its free!

http://www.audiosynth.com/

Good luck!

Try PD ( http://puredata.info/ ) which is free, running on Unix and Mac, and works like Max/Msp, and is much easier than supercollider

Matthias

Max and supercollider, and their learning curves - don't you think it's a bit OTT for such a project?

My advice - Numerology by five12. You have to scramble your own ocean sounds. set up some samples or synth patches, but from then on it should be fairly simple for you to design your own marine environments. Have fun!

www.five12.com

Yup. But Cycling 74 has another little app called "M" that might be perfect.

http://www.cycling74.com/products/m

One not named here is Plogue Bidule, it may be able to do it too.