Performing Sequences: Interaction and Instrumentality in the Design of a Performable Sequencing System

Roberto Chiurazzi, Anna Xambó, and Charalampos Saitis

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

Sequencers play a central role in electronic music practice, yet are rarely treated as instruments capable of supporting real-time interaction with sufficient creative flexibility for improvisation. This paper investigates how a sequencing system can be designed as a performable instrument. We present a digital MIDI sequencer implemented in Pure Data, based on Euclidean rhythms and extended through direction-based melodic traversal, rhythmic–melodic coupling, and constrained modulation. Two improvised compositions performed by the first author provide a practice-based evaluation of the system’s performability in live use. The findings suggest that low-dimensional, rule-based control and clear gesture–outcome relationships can support interaction-driven improvisation while preserving performer agency and authorship. This work contributes to the NIME community by offering design strategies and practice-based evaluation insights for treating sequencers as performance instruments.

Citation

Roberto Chiurazzi, Anna Xambó, and Charalampos Saitis. 2026. Performing Sequences: Interaction and Instrumentality in the Design of a Performable Sequencing System. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20784478 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@inproceedings{nime2026_159,
 abstract = {Sequencers play a central role in electronic music practice, yet are rarely treated as instruments capable of supporting real-time interaction with sufficient creative flexibility for improvisation. This paper investigates how a sequencing system can be designed as a performable instrument. We present a digital MIDI sequencer implemented in Pure Data, based on Euclidean rhythms and extended through direction-based melodic traversal, rhythmic–melodic coupling, and constrained modulation. Two improvised compositions performed by the first author provide a practice-based evaluation of the system’s performability in live use. The findings suggest that low-dimensional, rule-based control and clear gesture–outcome relationships can support interaction-driven improvisation while preserving performer agency and authorship. This work contributes to the NIME community by offering design strategies and practice-based evaluation insights for treating sequencers as performance instruments.},
 address = {London, United Kingdom},
 articleno = {159},
 author = {Roberto Chiurazzi and Anna Xambó and Charalampos Saitis},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.20784478},
 editor = {Benedict Gaster and João Tragtenberg and Anna Xambó and Tom Mitchell},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 note = {},
 numpages = {5},
 pages = {1282--1286},
 title = {Performing Sequences: Interaction and Instrumentality in the Design of a Performable Sequencing System},
 track = {paper},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2026/nime2026_159.pdf},
 year = {2026}
}