Learning and Embodying Algorithmic Music via the Pyramid Tala

Alex McLean , and Dan Stowell

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

The 15-step pyramid tala by mridangam percussionist B C Manjunath is introduced, as a frame for exploring algorithmicmusic through reciting syllables, without the use of a computer. The authors share their self-reports on learning to clap thetala while reciting patterns of syllables, and transforming them through algorithmic procedures inspired by South Indian,Carnatic rhythms. The experience of taking an embodied approach to learning algorithmic patterns is reflected on, interms of the relationship between simple rules with complex results, the value of learning to perform algorithms manually,the potential for inspiring new live coding languages, and the relationship between algorithmic musician and audience.

Citation

Alex McLean , and Dan Stowell. 2026. Learning and Embodying Algorithmic Music via the Pyramid Tala. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20741947 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@inproceedings{nime2026_alt_5,
 abstract = {The 15-step pyramid tala by mridangam percussionist B C Manjunath is introduced, as a frame for exploring algorithmicmusic through reciting syllables, without the use of a computer. The authors share their self-reports on learning to clap thetala while reciting patterns of syllables, and transforming them through algorithmic procedures inspired by South Indian,Carnatic rhythms. The experience of taking an embodied approach to learning algorithmic patterns is reflected on, interms of the relationship between simple rules with complex results, the value of learning to perform algorithms manually,the potential for inspiring new live coding languages, and the relationship between algorithmic musician and audience.},
 address = {London, United Kingdom},
 articleno = {5},
 author = {Alex McLean  and Dan Stowell},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.20741947},
 editor = {Allie Texeira Riggs and Giacomo Lepri and Yann Seznec},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 note = {},
 numpages = {7},
 pages = {22--28},
 presentation-video = {https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DV3RPS2-iZw},
 title = {Learning and Embodying Algorithmic Music via the Pyramid Tala},
 track = {alt.nime},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2026/nime2026_alt_5.pdf},
 year = {2026}
}