Like a Game Jam but for Music

What is this?

The “Like a Game Jam but for Music” jam is a game jam-style jam where instead of making games, we’re going to make music, both individually and together. We’re going to use the game jam format as a means of inspiration and motivation for us to make some music in a relaxed, communal setting.

How will it work?

Similar to a game jam, everyone will pick a theme at the start of the jam. If you’ve never done a game jam before, the idea is that this will guide the music you make, and possibly push you in a direction you wouldn’t normally follow. You can work individually or with others, but we will all be making music together in a relatively small space, so please bring headphones.

It’s expected that most people will spend the majority of their time working on a single piece of music, but you’ll also be asked to produce a loop of some kind in C Major. At the end of the day, we’ll hook up everyone to a mixing desk and play all the loops simultaneously, bringing them in and out at different times using the faders. Essentially, we’re going to create a unique piece of music together, a kind of minimalist composition in the vein of Terry Riley’s In C or Brian Eno’s Music for Airports. This part is optional, but should be fun.

When and where is the jam taking place?

The jam will take place on 30th August 2025, 10:00 → 16:00 in the Conference Room of Dundee Central Library in the Wellgate.

The conference room is on the upper floor of the library, across from the staircase. There will be a sign on the door to indicate this is where the jam is taking place.

What should I bring?

The main things to bring are music-making equipment and headphones. As we’ll all be working in the same space on different pieces of music it’s expected that everyone will be working with laptops and/or synthesizers, as acoustic instruments will be a little difficult to accommodate without disturbing the other people in the jam.

Feel free to bring your own lunch etc. or take advantage of any of the shops and cafes nearby. There’s no specific refreshment breaks written into the schedule, but participants are encouraged to take regular breaks as and when it suits them.

Code of Conduct

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. Participating in the “Like a Game Jam but for Music” jam constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance to abide by our Code of Conduct which you can find linked here.

The use of generative AI is not permitted during the jam.

Event schedule

• 10:00 → 10:15: Folks arrive, get set up
• 10:15 → 10:30: Intro
• 10:30 → 10:45: Individual theme selection
• 10:45 → 15:00: Make some music
• 15:00 → 15:30: Listening party
• 15:30 → 15:45: “In C”-style group performance (see How will it work? for details)
• 15:45 → 16:00: Tidy up