Session - Scaler for Musicking

Date: June 10, 2025 5-6pm

Format: Hybrid (In-person with online access)

Tags: #workshop • #musicking • #music • #scales • #chords • #chord progression

NOTE: I am still trying to setup an NYU ZOOM link but having access problems.

This will be an introductory workshop on Scaler 3. It helps exploring scales, chords, chord progressions and musical phrases from different genres, for your multi-track compositions.

Scaler is a standalone desktop application and also a VST for DAWS (see cheatcode for acronyms)

How to download a 30-day trial version?

Create an account with scalermusic. https://scalermusic.com/redeem/

After login, In your dashboard, you'll see "Free trials"

Download and install "Scaler 3 free trial"

Requirements

Laptop

WIFI (nyu) if you haven't downloaded it already

Headphones (optional but recommended, maybe the ER may have extras)

Midi keyboard if you have one (optional but recommended)

Music theory is not required, that's why we have Scaler :)

A fantastic resource for learning music as a beginner

Learning music by Ableton

Slide Notes

Disclaimers:

Scaler 3 was released very recently, so it's more of a stable beta release. It is very functional though there are few minor glitches

I am also a beginner on Scaler 3. I have used Scaler 2 but Scaler 3 has been completely revamped.

Warning: glitch found!

You'll either need a MIDI keyboard

OR have a DAW installed, say Ableton Live

Cheatcode for code secrets

DAWs: Digital Audio Workstations They allow you to mix, compose, record audio and midi tracks into a song. Examples: GarageBand, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Bitwig.

VST: Virtual Studio Technology VSTs are plugin extensions to a DAW, some are instruments, some are effects.

MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface A standard for communicating between digital music instruments, such as electronic keyboards. It is also a file format for electronic music. And it's also a a standard spec for physical connectors, 5-pin MIDI.