A Process Algebra for Stochastic Music Composition

The Musical Weighted Synchronous Calculus of Communicating Systems (MWSCCS) process algebra is presented. The algebra permits the design of stochastic automata which perform a variety of musically interesting behaviours, including both vertical and horizontal reactive behaviour between processes. A notable feature is the ability to formally model complex stochastic musical systems with a simple notation having a rigorous formal semantics. This permits the formal analysis of musical systems, and is a basis for deriving well-founded implementations. MWSCCS complements other music formalisms that use trace theory, Petri Nets, and Markov processes.