TakoMusic

A domain-specific language (DSL) for music composition that generates VSQX, MusicXML, and MIDI files.

Features

• MFS Language: Write music using a simple, readable syntax
• Multi-format Export: Generate VSQX (Vocaloid), MusicXML (notation), and MIDI (instruments)
• Advanced MIDI: CC, pitch bend, aftertouch, NRPN, SysEx, MPE support
• Extended Notation: Tuplets, grace notes, articulations, dynamics, ornaments
• Vocaloid Support: Full parameter control, vibrato, growl, cross-synthesis
• Algorithmic Composition: Euclidean rhythms, Markov chains, pattern generation
• Module System: Organize code with imports/exports
• CLI Tools: Build, check, format, play, import, record, and render

Installation

npm install
npm run build

Quick Start

1. Create a new project

mf init myproject           # Default template
mf init myproject -t piano  # Piano template
mf init --list              # List all templates

2. Edit src/main.mf

export proc main() {
  title("My First Song");
  ppq(480);
  timeSig(4, 4);
  tempo(120);

  track(midi, piano, { ch: 1, program: 0 }) {
    at(1:1);
    chord([C4, E4, G4], 1n);
  }

  track(midi, drums, { ch: 10, vel: 100 }) {
    at(1:1);
    drum(kick, 4n); drum(hhc, 4n);
    drum(snare, 4n); drum(hhc, 4n);
  }
}

3. Build and play

mf check              # Check for errors
mf build              # Generate MIDI, MusicXML, VSQX
mf play               # Live preview with FluidSynth
mf render -p cli      # Render audio

CLI Commands

| Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | mf init [dir] | Initialize new project | | mf build | Compile to IR and output formats | | mf check | Static analysis | | mf fmt | Format source files | | mf play [file] | Live preview with FluidSynth | | mf import <file> | Import MusicXML to MFS | | mf record | Record MIDI input | | mf render -p <profile> | Render audio | | mf doctor | Check dependencies |

Available Templates: default, piano, orchestral, edm, chiptune, jazz, vocaloid, minimal

Documentation

• Language Specification - Complete language syntax, types, and operators

• Builtin Functions - Low-level runtime functions (IR operations, MIDI control)

• Standard Library - High-level music functions (theory, patterns, dynamics, etc.)

Language Basics

Pitch & Duration Literals

Pitches:

• Natural: C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, B4
• Sharp: C#4, D#4, F#4, G#4, A#4
• Flat: Db4, Eb4, Gb4, Ab4, Bb4

Durations:

• 1n = whole, 2n = half, 4n = quarter
• 8n = eighth, 16n = sixteenth, 32n = thirty-second
• 4n. = dotted quarter, 8n. = dotted eighth
• 480t = 480 ticks

Time:

• 1:1 = bar 1, beat 1
• 2:3 = bar 2, beat 3
• 1:1:240 = bar 1, beat 1, tick 240

Drum Names: kick, snare, hhc, hho, tom1, crash, ride

Control Structures

// Procedures
proc myPattern() {
  note(C4, 4n);
}

// Loops
for (i in 1..=4) {
  myPattern();
}

// Conditionals
if (x > 0) {
  note(C4, 4n);
} else {
  rest(4n);
}

Modules

// phrases/drums.mf
export proc BEAT_8() {
  drum(kick, 8n);
  drum(hhc, 8n);
}

// main.mf
import { BEAT_8 } from "./phrases/drums.mf";

export proc main() {
  track(midi, drums, { ch: 10 }) {
    for (bar in 1..=4) {
      BEAT_8();
    }
  }
}

Standard Library Import

import { major, minor } from "std:theory";
import { euclidean } from "std:patterns";
import { crescendo } from "std:dynamics";

Configuration (mfconfig.toml)

[project]
name = "my-song"
version = "1.0.0"
entry = "src/main.mf"
dist = "dist"
out = "out"

[profiles.cli]
backend = "headless"
musicxml_out = "dist/vocal.musicxml"
band_mid_out = "dist/band.mid"
render_out = "out/mix.mp3"
vocal_cmd = ["neutrino", "{musicxml}", "{vocal_wav}"]
midi_cmd = ["fluidsynth", "-ni", "soundfont.sf2", "{mid}", "-F", "{band_wav}"]
mix_cmd = ["ffmpeg", "-i", "{vocal_wav}", "-i", "{band_wav}", "-y", "{mix_wav}"]

External Tools

FluidSynth (Live Preview & MIDI Rendering)

# Windows
winget install FluidSynth.FluidSynth

# macOS
brew install fluid-synth

# Linux
apt install fluidsynth

NEUTRINO (Vocal Synthesis)

1. Download from official site
2. Set NEUTRINO_DIR environment variable
3. Configure vocal_cmd in mfconfig.toml

FFmpeg (Audio Mixing)

# Windows
winget install FFmpeg

# macOS
brew install ffmpeg

# Linux
apt install ffmpeg

Error Codes

| Code | Description | |------|-------------| | E050 | Global function called after track started | | E110 | Pitch out of range (0-127) | | E200 | Vocal note overlap | | E210 | Invalid/empty lyric in vocal track | | E220 | drum() used in vocal track | | E221 | chord() used in vocal track | | E300 | Top-level execution in imported module | | E310 | Recursion detected | | E400 | Import not found / undefined symbol / no main() | | E401 | For range bounds must be compile-time constants |

License

AGPL-3.0