Music & Vibe Coding
July 29, 2025
There’s been quite a bit of noise lately about music, AI, and this thing called vibe coding. I think it’s worth paying attention. At their intersection is a toolkit that’s powerful, playful, and increasingly accessible to creators who don’t come from a traditional tech background.
Do I think AI-composed music is the most artistic thing in the world? Probably not. But that’s not really the point. What AI has done is open a door! It helps folks like me with little or no experience in HTML, CSS, or Java Script, to bring ideas to life. My high school computer literacy class didn’t cover any of those languages. Maybe it does now. But even if it did, the game has changed again.
This week, AI helped me prototype something I’ve been thinking about for years: a metronome that listens like a human. Sure, it clicks on the beat like a standard metronome, but flip it into human mode and now we’re talking. It allows subtle tempo fluctuation from beat to beat, simulating the feel of playing with real people. Slide the fader left and it’s like jamming with someone who has impeccable time. Slide it right and you’ll feel the difference.
Enjoy it. Play with it. Let it mess with your groove a little. Just don’t tell your teacher you practiced with a robot.
Check out my new metronome creation here
Without Words EP June 24, 2022
June 21, 2022
This album has been in the making since late 2020! While the world outside became full of pandemic news and politics, I stayed in and worked to learn more about analog and digital synthesizers. As I worked in the later evenings of the early pandemic, I started see a combination of synth sounds and acoustic instruments as a goal.
As the project progressed I submitted a grant proposal at the Regional Arts & Culture Council in Portland, Oregon, USA. With this support I was able to work with Clara Baker at The Rye Room. Clara shared her voice and guitar magic on 12.26.2020! The team also include the wonderful contributions of Tara Velarde on 04.02.2021. Matt Greco of The Rye Room did a wonderful job mastering each track!
This album is all about the things that take your breath away. The beautiful, the amazing, horrible, sad, happy, things that are a part of the being a human on this planet. Many folks like me often choose other forms of expressions when words just can’t get the point across.
You can support this project by visiting: https://drtimothyvancleave.bandcamp.com/releases
On June 24, 2022 this record will be available on all streaming platforms and places you can purchase music digitally. I generally buy music from Bandcamp because it is a platform that supports artists in a sustainable way and finds ways to support others beyond the artist community.
That’s all I’ve got for now! See y’all soon,
-TVC
Charles Jordan Community Center: Active Aging Community Fair
September 19, 2017
I’ll be playing solo vibraphone on September 26, 2017 from 10:30AM – 11:30AM at the 1st Annual Charles Jordan Community Center Active Aging Community Fair.
For more information: Active Aging Community Fair flyer 2017
-TVC
I’m excited to let you know about Fringe Percussion’s upcoming production Boundless 2015.
For information visit:
http://www.fringepercussion.com/upcoming_events.html
To purchase tickets online visit:
http://m.bpt.me/event/1285421
Check out the write-up in the Georgia Straight:
http://www.straight.com/listings/events/410606
It’s going to be amazing!
See you there.
Ethos Collective: Call for Scores
December 17, 2014
Hi composer friends!
Ethos Collective is collaborating with Vancouver Pro Musica in the new year. There is a call for scores. For more information visit http://vancouverpromusica.ca/pro-musica-event/call-scores-ethos-collective/
I look forward to some great new pieces!
-TVC
Sunday November 17th CHAMBERCON
November 11, 2013
Sidewalk Cellist “Freedom From Want”….
November 5, 2013
Hi Everyone,
I’ve been very happy to have such awesome opportunities over the last couple of months. This summer I spent a couple of days in the recording studio with Clara – The Sidewalk Cellist – making drum tracks for her record Freedom From Want. Recently the recording as been released at www.sidewalkcellist.bandcamp.com and is available for instant downloading. For more information and to find out which charity the proceeds of this record will be donated to visit www.sidewalkcellist.com.
-Timothy Van Cleave
October Update and The Sidewalk Cellist’s Freedom From Want
October 2, 2013
October 2013 is a month of exciting opportunities for musical collaborations. Several awesome projects this month include performing as the principal percussionist for the Vancouver New Music Festival Chamber Opera, Music on Main’s presentation of Steve Reich’s Drumming, Anita Eccelston’s Quartet at the Kozmik Zoo, and a special surprise performance with The Sidewalk Cellist.
Here is a taste of The Sidewalk Cellist’s upcoming album Freedom From Want!
http://soundcloud.com/clarashandler/stranger-unreleased-single
If you aren’t hip to SoundCloud now is a great time to have a browse.
Stay tuned for more!
Welcome and keep in touch
August 8, 2013
Welcome to my website. I know this site has been up for a little while, but let me tell you about some new things. You can see my Calendar page for new shows, concerts, and other awesome projects that I’m involved with. Also recently I’ve put up some pictures on the new Photos page.
Here are a few suggestions to make sure you stay connected.
1. Follow me on Twitter @TAVanCleave
2. Like my FaceBook page
3. If you want to contact me directly you can click use the contact form below.
Currently, I’m working to raise funding for a couple of really awesome projects. Here is some info about the first project.
I would like to in its you all to be a part of an upcoming recording project with my pal Clara, the Sidewalk Cellist. Together we are combining forces to create an amazing record enjoyable for everyone. It’s a diverse project fusing ideas and influence from the many genres of music we both love. Of course you are going to love it too!
Clara’s compositions are emitting jazzy lines and sassy lyrics that are challenging me in new ways. In my creative process I am working to create certain blended time feels to give the music a little swunk. In the quest to cook up a few new grooves and concepts I started to have dreams of using a sweet sounding ride cymbal. Not just any cymbal, but one with a brilliant sound that blends well with the sound of the cello and voice.
Also I’ve allowed myself to indulge in creating a new type of musical environment that seeks to blends my musical endeavours with the creativity of others to create a new sound. Dreaming big requires a lot of support from everyone. I’m currently working to squeeze in time to dream and time to compose so this project gains some momentum. Hit me up if you want to chat about it.
You can help out too! A friend from my university days has helped create Patron21, which is a subscription based fundraising platform for musicians. Take a visit to my page to see what kind of rewards you can receive for helping me along my path.
Best wishes to all!
In August 2013
August 2, 2013
Check out the calendar page for upcoming events in August! I hope to see you out and about.
TVC
Timothy Van Cleave 