2. About the Tutorial Manual

This document consists of a number of different tutorials, each focusing on different aspects of the athenaCL system from the perspective of the user. Following the tutorials are appendices, providing documentation useful for reference. Much of this reference documentation is also available from within athenaCL. This document does not offer a complete description of the history, context, and internal structure of the athenaCL system; such a description, including comparative analysis to related historical and contemporary systems and detailed explanation of object models and interactions, is provided in the text An Open Design for Computer-Aided Algorithmic Music Composition: athenaCL (Ariza 2005a). Numerous additional articles are available that explore aspects of the athenaCL system in detail (Ariza 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005b, 2006, 2007a, 2007b). Users interested in code-level work, either modifying or extending the athenaCL system, should consult these additional resources.

The tutorials need not be done in any particular order, but should be chosen depending on interests. All users should read Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 to gain familiarity with the interface and basic athenaCL concepts. Users interested in composing music with athenaCL should then read Chapter 5, Chapter 6, and Chapter 7. Returning to Chapter 3 may be necessary for more details on Paths, and advanced users should read Chapter 9. Users interested in tools for set-theory, voice-leading, or pitch analysis should focus on Chapter 3, Chapter 4, and Chapter 8.