Here at Vilros, we strive to bring you the most current DIY projects that Raspberry Pi has to offer.  How would you like to be in a band without auditioning or traveling?  Well, with a few easy processes, some blocks of code, and some imagination, you can make your own music!

Before we start, you will need to…

• Install Scratch 3 Software (Online or Offline) &
• Ensure your computer can run it.

1.  Start from ‘Scratch’

You must make sprites to code for musical ability. If you’re working online, go here! The offline editor can be downloaded as well.

2. Find a Sprite that’s Outta Sight!

• Delete the cat mascot with a right-click; the band doesn’t need a pet.
• Scroll down to Choose sprite from library
• Click a drum kit to add code to and drag it to the stage area on the right.
• After clicking File, name your project and Save Now if using the online version or, if offline Save to your Computer

3. TO THE STAGE!

Make your boring stage a lil bit funky; click Choose a Backdrop, then Indoors to give your theatre the look it deserves.

4. Bang the Drum Slowly…or Quickly. Whatever you like!

Search the Scripts tab for the color-coded code blocks.

• Click on Add extension, then Music.
• Link the clicking of the drum kit sprite to a quarter of a snare beat using the yellow and green blocks of code.  Make sure your code blocks are rockin’ by testing them!
• You can pick a key to press and a different type of drum or length of playing later, or simply duplicate the stretch of code you’ve chosen.

5. Add a Swingin’ Singer with a Choice Voice

Any sprite can stand onstage, but you need to give your front man or front woman sound.

• Click on Sounds tab, then Choose a Sound.
• Click on Voice, then assign a voice to your sprite.
• Link the voice to the clicking of the sprite with yellow and purple code blocks as before! Play with sprites and sounds later as you see fit.

6. You’ve Got the Look!

A stage performer is only as good as the last look.  Keep it fresh to get booked or get the hook!

Use the Looks Tab to experiment with costumes for when a singer is and isn’t singing. Make that Drum look like it’s being played.  Always test each stretch of code when you add it so your band is on point.

7. Nuts & Bolts

• Add backing vocalists, pianos, or guitars! Is your band a jazz quintet combo or a dyed-in-the-wool Woodstock knockoff rock band?
• There is no time limit for this project; feel free to linger on any section and design the most bangin’ band your heart desires.
• Dress your singer/s however you want them; matching or non-matching.
• Try playing with different colored code-blocks, link them, and make sure they’re running right.

If you’re not yet feelin’ the groove or thankful for this music, don’t worry, we’ve got many more ideas for Raspberry Pi or Arduino that you can try! Just go search our Vilros blog for more fun projects.