✨ Berliner Schule Sequencer is an algorithmic MIDI sequencer that runs directly in the browser. It generates melodic patterns inspired by the Berliner Schule style of electronic music, balancing repetition with subtle organic evolution.
The project is open source under MIT license, and can be found at Github too: https://github.com/ReinerBforartists/berliner_schule_sequencer
Watch the release video at Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2APmvZq8PI
⇩ Downloads
03.06.2026 – Version 0.9.0
The button will call the tool online (for now). But you can also download it. To download, right click at the link and choose save as.
✨ Core Functionality
The tool is designed as a sequence generator. While it includes a basic internal synth for monitoring and previewing patterns, its primary purpose is to generate MIDI data. The actual sound design and final music production are intended to take place within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or with external hardware via the MIDI export function.
The tool uses a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) to create sequences based on musical constraints. Users can either generate random patterns or use fixed seeds to recreate specific results.
✨ Composition Modes
Classic: A “Random Walk” within the selected scale, creating fluid and grounded melodies.
Klaus Schulze: Focuses on sparse, long-held notes and drones for a meditative atmosphere.
Offbeat Anchor: Locks specific steps (usually offbeats) to a fixed pedal point while the rest of the melody varies.
Arpeggiator: Cycles through chord tones; these can be mutated over time to evolve the rhythmic pattern.
Motivic: Generates a 4-note “DNA motif” and applies classical transformations (Inversion, Retrograde).
✨ Harmonic Palette (Scales)
The mood of the sequence is determined by the selected scale:
Dorian: Sophisticated, slightly melancholic but open.
Phrygian: Dark, tense, and exotic; typical for “dark cosmic” sounds.
Aeolian (Natural Minor): Classic sad or dramatic tone.
Mixolydian: Brighter, more dominant and open.
Minor/Major Pentatonic: Simplified scales that always sound harmonious and fluid.
✨ Evolutionary Export (🧬)
Beyond standard MIDI loops, the sequencer features an evolutionary chain generator. This mimics the drift of vintage modular systems by mutating a sequence over several blocks:
Mutation: Controls how much each block differs from the previous one.
Drift: Adds probability for sudden octave jumps.
Grip: Determines how strongly the evolution adheres to the original theme.
Root Shift: Allows for harmonic progressions (e.g., Cycle of Fifths, Modal shifts) between blocks.
📥 Installation & Usage
No installation is required. It is a browser tool. Simply open `berliner-schule-sequencer.html` in any modern web browser.
🚀 Operation Guide
Parameter Behavior
Live Parameters (Green Labels): These affect the playback engine in real-time (e.g., BPM, Swing). Changes are audible immediately.
Generative Parameters (Amber Labels): These define the blueprint of the sequence. Changing these values triggers an automatic regeneration of the pattern upon releasing the slider or changing the selection. The “↻ Generate” button can also be used to manually trigger a new seed.
Key Settings
Timing & Rhythm: Adjust BPM, Swing, and Steps per Beat (resolution).
Phrase & Notes:
– `Scale & Root`: Defines the harmonic palette.
– `Steps`: Length of one musical idea before it repeats.
– `Density`: Probability of a note occurring on any given step.
– `Interval`: Limits the “jump” between consecutive notes to control melodic smoothness.
Variation: Controls how much each repeat of a phrase differs from the original, preventing robotic repetition.
Visual Legend
Blue cell: Standard generated note.
Pink cell: Anchor note (fixed pitch).
Dark/empty cell: A rest.
Semi-transparent blue: A tie (held note).
Blue height bar: Relative pitch indicator.
📜 License & Credits
Berliner Schule Seqencer is free and open source.
MIT License © 2026 Reiner Prokein
Made with ❤️ by Reiner Prokein
✨ Motivation
I’m a child of the eighties and was socialized with post punk music. That doesn’t stop me from listening to music from many different genres. I’m also a big fan of early electronic music. The seemingly arbitrary melodies in the music of Klaus Schulze have always fascinated me. However, I was never able to create anything like that by hand. I always ended up making my usual kind of music instead.
So I started to investigate whether I could automate this step nowadays. It turned out that, with AI assisted development, I can. Now let’s see if I can find my way into this genre and release a few tracks in that style.
✨ History
03.06.2026 – Version 0.9.0
First public realease. After quite a few iterations of battling with the fine details the tool is stable enough. Which took me a while, since AI always introduced two new issues by fixing one. But in the end i could convince it to do what i want.
– Reiner
