mcp-strudel
Converts between Strudel mini-notation and MIDI note events, enabling pattern generation and conversion for MIDI-based workflows.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@mcp-strudel convert 'c5 [e5 g5]*2' to MIDI notes"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
mcp-strudel - Strudel ↔ MIDI MCP server
An MCP server that exposes the Strudel
mini-notation engine (shared with the m4l-strudel device) as tools Claude can
call. Combine it with ableton-mcp so you can say things like "lay down a
bd(3,8) kick and a c5 [e5 g5]*2 bassline" and have Claude convert the
patterns and write them into Ableton clips.
Tools
Tool | Input | Output |
|
| JSON note events ( |
|
| mini-notation text |
|
| parse errors or "OK" |
conv = strudel (c5=60, default) or scientific (c4=60).
Related MCP server: Filopastry
Run
pnpm install
pnpm test # engine contract tests (vitest)
pnpm start # launches the stdio MCP server (tsx src/server.ts)Wire it into Claude
Add to the MCP config you pass to the Claude Code CLI (e.g. the mcp-config.json
that the m4l-claude device generates), alongside AbletonMCP:
{
"mcpServers": {
"AbletonMCP": { "command": "uvx", "args": ["ableton-mcp"] },
"strudel": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "tsx", "C:/Users/jaime/src/livecam-m4l/tmp/mcp-strudel/src/server.ts"]
}
}
}With both servers available, Claude can call strudel_to_midi to turn a pattern
into notes, then use AbletonMCP's clip/note tools to create the clip - the
m4l-strudel → mcp-strudel → ableton-mcp path, orchestrated in natural language.
Engine
src/lib/mini/ is the same parser/scheduler/unparser as the m4l-strudel
device (recursive-descent parser, Bjorklund euclidean rhythms, cycle scheduler,
grid quantizer). Keeping one engine means the device and the server always agree
on how a pattern sounds.
Available Tools
3 toolsmidi_to_strudelMIDI → StrudelA
Convert MIDI note events (pitch + start/duration in beats) into Strudel mini-notation text, quantized to a step grid. Simultaneous notes become [a,b] chords; gaps become ~ rests; held notes use @ elongation.
Inputs: notes (required), bars, conv, grid, +1 more.
strudel_to_midiStrudel → MIDIA
Convert a Strudel mini-notation pattern into MIDI note events. Supports sequences, [subdivisions], ~ rests, , *repeat, @elongation, [a,b] chords, {poly}%n, and euclid(p,s,rot). Returns note events with pitch and start/duration in beats, plus total length in beats.
Inputs: pattern (required), bars, conv, cycles, +2 more.
strudel_validateValidate Strudel patternB
Parse a Strudel mini-notation pattern and report any syntax errors.
Inputs: pattern (required).
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
Loading tool schema changelog…
TDQS
Scored across 3 tools
Each tool has a distinct and non-overlapping purpose: MIDI-to-Strudel conversion, Strudel-to-MIDI conversion, and Strudel validation. No ambiguity.
All tools follow a consistent verb_noun pattern in snake_case: midi_to_strudel, strudel_to_midi, strudel_validate. Perfectly predictable naming.
Three tools is ideal for a focused conversion/validation server. No bloat or deficiency given the domain.
Covers the essential bidirectional conversion and validation. A minor gap is the lack of a tool for partial conversions or advanced transformations, but the core workflow is complete.
Related MCP Connectors
Generate AI music via the Lacuna Music API from MCP clients like Claude Desktop & Code.
Create, co-edit, analyze, publish, and export collaborative step-sequencer sessions through MCP.
ABC sheet music + Strudel live coding: songs, videos and live jam sessions in ext-apps widgets.
ScoreStarling is an all-in-one AI sheet music assistant. Ask for anything to do with sheet music: transcribe a song from audio, video or a link, read a PDF or photo, add chords, change the key, make it easier, turn it into guitar TAB or jianpu, or arrange it for another instrument. Every change lands on a real score you can hear, fix and download (PDF, MIDI, MusicXML, guitar TAB, jianpu, audio). Hosted remote server with OAuth sign-in. Free accounts get monthly credits and free previews; prices are at scorestarling.com/pricing. Setup: https://scorestarling.com/mcp
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