ProteinMusic is a Java program converting DNA sequences into music. The original idea for this project came from R. D. King here at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and C. G Angus from the Shamen (King, R.D. & Angus, C.G. (1996)). They developed a program written in C on an Apple Mac together with a MIDI connection to a synthesizer in 1996. This program here is a complete re-write of the original program in Java. by A. Karwath.

This software can be copied and used freely providing it is not resold in any form and its use is acknowledged. This software is provided by "as is" and any express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed. In no event shall the regents or contributors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this software, even if advised of the possibility of such damage.

You can download the program including documentation and example sequences directly from SourceForge .

Can be found on the SourceForge website (link above)

Just unzip the file. It should create a file called ProteinMusic.jar and two sub directories (docs and sequences) in a directory called pm. To start the program simply start it with the command line java -jar ProteinMusic.jar. For Windows users: open a MS-DOS command line window by pressing the Start button and select Programs and then MS-DOS Prompt. Go to the sub-directory where the ProteinMusic.jar file is located and then type java -jar ProteinMusic.jar

The programs tends to get very slow in converting the DNA to MIDI as well as displaying the seqeunce while playing, if DNA sequences with more than 600 to 700 bps are used.

King, R.D. & Angus, C.G. (1996) PM: Protein Music. CABIOS. 12, pages 251-252

Rockefeller links collection to the theme of DNA and protein music.
Algorithmic Arts, a company selling a DNA to MIDI converter.
Music of the Human Genome by Brent D. Hugh at mp3.com.
Moelcular Music by Dr. Linda Long (Patent Nr: GB2350469 filed).
PROM by L.Y. Han and Y.Z. Chen.

rdk AT aber.ac.uk :            Ross D King
andreas AT karwath.org :    A. Karwath