# Welcome 👋 Welcome to the **Data Sonification Toolkit** for Journalists, Information Designers, and Communicators! This is a resource for exploring sonification, ***the practice of representing data in the form of sound and music***. Regardless of your skill level, this toolkit is made to help you in your sonic data endeavors. 👈 Use the **left-side panel** to **navigate** through the toolkit. Jump directly to a section, or move chronologically through each chapter. 🔍 Use the **search bar** in the upper right corner if you want help finding something. 💡 Don’t know where to start? Try these!

	Cover image
Sonification in Journalism: An archive of examples	steve-johnson--SKTPVIU3NU-unsplash.jpg	Examples
Sonification Tools: Make your data sing	steve-johnson-Y0IP6RaMLLo-unsplash.jpg	Tools
Roadmap for Sonification: What are the steps?	steve-johnson-DayLLb8dZow-unsplash.jpg	Roadmap

{% hint style="info" %} Welcome, demo viewers! Thank you for your feedback as this site gets developed. ❤️ {% endhint %} # Concepts # What is data sonification? An introduction to data sonification, the practice of turning data into sound. Simply put, data sonification is the **practice of taking data and representing it in the form of sound**. Just as data visualization uses shapes, color, size, and composition to represent data visually, *data sonification* uses **volume, pitch, timbre, rhythm, duration**, and more to represent data sonically. There are plenty of **examples from our daily lives** where information is conveyed through audio:\ ○ Nagging beep of a credit card chip reader — "remove your card!" 💬\ ○ Wailing alarm from a smoke detector — "smoke!" 🚨\ ○ Booming clang of a bell tower on the hour — "it's 4 o'clock!" 🕓 Sonification takes this further — it allows us to hear patterns in complex data, and consume information in a new and interesting way. Not convinced? Check out these examples:


The New York Times: "Nine Rounds a Second: How the Las Vegas Gunman Outfitted a Rifle to Fire Faster"	nytimes-thumbnail2.jpeg	https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/02/us/vegas-guns.html?smid=pl-share
NPR's Planet Money: "U.S. Home Prices, Sung As Opera"	planetmoney-thumbnail.jpeg	https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2011/04/27/135737940/the-case-shiller-index-sung-as-opera
Marketplace: "What sound does a volatile stock market make?"	marketplace-thumbnail.jpeg	https://www.marketplace.org/2020/03/31/the-sounds-of-a-volatile-stock-market/

More explanations...\ Jordan Wirfs-Brock gives a great [**explanation of data sonification**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARjgKuFyXE8\&t=220s).\ The Sonification Handbook (2011) provides a [**definition of data sonification**](https://sonification.de/handbook/). **Approaches to Sonification** The most common types of data sonification are **parameter mapping** and **audification** * **Parameter mapping** matches values in a data set to different dimensions of audio. * **Audification** takes data which in original form is not audible to the human ear, and manipulates it so that it can be heard. {% hint style="info" %} These approaches are further elaborated in the [**Methods**](/data-sonification/methods) section. {% endhint %} Data visualization and sonification can combine to create **audio-visual** representations of data. You can make a chart audible, like in this [audiochart](https://awalmer.github.io/rji-fellowship/article1_highcharts/root/index.html) of the Global Living Planet Index. There are several data sonification [**methods**](/data-sonification/methods) and [**tools**](/data-sonification/tools) you can use to sonify data. You might use an algorithmic tool, or you might manually compose audio to reflect data (i.e. [“punk” sonification](/data-sonification/methods#manual-punk-sonification)). You can even use a combination of these approaches. Sonification can also be performed in person. \ \ It's a modality that offers many avenues for creativity, and many ways to capture an audience's curiosity. **Auditory Display** Sonification is part of a bigger category called **auditory display**, which simply refers to the communication of information through audio. This is can be found in interactive interfaces, appliances, devices, and beyond. Examples include the radio display inside a car, voice assistant technologies, the tune that a washing machine sings when it’s done washing clothes, and so on. Data sonification is a subset of auditory display which refers specifically to *communicating data* through sound. # Benefits and applications Why sonification levels up data storytelling, and where it can be applied. ### Benefits of Data Sonification * [x] It **stirs emotion** and **sparks curiosity** in a listener.\ \ Audio is powerful in that it can carry tone and feeling in a way that a data visualization might not. And because data sonification is a relatively new, unique method of data-driven storytelling, it may surprise listeners, drawing them into the experience.

Benefit #1: Audio often stirs emotion more effectively than visuals.

* [x] It is **accessible** for blind, visually-impaired, and low-vision individuals. \ \ Sonification helps shift exclusivity in data storytelling by offering an experience which does not require sight. This is greatly needed in spaces with over-reliance on visual modalities.

Image of hand, nose, ear, mouth, and eye. — Benefit #2: Audio is accessible without reliance on sight.

* [x] It is inherently **temporal**, lending to intentional chronology.\ \ Because audio is time-based, sonification offers a great opportunity to tell a story from start to finish. A sonification can convey a story arc the way a musical composition might, or it can even include narrative elements to guide the listener.

Image of multi-colored timeline with circles to indicate stops along the way. — Benefit #3: Audio is inherently time-based, guiding the listener!

### Applications Data sonification has been implemented across several disciplines, including astronomy, biology, oceanography, human-computer interaction, economics, artistic expression, education, and more. It has been used by researchers to analyze complex datasets, opening up opportunities for visually impaired scientists to investigate their data. It can reveal data patterns that are more easily detected auditorily than visually. It offers up an alternative to data visualization in contexts where visual references may be overused. **Data journalism is an ideal field to apply sonification**, because it is increasingly digital, largely based in audio, and inherently story-driven. These aspects present an opportunity to enhance the experience of readers and listeners through sonification. Radio and podcasts are vital aspects of journalism, and could easily include sonified data to explain information in a fun, educational, and unique way. See the [**examples**](/data-sonification/examples) section for some references to how sonification has been used in journalism.
# Sound and data parameters Understanding the variety of ways data can be represented as sound. When creating a data sonification, there are many choices to be made regarding **what aspects of the data** are converted to sound, and **what characteristics of sound** are used in this representation. In [parameter mapping](/data-sonification/methods), dimensions of data are matched to dimensions of sound. Check out Matt Russo's [description of data-related choices](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUdLRy8i9qI\&t=71s), and Jordan Wirfs-Brock's [exploration of sonic dimensions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARjgKuFyXE8\&t=1143s).


Matt Russo describes data-related choices.	matt-russo-chart-thumbnail.jpeg	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUdLRy8i9qI&t=71s
Jordan Wirfs-Brock explores dimensions of sound.	jordan-explain-chart.jpeg	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARjgKuFyXE8&t=1143s

### Data Choices *Dimensions of data that can be converted to sound* * **Mapping function / data selection** Which variables of the data set are getting converted to sound? * **Polarity** What is the direction of relationship between your data values and audio parameters?\ (For example, are larger numbers matched with higher pitch/volume? Or it is vice versa?) * **Range** The span of audio values to which the data is transferred, such as a range of musical notes or volume. * **Scaling** Mathematical relationship between data and audio parameters, such as linear or logarithmic. ### Audio Choices *Dimensions of sound to represent the data* * **Pitch** Note frequency (Hz). In other words, "highness" vs. "lowness." * **Timbre / texture** The quality of a sound or tone; the distinct "color" of a sound. * **Loudness / volume** Perceived level of sound that is heard by the listener, related to the magnitude of a sound. * **Tempo** Speed of the audio (BPM). * **Rhythm** Pattern and cadence with which sound is played. * **Duration** The length of time the sound lasts. * **Panning / stereo image** The position of audio from left to right speaker or headphone.

# Design and aesthetic Design-conscious sonifications are the most impactful kind — here's why. ### The Value of Design in Sonification **Audio is a powerful modality** because it is immediate, and often even emotionally impactful. Thus, sonification practitioners hold a **responsibility** to bring intention into their designs. This will benefit the sonification community as a whole and get more people excited about this unique storytelling method! People probably won’t be interested in a sonification that is hastily thrown together, jarring, or difficult to understand. In contrast, data sonifications that are **well-designed, aesthetically intentional, and contextual** will land on listeners’ ears with better success. Why not bring the listener on a journey, and make it fun in the process? **Examples of intentionally-designed sonifications:** * [A sonic memorial to the victims at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub](https://revealnews.org/blog/a-sonic-memorial-to-the-victims-at-orlandos-pulse-nightclub/) — Jim Briggs from Reveal at The Center for Investigative Reporting * [Two Trains: Sonification of Income Inequality on the NYC Subway](https://datadrivendj.com/tracks/subway/) — Brian Foo, Data-Driven DJ

Rainbow-colored audio waveform shape with black background. — From article for A sonic memorial to the victims at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, which sonifies victim life spans over a 50-year period.

### How Do Sonification and Design Go Together? The practice of data sonification, is by nature, a **design problem**. It requires creatively finding a solution for conveying some message or piece of information. The sonification developer must consider: 1. Their own perspective in crafting a story; 2. The experience of the user or audience; and 3. The \[*potentially fallible*] truths embedded in the data. With all this in mind, it is up to the designer to craft an aesthetic composition, while providing the context to make it meaningful. **Need convincing? Here's the research:** Researchers **Sara Lenzi** and **Paolo Ciuccarelli** (co-founders of the [Data Sonification Archive](https://sonification.design/)) have delved into the synergy between design and data sonification. They point out that design-conscious sonification can be incredibly poignant, especially for communicating social issues. They emphasize that carefully crafted work could shift the practice of sonification from a “scientific research domain” into a tool for broader communication with the public. This is especially applicable for journalists who are sharing data-driven stories with a wide-ranging audience. In their paper on the topic of design conscious sonification, they write: > “…data soniﬁcation involves different degrees of intentionality, meaning deliberate decisions to address speciﬁc needs, in a given context and with a purpose, when transforming data into sound” (2). Sonification that is reductive in approach or lacking context is unlikely to move listeners in a signifiant way. If the intent is to reach people at their core, purposeful design choices can be transformative. > “To effectively serve \[a wider non-expert public], recognizing the inevitability of a communicative relationship in every translation process — and the need to design it intentionally and responsibly — is essential” (6). ### Design Resources for Sonification The sonification design space is vast and may seem overwhelming due to the many possible approaches available. But this opens up an opportunity to get creative: * Consider ways to [customize to your sonification](https://rjionline.org/news/customization-is-key-to-a-compelling-sonification/). * Use [vocal sketching](https://interaction.shenkar.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/vocal-sketching-dis.pdf) for sonic brainstorming. \ *Vocal sketching description:* [*The Data Sonification Handbook*](https://sonification.de/handbook/download/TheSonificationHandbook-HermannHuntNeuhoff-2011.pdf)*, page 98.* * Create [visual drawings of sounds](https://aurawalmer.com/total-solar-eclipse-2024) to explore components of sound and aesthetic.

Color-coded, digitally drawn sketch of sonic layers for a sonification of the 2024 total solar eclipse. Layers are color-coded and the sketch can be read from left to right. — Color-coded, digitally drawn sketch of sonic layers
for a sonification of the 2024 total solar eclipse.

An example from the Dear Data Project by Stefanie Posavec and Giorgia Lupi. It consists of many hand-drawn, color-coded ellipses representing “a week of laughter.” — An example from the Dear Data Project
by Stefanie Posavec and Giorgia Lupi.

\ Check out the [Data Sonification Canvas](https://sonification.design/resource.html), from the[ Data Sonification Archive](https://sonification.design/resource.html) (downloadable template available, or see below). It offers a framework for **mapping out the plan** of a sonification, and exploring how **project goals** will be achieved.

Rectangular space organized into quadrants, categorized by Use Case, Mapping Choices, Sonification Approach, and Listening Experience. Each quadrant is further broken down into categories of the sonification design process. — The Data Sonification Canvas, from the Data Sonification Archive

# Training the listener Ensure listeners will derive meaning from a sonification piece by introducing the "sonic vocabulary" of the composition. 📖 ***Imagine listening to a poem being recited in a foreign language.*** The words may sound beautiful, and the dancing cadence of the verses may be imbued with a certain identifiable mood. But ultimately, you don’t understand the deeper meaning of the poem because it is in a language you haven’t learned. 🔊 ***Now imagine hearing a data sonification recording without any context, explanation, or prior familiarization.*** Just like a foreign language, you may not absorb much meaning from the sonification because you haven’t learned the **“sonic vocabulary”** needed to understand it. In some cases, that’s completely fine! Many composers create **data-driven audio** for artistic purposes. *** #### **Help the Listener Understand:** 📚 ***For storytelling purposes, it can be particularly helpful to the listener to learn the meaning of each sound component up front.*** Prior familiarization with the separate components of a sonification may help a listener **better understand** the overall “macro” composition. * [**“The sound of a falling currency"**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p040tngz) (BBC Sounds: World at One, Jul 8, 2016) — This sonification indicates the sharp decrease in value of the British Pound immediately following Brexit, when the UK voted to leave the European Union. The narrator provides contextual meaning to the sounds as soon as the sonification begins: “This is the sound of the Pound… the higher the note, the stronger the Pound.” This sonification is a good example of training the listener, because it succinctly provides the “vocabulary” up front. * [**“LISTEN: 1,200 Years of Earth's Climate, Transformed into Sound”**](https://www.kqed.org/science/1918660/listen-1200-years-of-earths-climate-transformed-into-sound) (KQED Science Podcast, Jan 8, 2018) — This sonification conveys average global temperature and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the course of 1,200 years. As the sonification begins, the meaning of the sonic components is described in conversation format between the interviewer and creators of the sonification. Temperature is indicated by continuously rising pitch, and CO2 levels are indicated by plucked string activity. The listener is hearing and learning simultaneously, as additional context is provided. Have you ever listened to the podcast [**Song Exploder**](https://songexploder.net/)? In this podcast, the host [Hrishikesh Hirway](https://hrishikesh.co/) interviews musicians to reveal the origin story behind a song, introducing the isolated stems in a chronological story. ***This gives the listener a chance to become familiar with the components of the song before hearing the whole composition.*** By the end of the episode, the entire song is played, and all of those parts come together in illuminating harmony. Sonification storytellers can take a similar approach with their audiences, presenting the isolated aspects of the audio and attaching meaning to each of them. Then the listener is armed with the “vocabulary” needed to absorb real meaning from the sonification. On [Marketplace](https://www.marketplace.org/2020/03/31/the-sounds-of-a-volatile-stock-market/), Kai Ryssdal and Jordan-Wirfs Brock discuss the idea of training the listener (**"**[**What sound does a volatile stock market make?**](https://www.marketplace.org/2020/03/31/the-sounds-of-a-volatile-stock-market/)" at 1:00). # Methods Overview of sonification methods, such as parameter mapping, audification, auditory icons, earcons, and punk sonification. These are some techniques for making a sonification. While the most common approach is parameter mapping, it's certainly not the only method, and techniques may often overlap. {% hint style="success" %} Sonification does *not* require a computer-based tool (although there are many options available). ["Punk" sonification, a manual approach](#manual-punk-sonification), is also 100% valid. {% endhint %} {% stepper %} {% step %} ### Parameter Mapping Parameter mapping is the process of translating data values to various audio characteristics, such as pitch, loudness, duration, rhythm, tempo, timbre, decay, etc. With this method, variables in a data set (whether numeric or categorical) are “mapped” to sound parameters to convey the nature of the data’s trends in an audible format. Parameter Mapping Examples: * *Pitch* mapping: assigning numeric values to pitch\ e.g. larger numbers higher pitch (or vice versa). * *Timbre* mapping: assigning entire data variables to a particular musical instrument, each with a distinct tonal quality. \ e.g. * *Volume* mapping: changing the loudness of sounds based on the movement of the data.\ e.g. larger numbers higher volume (or vice versa). #### Published Examples: Here is an example of a parameter mapping sonification from KQED Science: [Hear Climate Data Turned into Music](https://youtu.be/ONuA9HmkF3M?si=ymOqGOBDEjLA4HPH). CO2 concentration values are mapped to the pitch of a continuous tone, and temperature average values are mapped to the pitch and intensity of plucked string sounds. \ LISTEN: 1,200 Years of Earth's Climate, Transformed into Sound Here is another example of parameter mapping called [Listen to Wikipedia](http://listen.hatnote.com/#) (Note: click “enable sound?” in the top right of the screen to listen). This sonification takes Wikipedia’s recent changes feed and maps edit size to pitch — the larger the edit, the deeper the note. Additions are representations by bells, subtractions are represented by string plucks, and new user arrivals are represented by string swells.\ Listen to Wikipedia {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Auditory Icons Auditory icons are sounds which are derived from the real world, and provide the listener with an intuitive association between the sound and some information. Imagine sounds like paper crumpling and being tossed, a heart beating, a broom sweeping up leaves…. These can all be used as sonic metaphors in sonification, marking certain events or occurrences within the data. Auditory icons create an analogy between the real world and the digital counterpart. In [this episode](https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/loudnumbers/episodes/Hold-the-Line-e2i78vs) of the Loud Numbers podcast, Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick share a sonification of wildfire occurrences in Canada during 2023, one of North America’s largest fire seasons to date. There are several layers to the sonification, including these auditory icons: fires started by humans are represented by the sound of a Zippo lighter, and fires that were started naturally are represented by the sound of wood crackling. Here’s an [episode about auditory icons](https://www.20k.org/episodes/auditoryicons) from the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast. It delves into the design behind many of the sounds we associate with information on a daily basis. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Earcons Earcons, unlike auditory icons, are sounds which are abstract and thus unassociated with the activities of daily life. A simple “ping” or “bop” might not mean anything on its own, but can be attached to an event which a listener learns to associate with a piece of information. Take for example the ubiquitous iPhone “ding,” which indicates the a text message has just arrived. In “[Nine Rounds a Second: How the Las Vegas Gunman Outfitted a Rifle to Fire Faster,](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/02/us/vegas-guns.html?smid=pl-share)” New York Times journalists used a single earcon — a brief, muted, subtle tone — to compare the firing rates of the weapons used during the Las Vegas shooting (2017) and Orlando nightclub shooting (2016) to that of an automatic weapon.\ Nine Rounds a Second: How the Las Vegas Gunman Outfitted a Rifle to Fire Faster In an older archived piece from The New York Times, "[Fractions of a Second: An Olympic Musical](https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/26/sports/olympics/20100226-olysymphony.html)," a single earcon is used to compare the finishing times of athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics across four different sports for men and women. Since the focus here is timing, it’s helpful for the listener to hear a single tone and focus on how frequently it repeats.\ Fractions of a Second: An Olympic Musical {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Audification Audification is the process of taking the original data signal from a natural source and changing the timescale so that it is humanly audible. Common applications include the audification of seismic data to hear the impact of earthquakes, or of astronomical data to notice patterns in solar wind and beyond. Consider for example this [audification of the Tohoku Earthquake in Japan, 2011](https://youtu.be/3PJxUPvz9Oo?si=qxHBnSjKvj6Fdk2z). The ground motion signal over the course of two days is accelerated and condensed into an audio segment of 120 seconds. Thus the magnitude of the earthquake is comprehensible to the human ear. \ Sonification of Tohoku Earthquake Here is another useful example and [explanation of audification](https://youtu.be/br75yvIcilE?si=xgiS5W07wD56_W5R) from Robert Alexander at NASA. He explains how converting solar wind signal data directly to audio and compressing it into a short time frame reveals certain activity like [solar storms](https://science.nasa.gov/sun/solar-storms-and-flares/), which wouldn’t be noticeable otherwise. {% endstep %} {% step %} ### Model-based Sonification {% hint style="info" %} Still developing a good explanation of model-based sonification. Current useful references: * [Chapter 16: Model-Based Sonification](https://sonification.de/handbook/chapters/chapter16/#S16.8) in The Sonification Handbook * [Model-based sonification](https://w2.mat.ucsb.edu/240/F/static/notes/Model_Based_Sonification.html) explanation from the Media Arts and Technology UC Santa Barbara {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ### Manual ("Punk") Sonification 🤘 Contrary to popular belief, you don't need an algorithmic tool or computer program to practice data sonification. You can use manual methods, such as recording your own voice! Check out this example from Jordan Wirfs-Brock called "[Voicing a heartbeat (duet)](https://youtu.be/wFFwtwNWhic?si=WR2uklVpPa4QXj1W)" — two recorded voices speak a "ba-dum" along with their heartbeat data on a particular day. Check out how Reveal [uses human voices](https://revealnews.org/blog/the-sound-of-disparity-data-directed-silicon-valley-diversity-choir/) to sonify racial and gender disparities in the San Francisco Bay Area’s tech sector.\ The sound of disparity: Data directed Silicon Valley diversity choir “Punk” sonification can involve the methods listed above, but tends to use an alternate audio source, such as: * real-world field recordings * the human voice * live musical performance Punk sonification may also be very embodied — for example, a sonification can be performed on the spot, involving body gestures and vocal expression. A go-to resource to learn about nontraditional sonification is the [**Open Sonifications Manifesto**](https://opensonifications.net/open-sonifications-DIS.pdf) (Wirfs-Brock, Geere, & Perera), which champions sonification in all its multitudinous forms. It calls for a sonification community which does not exclude, but rather welcomes approaches from all minds and skill levels: > "Open Sonifications is not about high-end production but raw creative energy. This can mean using everyday objects, instead of high technology, to achieve what you want to achieve. For example, logging your data using paper and pencil rather than a spreadsheet, or creating sounds using your body and voice rather than with code." Check out the [supplementary materials](https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3643834.3660757#supplementary-materials) which accompany the (downloadable ZIP file). Item 6 is a "data and sound recipe" from Jordan Wirfs-Brock which utilizes *personal data* and *vocal performance* as a sonification approach!

# Tools Sonification tools, organized by difficulty level and format. Descriptions and links included. There are a wide range of data sonification tools available, each with varying levels of time investment, knowledge requirements, and output capabilities. Some tools are easy to use and do not require any coding experience. Other tools have a steeper learning curve and require some time to set up and read the documentation. There are options for everyone. 🔧 While more advanced tools may provide additional customization capability, they are not necessary for creating excellent sonification pieces. It’s best to start at your comfort level and go from there. Find methods that work best for you and stay open to experimentation. This is a creative process! 👂\ \ **Hop to a section 🐸 👇**


Easy Tools
Intermediate/Advanced Tools


Audio Editing Tools
Audio Sample Resources

*** ## Sonification Tools ### Web Applications and Softwares (Level: Easy)

Tool	Description	Specs	URL
TwoTone	Web-based, no-code sonification tool. Users can adjust instrument, key, octave range, and tempo to customize their sonification output. Additional layers of music can be added, as well as narration audio.	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: MP3, WAV, PCM Documentation: Getting Started, Tutorials, Examples, About.	https://twotone-midiout-beta.netlify.app/
Highcharts Sonification Studio	Web-based, no-code sonification tool that generates dynamic audio-visual charts. It allows the user to customize both the visual settings of the chart, as well as a wide range of audio specifications (global and series-specific settings). Adjustable audio parameters include duration, precision, range, instrument, pitch, volume, panning, and more.	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: Video, Audio Only, Audio as MIDI, Image, Vector Image, CSV Data, Text Description, Highcharts JS Config, HTML file Documentation: Tutorial, Community page video tutorials, YouTube channel, feedback thread.	https://sonification.highcharts.com/
Data Sonifyer	Web-based, no-code sonification app developed by Christian Basl (of SoniFriday, a sonification duo with Berit Kruse). It has an intuitive and simple user interface, with helpful documentation in the pop-out side panel. It allows the user to upload CSV data, and adjust audio parameters such as instrument, tempo, frequency, amplitude, filter, envelope, rhythm, and effect (see “add sound module” button). The user can export the sonification output by using the “record” feature in the app and downloading the resulting WAV file.	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: WAV Documentation: Examples, Tutorials, Discover, About Note: To find help within the app, click on the musical notes 🎵 in the upper left corner for the how-to side panel to appear.	https://studio.datasonifyer.de/en
csv-to-midi	Web application created by Evan King that allows a user to upload a CSV file, adjust audio parameters, and export a MIDI file. Adjustable audio parameters include duration, musical key, musical scale, and note range. For inspiration, check out Evan King’s sonification of sea level data in a project called “Bait/Switch.” This ambient composition transforms sea level data into a digital underwater soundscape.	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: MIDI Documentation: GitHub Documentation Note: Click the question mark symbol ❓ in the upper right corner of the webpage for a brief explanation of the tool.	https://csv-to-midi.evanking.io/
Data Mapper	Tool that allows users to linearly map a CSV file to a range of values that you supply. The user defines a list of musical notes in ISO (International Standards Organization) format (e.g. B3, C4, D4, etc.), and the CSV data gets mapped to the appropriate note.	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser (Observable) Output Format: Information (list of musical notes)	https://observablehq.com/@duncangeere/data-mapper
StarSound	Downloadable sonification application compatible with Mac OS X. It is designed as a standalone tool for sonifying multidimensional datasets. The interface includes a visualization of the uploaded data and selected variables, and an array of modules for customizing the audio output. Within a given module, users can adjust frequency, loudness, duration, instrument, and more. The application offers a range of play modes, allowing users to play, loop, or record their sonification. Developed by Jeffrey Hannam.	Level: Easy Platform: Downloadable software Output Formats: WAV Documentation: StarSound Tutorial	https://www.jeffreyhannam.com/starsound
CSV to MIDI Notes	A web-based tool that takes a column of data from a CSV file and translates the data as MIDI notes, outputting a MIDI file (.mid) where each row of data is a new time point and the value of the row is the normalized midi note value. Developed by Jon Bellona with Perplexity Computer (AI).	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: MIDI Documentation: GitHub repository	https://pages.uoregon.edu/jbellona/csv-to-midi-notes/
CSV to MIDI CC Values	A web-based tool that takes a column of data from a CSV file and translates the data as MIDI Control Change (CC) values, outputting a MIDI file (.mid) of only CC values. This tool is great for using data to automate audio effects, especially in Logic Pro X or Max/MSP. Users may specify duration of time and CC number. Developed by Jon Bellona with Perplexity Computer (AI).	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: MIDI	https://pages.uoregon.edu/jbellona/csv-to-midi-cc-generator/
CSV Timestamp Resampler	A web-based tool for detecting and resampling irregular timestamp data. For example, some data files show time as a row, but the time stamps (data periodicity) is irregular. For time-based sonification/music where periodicity matters, this tool takes a CSV and using the timestamp column, detects irregular time gaps and injects evenly spaced rows into a downloadable CSV. Includes validation and preview before download. Developed by Jon Bellona with Perplexity Computer (AI).	Level: Easy Platform: Web browser Output Formats: MIDI	https://pages.uoregon.edu/jbellona/csv-timestamp-resampler/

### Dev Environments and Softwares (Level: Intermediate)

Tool	Description	Specs	URL
Sonic Pi	Downloadable software, designed as a tool for code-based music creation and performance. It is highly flexible, allowing for audio in/out, MIDI in/out, Open Sound Control (OSC) in/out, and interaction with Ableton Live. Sounds produced from Sonic Pi are extremely customizable, offering a wide range of parameter customization, sample manipulation, instrument selection, programming structures, and effects. While the tool is geared towards “live coding,” it can be used to design and export a data-driven composition. Developed by Sam Aaron.	Level: Easy/Intermediate Platform: Downloadable software Output Formats: WAV, live playback Documentation: Sonic Pi Tutorial, Sonic Pi Course ($25), Sonic Pi Community, List of Resources for Learning Sonic Pi, Sam Aaron’s YouTube Channel, and many more tutorials on YouTube.	https://sonic-pi.net/
MIDITime (Python)	Python library that converts any kind of time series data into pitch, velocity and duration values based on musical options adjusted by the user. Developed by Michael Corey. MIDITime was used to produce the data sonification in this episode of Reveal.	Level: Intermediate Platform: Python package / dev environment Output Formats: MIDI file Documentation: https://pypi.org/project/miditime/	https://github.com/mikejcorey/miditime
audiolazy (Python)	Python package for digital audio signal processing (DSP). Helpful for converting MIDI and frequency values. Used in Matt Russo's sonification tutorial.	Level: Intermediate Platform: Python package / dev environment Output Formats: MIDI file Documentation: Convert music to data with Python, audiolazy docs	https://pypi.org/project/audiolazy/
MIDIUtil (Python)	Python library for writing MIDI files. Used in Matt Russo's sonification tutorial.	Level: Intermediate Platform: Python package / dev environment Output Formats: MIDI file Documentation: Read the Docs, MIDIUtil Python page	https://pypi.org/project/MIDIUtil/
Astronify (Python)	Python package for sonifying astronomical data. It sonifies light curve data by representing changes in brightness as changes of pitch. Users can supply a data table containing two columns representing time and flux. Various parameters can be adjusted, and the program uses a default algorithm that converts data (an array of float values) into pitch (values in Hz).	Level: Easy/Intermediate Platform: Python package / dev environment Output Formats: Audio files (WAV, etc.) Documentation: Installation, Documentation, API, Tutorials, GitHub, sonification examples, explanatory videos	https://astronify.readthedocs.io/
STRAUSS (Python)	A flexible Python package for sonification, aimed towards data analysis and/or accessible communications. It allows for highly customizable parameter mapping and even spectral audification. Users can synthesize audio or manipulate sound samples. Built by astrophysicists at Audio Universe.	Level: Easy/Intermediate Platform: Python package / dev environment Output Formats: Audio files (WAV, etc.) Documentation: Read the Docs, Audio Universe page, YouTube channel, Google Colab tutorials.	https://strauss.readthedocs.io/
p5 Sound / p5.js
Tone.js (JavaScript)
Erie	A "declarative grammar for data sonification," consisting of Erie for Web and Erie.js. Erie for Web allows users to generate sonification design specifications that can be played back in an online editor.	Level: Intermediate Platform: Web browser, dev environment Output Formats: Web-embedded audio with extension, Player API Documentation: Erie Editor, Erie Documentation, Research Paper, GitHub	https://see-mike-out.github.io/erie-editor/
FoxDot
SuperCollider
Pure Data
Csound
ChucK	A programming language for real-time sound synthesis and music creation. Developed by a team at Stanford's CCRMA. The web-based version is WebChucK.	Level: Intermediate Platform: Dev environment Output Formats: Real-time audio (DAC output), WAV, or data types Documentation: ChucK documentation, GitHub, "Creating Electronic Music with ChucK" tutorial series on YouTube, Examples, sonification homework from Computer-Generated Sound course at Stanford, ChucK community.	https://chuck.stanford.edu/
Max / MSP ($)
Manifest Audio Sonification Bundle (Ableton, $)

*** ## Audio Editing Tools ### Audio Editing Softwares

Audio Editor	Description	URL
GarageBand	GarageBand is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that is included with macOS.	https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
Logic Pro X	Logic Pro X is a more advanced digital audio workstation (DAW) for the macOS. ($)	https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/
Signal	Signal is an open source online MIDI editor. It allows users to apply an instrument and effects to MIDI values, and export as MP3 or WAV.	https://signal.vercel.app/edit
Online Sequencer	Online Sequencer is an open source online MIDI and audio editor. It allows users to import MIDI or audio, edit/customize, and export as MP3, WAV, or MIDI.	https://onlinesequencer.net/
Audacity	Audacity is a free, downloadable software for recording and editing audio. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.	https://www.audacityteam.org/
REAPER		https://www.reaper.fm/
Ableton Live		https://www.ableton.com/en/live/
Adobe Audition		https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html
DaVinci Resolve (Fairlight)		https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
iZotope	iZotope offers a suite of audio editing products	https://www.izotope.com/en/products
Studio One		https://www.presonus.com/pages/studio-one-pro
Ocenaudio		https://www.ocenaudio.com/
Auphonic		https://auphonic.com/
Soundtrap		https://soundation.com/
Soundation

*** ## More Audio Resources

Resource	Description	URL
Sonification Axis Spearcons	A collection of speech synthesis voice recordings of common markers found in axes of graphs. It includes voice recordings for (re)creating axes in data sonifications. Developed by Jon Bellona with Speech Synthesis via Web Speech API on Chrome.	https://github.com/jpbellona/Sonification-Axis-Spearcons

*** ## Audio Sample Resources

FreeSound.org

99Sounds

freeSFX

Partners In Rhyme

*** # Audio Editing The key to creating a compelling data sonification is customization! Here are ways to craft an intentional sonification story, and audio editing tools available for doing so. ## Tell A Story: Customize Your Sonification Okay, so you’ve created a basic sonification using one of the tools or methods referenced earlier in this toolkit. Great! Maybe you feel ready to dust your hands off and call it a done deal. 🏆 But hold on a moment. Ask yourself: *“will listeners understand this sonification, just as it is?”* This is the opportunity for your inner storyteller to take the stage. At this point, you are hopefully tickled to creatively integrate **context, design,** and **storytelling elements** into your sonification piece. *This is where intentional customization comes in, through audio editing.* 🎛

{% hint style="info" %} These customization options are most applicable to parameter mapping, but the audio editing process applies to audification as well! {% endhint %} ### Some Customization Examples to Consider * **Adjust your musical instrument.** If you’re working with a MIDI file, try out different software instruments in your audio editor. Pick an instrument that fits the overall feeling and goal of your sonification project. * **Record your voice.** With narrative elements, you can introduce the listener to the data, why the topic matters, what sounds to expect, and what certain sounds indicate. * **Bring in external audio.** You could include recordings of people you’ve interviewed, news story segments, snippets of music, or field recordings. * **Use sonic metaphors.** The use of an [auditory icon](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] can be helpful to indicate an event, such as a historical moment, or a notable change in the data. * **Consider a time marker.** If you’re working with time-series data, consider what sound is communicating the rate of time. This could be a voice subtly mentioning a date, or a tempo track marking time segments. * **Add a text description.** Sometimes it’s helpful to have a written explanation accompany your sonification. Not only can screen readers access this text, but listeners can reference it as a contextual listening guide as well. ## Audio Editing Resources Visit the [Tools](/data-sonification/tools) section to find an array of [audio editing tools](/data-sonification/audio-editing#audio-editors) and [free audio resources](https://sonification.gitbook.io/toolkit-demo/data-sonification/tools#audio-resources) that you can use to customize your sonification project: {% content-ref url="/pages/ABvrrWIBbWHedvjvq3V4" %} [Tools](/data-sonification/tools) {% endcontent-ref %} [^1]: A sonic metaphor that directly references something in the real world. For example, the sound of crumpling paper could represent tossing something in the trash. # Resources Data sonification resources — documentation, articles, tutorials, and presentations. # Documentation A collection of documentation about data sonification, including published resources and other helpful references.


The Sonification Handbook	Thomas Hermann, Andy Hunt, John G. Neuhoff (Editors), 2011	https://sonification.de/handbook/	sonhandbook-thumbnail.png
Decibels Community Getting Started Guide	(+ GitHub version)	https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aMvWjr4NjgddhbMwwcmH8X0U1Qh9pnK7MsIFLT8nWLk/edit?usp=sharing	decibels-thumbnail.png
Open Sonifications Manifesto	Jordan Wirfs-Brock, Jamie Perera, and Duncan Geere, 2024	https://opensonifications.net/	openson-thumbnail.png
International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD) Proceedings	Searchable database of past ICAD conference proceedings, providing access to several years of published sonification research.	https://repository.gatech.edu/entities/series/6cb90d00-3311-4767-954d-415c9341a358	icadthumbnail.jpeg
Decibels Community Sonification Resources	Google Doc via the Decibels Community	https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G7Tshxxf4cS2rknvzdvZPVCaKJsImdUpI6rE2YLBsWk/edit?usp=sharing	decibels-sonresources-thumbnail.png
Design Guidelines for Data Sonification	Nick Evershed (The Guardian), 2024	https://nickevershed.com/2024/02/11/design-guidelines-for-data-sonification-making-an-audio-alternative-to-charts-for-people-who-are-vision-impaired/	nickevershed.png
Hidden Music – The Composer’s Guide To Sonification	Milton Mermikides, 2025		hiddenmusic.png
Data Sonification Archive	Curated collection of sonification projects, from Sara Lenzi, Paolo Ciuccarelli, and Houjiang Liu		sonarchivethumbnail.png
Sonification: a tool for research, outreach and inclusion in space sciences	United Nations Special Report 2023, Office for Outer Space Affairs		UNsonthumbnail.png
Sonication: Bringing Data to your Audiences’ Ears	Jordan Wirfs-Brock, 2022 (National Press Foundation Data & Accountability Journalism Training)		NPFthumbnail.jpg

# Articles A collection of published articles that explore data sonification, cite examples, and provide helpful context. ### Data Sonification Articles

				Cover image
Making Numbers Louder: Telling Data Stories with Sound	Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick — Mar 10, 2021	Article via DataJournalism.com	https://datajournalism.com/read/longreads/data-sonification	makingnumberslouder-thumbnail.png
Sonification: Turning stories into sound	Reynolds Journalism Institute — Feb 18, 2019		https://rjionline.org/news/sonification-turning-stories-into-sound/	rjimichaelcorey-thumbnail.png
Our Loudest and Longest Sonifications Ever	Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick — Oct 14, 2024		https://buttondown.com/loudnumbers/archive/our-loudest-and-longest-sonifications-ever/	carrington-thumbnail.png
Sonification: telling data stories through sound	Dea Bardhoshi — Sep 12, 2021	Medium article via Towards Data Science	https://towardsdatascience.com/sonification-telling-data-stories-through-sound-fbd1f98d0071	dea-b-thumbnail.png
Data Sonification for Beginners	Ellwood Colahan — Jan 18, 2023		https://mlaetsc.hcommons.org/2023/01/18/data-sonification-for-beginners/	ellwood-thumbnail2.png
Data sonification - turning information into sound and music	Duncan Geere — May 2022	Blog post via lines	https://llllllll.co/t/data-sonification-turning-information-into-sound-and-music/54930/88	lines-forum-thumbnail.png
Pandemic Death Counts Are Numbing. There’s Another Way to Process	Jacqueline Wernimont — Jul 21, 2022		https://www.wired.com/story/covid19-data-visceralization-death-statistics/	data-visceral-thumbnail.png
So Loud That it Hurts - Why You Need to Try Data Sonification	Duncan Geere — Nov 12, 2021	Blog post via Elevate	https://blog.elevatedataviz.com/so-loud-that-it-hurts/	soloud-article-thumbnail.png
Data Sonification: ‘Charts’ for Radio?	Jordan Wirfs-Brock – Jan 21, 2022	Article via Anne Godlasky / National Press Foundation	https://nationalpress.org/topic/data-sonification-charts-for-radio/	chartsforradio-thumbnail.jpg
Sonification makes astronomy more inclusive and helps scientists fine-tune celestial observations	Antony Tunnel – May 22, 2023	Article & podcast episode via Future Tense	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-23/sound-data-sonification-future-astronomy-studying-universe/102350408	soninclusivescience-thumbnail.jpg
Meet the scientist who turns data into music — and listen to the sound of a neutron star	Giorgia Guglielmi, Mark Ballora – July 21, 2017		https://www.science.org/content/article/meet-scientist-who-turns-data-music-and-listen-sound-neutron-star	science2music-thumbnail.jpg
Professor uses data gathered from squirrels to make music	Katie Jacobs — March 16, 2015	Penn State		pennstate-article.jpeg

# Guides & Tutorials A collection of data sonification tutorials and guides; some broad, and some tool-specific. ### Broad tutorials and guides


Getting Started with Sonification	Google Doc via Decibels Community	thumbnail_deciblelsresources.png	https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aMvWjr4NjgddhbMwwcmH8X0U1Qh9pnK7MsIFLT8nWLk/edit?usp=sharing
These tools will take your data to a new level — or decibel	Jade Khatib via Storybench (Northeastern University School of Journalism)	thumbnail_storybench_Jade Khatib.jpg	https://www.storybench.org/these-tools-will-take-your-data-to-a-new-level-or-decibel/
Design Guidelines for Data Sonification	Nick Evershed (The Guardian), 2024	nickevershed.png	https://nickevershed.com/2024/02/11/design-guidelines-for-data-sonification-making-an-audio-alternative-to-charts-for-people-who-are-vision-impaired/

### Tool-specific tutorials


Sonification with Python - How to Turn Data Into Music w Matt Russo (Part 1)	Python + audio editing tutorial with code and files included.	thumbnail_mattrussotutorial.png	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUdLRy8i9qI
Sonic Pi Cookbook	Guide for parameter mapping in Sonic Pi from the Decibels Community.	sonicpi-cook-thumbnail.png	https://github.com/Decibels-Sonification/sonification-resources/blob/main/SonicPi-cookbook.md
Explanations of Astronomy Sonifications made with Astronify	STScI MAST – Space Telescope Science Institute	astronify-thumbnail2.jpg

# Data Sources Inspiring data sources to spark a sonification project. * [Data Is Plural](https://www.data-is-plural.com/)\ *“Weekly newsletter of curious datasets, published by* [*Jeremy Singer-Vine*](https://www.jsvine.com/)*.”* * [Our World in Data](https://ourworldindata.org/)\ *An archive of data and research covering topics such as poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality.* * [Tidy Tuesday](https://github.com/rfordatascience/tidytuesday/blob/main/README.md)\ *A weekly data project which shares a featured dataset and the story behind it. It is provided by the Data Science Learning Community.* * [Data Journalism Podcast](https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/ddjpodcast) show notes\ *Each episode features a different data set sonified by TwoTone, and a link to the data is usually included.* # Presentations / Interviews A collection of presentations, interviews, and online events all about data sonification. ### Presentations * ["Making Your Data Sing: Data Sonification for Beginners - #LoveData24"](https://youtu.be/McSe7N7PBF4?si=cFok-9SoYIaB0L70) — Digital Scholarship Hub at McGill University\ *Presentation by Marcela Y. Isuster (coordinator at Digital Scholarship Hub), covering the concepts of data sonification, examples, easy-to-follow tool demos, best practices, and resources.* * [“Data Sonification: ‘Charts’ for Radio?”](https://youtu.be/ARjgKuFyXE8?si=rTX2oFngJxccdIYf) — Jordan Wirfs-Brock via National Press Foundation\ *Presentation by Jordan Wirfs-Brock covering a wide range of sonification concepts, interactive examples, accessible tool demos, and sonification research.* * [“Data Sonification and the Power of Audio”](https://youtu.be/fw44xTTtDJ8?si=8r_VpsjUKvLI7ATZ) — Aura Walmer, AIGA Design Conference, 2024\ *Presentation by Aura Walmer prepared for the 2024 AIGA Design Conference, exploring data sonification in the context of design and journalism and covering a range of examples.* * [“Introducing noisycharts: graphs and data you can hear”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Xaz-f08BQ) — Guardian Australia\ *Announcement from The Guardian about NoisyCharts developed by Nick Evershed* ### Podcasts & Conversations * [“How to Turn Data into Music — Featuring Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick”](https://dataviztoday.com/shownotes/66)\ Data Viz Today Podcast\ *Interview with Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick, conducted by Alli Torban.* * [Sound and Data Podcast](https://sonification.net/SoundData/), hosted by Scot Gresham Lancaster\ *Interviews with a wide range of sonification practitioners, including:* [*Brian Foo*](https://sonification.net/SoundData/Brian-post.html)*,* [*Pauline Oliveros*](https://sonification.net/SoundData/Pauline-post.html)*,* [*Jordan Wirfs-Brock*](https://sonification.net/SoundData/Jordan-post.html)*,* [*Chris Chafe*](https://sonification.net/SoundData/Chris-post.html)*,* [*Carla Scaletti*](https://sonification.net/SoundData/Carla-post.html)*, and more.* * [Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast](https://www.20k.org/), hosted by Dallas Taylor * [Solar Symphony: Listening to the Sun’s hidden “music”](https://www.20k.org/episodes/solar-symphony) * [Epileptic Symphonies: Turning seizures into music](https://www.20k.org/episodes/seizuresonification) (with Brian Foo, the Data-Driven DJ) * [The Unimaginable: How Gravitational Waves (Literally) Rocked Our World
](https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab-kids/articles/terrestrials-unimaginable-gravitational-waves)WNYC Studios\ *Story that features astrophysicist Dr. Wanda Díaz Merced, who shares her experience of going blind and learning how to listen to the stars.* * [“Miriam Quick & Duncan Geere – Loud Numbers – a Data Sonification Podcast”]()\ Data Vis Lisboa \ *Interview with Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick, moderated by Caroline Doyé & Alli Torban.* * ["In Conversation with Duncan Geere — Ambient music video podcast"](https://youtu.be/ciPEyWOntAc?si=in055MAI7EK8Zcaw)\ Two Round Robbins\ *Interview with Duncan Geere about data and art, especially in the context of climate communication.* ### Events * [The Loud Numbers Sonification Festival 2021](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X17zV8-4CdI) — Online Festival, June 5, 2021\ *Live-streamed sonification festival hosted by the creators* [*The Loud Numbers Podcast*](https://www.loudnumbers.net/podcast) *(Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick) in celebration of the launch of their first podcast season. Features several presentations as well as Q\&A sessions with sonification developers.* # Examples **Sections** [Sonification in Journalism](#data-sonification-in-journalism) [Data Sonification Archive](#data-sonification-archive) [Sonification Art Blog](#sonification-art-blog) ## Data Sonification in Journalism

## Data Sonification Archive

## Sonification Art Blog

# Roadmap ### Choose your data. The data is the source behind your entire sonification project. For inspiration, explore a data archive such as Data Is Plural or Tidy Tuesday (see [Data Sources](/data-sonification/resources/data-sources) for more). \ \ Consider whether your chosen data set would translate well to sound. Is there a particular shape to the data? Is it time-based, cross-sectional, spatial? ### Define your project goals. What is the goal of your sonification? Who are you trying to reach? You may be aiming to communicate a specific message, pay homage to a recent event, make a social justice statement, or simply engage. Useful resource: [The Sonification Canvas ](/data-sonification/concepts/design-and-aesthetic#design-resources-for-sonification) ### Brainstorm your design. Based on your goals, brainstorm how you can best achieve it through sound. Remember, [intentionally-designed sonifications](/data-sonification/concepts/design-and-aesthetic#the-value-of-design-in-sonification) can make a great impact! ### Select a sonification method. Which [method](/data-sonification/methods) will you be using for your sonification? ### Select a sonification tool. What [tools](/data-sonification/tools) will you be implementing? Will you be using an algorithmic tool? Perhaps you are involving recordings from the natural world, live performance, or recordings of a human voice. Perhaps you are including sonic metaphors through the use of auditory icons. ### Start making sound. Beep boop! Digital audio synthesis? Real-world captured sounds? Some combination? ### Edit and customize. Build out the context and aesthetic of your sonification so that listeners are drawn to it and understand it. Consider some workflows for [customization](/data-sonification/audio-editing#some-customization-examples-to-consider). [Audio editing](/data-sonification/audio-editing) can be helpful for the customization process. Whether it be recorded narration, audio samples, drum beats, or the use of software instruments, you can make your sonification uniquely achieve its purpose. ### Make it a story. Consider involving narrative elements. It can be helpful to write a script, or sketch the layers of audio that you want to include in your piece. ### Get feedback and adjust. Connect with [data sonification communities](/connect/community) to get feedback on your project. There are several active communities with folks who will happily provide feedback and encouragement! Data sonification is wonderful in that it is inclusive of many disciplines. Connecting with the community is a great way to get perspectives from individuals with different backgrounds. And getting a fresh ear on your work can be helpful after being immersed in the sounds of your project. ### Export, publish, and share. Once your project is complete, it’s time to share it with the world! Add your project to your website or portfolio. *No website? Some free alternatives are* [*GitHub Pages*](https://pages.github.com/) *or* [*Notion*](https://www.notion.com/)*.* **Audio-only**: Upload to [SoundCloud](https://soundcloud.com/) or [Bandcamp](https://bandcamp.com/). **Audio-visual**: Embed with HTML, or upload to YouTube. **Live performance**: Find an audience, or present at a [conference](/connect/community#conferences). Finally, share it with your network, and with [me](/about-this-project/contact-the-author)! # Exercises Quick-start sonification exercises to get the creativity flowing. Each exercise features a different data topic and sonification approach. | Sonification Exercise | Method | Tools | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | [Women in the Olympics](/data-sonification/exercises/exercise-1-women-in-the-olympics) | Parameter mapping | DataSonifyer, Audacity | | [Global Protection of LGBTQ+ Rights](/data-sonification/exercises/exercise-2-global-lgbtq+-rights) | Parameter mapping | csv-to-midi, Signal | | [New York City Evictions](/data-sonification/exercises/exercise-3-new-york-city-evictions) | Parameter mapping | Python (or Jupyter Notebook), Logic Pro X (or GarageBand) | {% hint style="info" %} *Thanks for your patience, toolkit family! More sonification activities are on the way.* 👍 {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Hey, IRE 2025! 👋 We'll be working from this [GitHub repository](https://github.com/awalmer/Sonification-Exercises) 💻 {% endhint %} # Exercise 1: Women in the Olympics The rate of participation of female athletes at the Summer Olympic Games finally reached 50% in 2024. It's taken a full century to climb from <5% to fair proportionate participation. **Goal**: Sonify female representation in the Summer Olympic Games since 1900. Add a sonic indicator for how the percentage of female athletes compares to 50%. **Tools**: DataSonifyer, Audacity **Method**: Parameter Mapping

*** ### Part 1: DataSonifyer 1. Download the [data](https://github.com/awalmer/Sonification-Exercises/blob/main/Women%20in%20the%20Oympics/women-summer-olympics.csv) (women-summer-olympics.csv). 2. Open [DataSonifyer](https://studio.datasonifyer.de/en). 3. Upload data (click “Load Data” and select .csv file, enter ‘,’ for delimiter). 4. Adjust general settings: 1. Instrument: Triangle 2. BPM: 80 3. Loop: Off 5. In the Frequency module, adjust: 1. Data: %women\_participants\_summer 6. In the Amplitude module, adjust: 1. Data: %women\_participants\_summer 7. Click “Add Sound Module,” select “Effect Control,” and save. Apply reverb if desired. 8. Continue adjusting parameters. Click the musical note symbol in the upper left corner for helpful tips. 9. To export audio, click “Record” in the upper right corner. Then click “Play” and DataSonifyer will capture what is played. Clicking “Recording” to stop recording. Scroll down to download the generated WAV file. 10. Next, do a similar process for a different variable: 50\_percent\_end. 1. Frequency module: Set Data: 50\_percent\_end 2. Amplitude module: Set Data: 50\_percent\_end, Min Amp: 0, Max Amp 1. This will make it so that only the final 50% tone is audible. 3. Record sonification and download WAV file.

### Part 2: Audacity 11. Open Audacity. 1. To install, go to and click “Download without Muse Hub.” Follow the installation process. 12. Import both sonification WAV files (File > Import > Audio...). 13. Arrange clips: Trim the 50% tone audio track, and make a copy of the clip. Place one clip at the beginning, and one at the end. This can provide sonic context to the listener, i.e. “What does 50 percent sound like?” 14. Add effects: Click “Effects” on the left side of a track and click “Add Effect.” Explore the effects available and adjust the parameters to your liking. 15. When ready, export the sonification: File > Export Audio... > Export to computer > Save with preferred file specifications.

Data Source: [International Olympic Committee Factsheet, April 2024](https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/Olympic-Movement/Factsheets/Women-in-the-Olympic-Movement.pdf) and [Olympics.com](https://www.olympics.com/ioc/gender-equality/gender-equality-through-time). # Exercise 2: Global LGBTQ+ Rights Globally, the protection of core LGBTQ+ rights is still woefully uncommon. While several countries have legalized same-sex marriage since the first in 2001 (The Netherlands), progress is moderate. **Goal**: Sonify the number of countries that have protected core LGBTQ+ rights – for example, same-sex marriage – since 1950. Include a time marker to indicate the passing of each decade. **Tools**: csv-to-midi, Signal **Method**: Parameter Mapping *** ### Part 1: csv-to-midi 1. Download the file called “global-core-lgbtq-rights.csv” in [this folder](https://github.com/awalmer/Sonification-Exercises/tree/main/Global%20LGBTQ%20Rights). 2. Launch [csv-to-midi](https://csv-to-midi.evanking.io/). Click the question mark symbol in the upper right corner for a quick rundown of the parameters we’ll be adjusting. 3. Upload the .csv file by clicking on the folder icon in the upper left corner. *Notice that csv-to-midi will only display numeric values.* 4. Adjust parameters: 1. Note: “Marriage - Legal (Count)” 2. Velocity: “Velocity\_steady” 3. Key: C 4. Scale: chromatic 5. Time: sequential (default) 6. Duration: 4 (quarter notes \~ 4 beats per measure) 7. Octave: 2 8. Range: 4 {% hint style="info" %} Note: In this case, "octave" indicates the lowness of the starting octave, and “range” indicates how many octaves the sonification spans. {% endhint %} 5. Save the MIDI file by clicking the floppy disc symbol in the bottom right corner. Name the file “global-core-lgbtq-rights.mid.”\

### Part 2: Signal 1. Launch [Signal](https://signal.vercel.app/edit). (This is a free web-based tool for editing MIDI and exporting audio.) 2. Import the MIDI file: File > Open > Select “global-core-lgbtq-rights.mid” > Open.\ Or just drag and drop the MIDI file into Signal. 3. Find **BPM** at the bottom center of the app. It is set to 0 by default – at the moment, nothing will happen when pressing the play button. Change it to **160** (this can be edited later). 4. Zoom out so that you can see all of the notes. Try clicking on the minus ( – ) symbol at the bottom of the side-scroll on the right side. 5. Click on the Selection Tool in the upper right corner. It looks like a dotted rectangle. Next, drag across all of the notes to select them. 6. Once all of the notes are selected, click Edit > Velocity. Set velocity equal to 50. (This is a nice, easy-listening level, as opposed to the maximum velocity that occurs with import.) 7. Clear the selection by clicking outside of the previous selection bounding box. See the string of MIDI notes that all appear in a flat line? These are the years where legal marriage count = 0. Select *all but the first of those notes*, and delete them. 8. Select the Pencil Tool in the upper right corner. Click on the MIDI note (at year = 1950) that you didn’t delete. *We are going to stretch this note for the duration of 51 years, until notes start going up*. Hover on the note until you see a right arrow , then drag to the point where notes begin again.\ ![](https://474819277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkFIX5m2sdMOgL46wsjZF%2Fuploads%2FWDgnDIysPu5ZnNRROzi9%2Fsignal-screenshot-1.png?alt=media\&token=7941b5c5-7c50-4631-8b17-9c10e0359c55) 9. With the note still selected, cut (Cmd+X), click “+ Add Track,” click on the new track (Track 2), move the playhead (red line) back to the start, and paste (Cmd+V). Now we can assign different instruments to this timeframe and years beyond 2001. 10. Rename Track 1 “post-2001” and rename Track 2 “pre-2001.” (On the track: right click > Property > rename.) 11. Change the instruments of each track. Select a synth, such as Synth Pad > Pad 8 (sweep) for the “pre-2001” track. Select your instrument of choice for the “post-2001” track. I personally like Chromatic Percussion > Vibraphone. 12. Add a new track by clicking “+ Add Track,” and select the new track. This will be our decade marker track. (Rename this track “decades.”) 13. Set the instrument for the “decades” track: check the Rhythm Track box in the instrument selection window, and select a drum kit (e.g. Jazz Drum Kit). 14. Add a beat at each decade (1950, 1960, etc.) – this is every 10 beats, or every 2.5 measures. Select the Pencil Tool and add a beat (click where you want the note placed) at marker 1, 3.5, 6, 8.5, 11, 13.5, 16, and 18.5.\ ![](https://474819277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkFIX5m2sdMOgL46wsjZF%2Fuploads%2FvGPm2tniKvREwEXI3Bw2%2Fsignal-screenshot-2.png?alt=media\&token=706e8d6b-c6d5-4cba-a106-c944354e1b0e) 15. Now, listen back. Honestly, it probably sounds pretty weird, yay! Make adjustments to the instruments, BPM, and velocity. \ Add an effect! These can be found in the modules along the bottom panel. To add a new effects module, click the three dots and select an effect (e.g. Reverb Level). \ ![](https://474819277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkFIX5m2sdMOgL46wsjZF%2Fuploads%2FuC0d6QLJQO4OmPHlYce5%2Fsignal-screenshot-3.png?alt=media\&token=9059e9e6-d4e2-4f2f-93f4-ccd17bcf8dda) 16. Once you’ve customized to your liking, you’re ready to export: File > Export > WAV. Data Source: [Our World in Data](https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/countries-protecting-core-lgbt-rights) # Exercise 3: New York City Evictions In the midst of an affordable housing crisis, New York City has faced an ongoing problem of eviction. While the COVID-19 moratorium temporarily removed this threat, evictions are back on the rise. **Goal**: Sonify the trend of residential evictions in New York City since 2017, intentionally revealing the “quiet” during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the concerning increase since the moratorium ended. **Tools**: Python, Logic Pro X **Method**: Parameter Mapping {% hint style="info" %} Choose one 👉 *Jupyter Notebook* or your *Dev Environment / IDE* of choice.\ Not sure? Jupyter Notebook is web-based, and doesn't require a Python installation on your local machine. {% endhint %} *** ### Method 1: Jupyter Notebook 1. Download the files in [this folder](https://github.com/awalmer/Sonification-Exercises/tree/main/NYC%20Evictions/Jupyter) and save them to a folder on your computer. 2. Launch Jupyter by going to [this page](https://jupyter.org/try-jupyter/). Drag and drop your downloaded folder of files into the panel on the left side.\ (You can also create a new folder and upload your files manually.)\ ![](https://474819277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkFIX5m2sdMOgL46wsjZF%2Fuploads%2FEdov10nwJJ3MztmL4Ezp%2FJupyter-tutorial-screenshot.png?alt=media\&token=3081564c-7d06-483a-8504-fea93af62de5) 3. Enter the folder and double-click on the notebook file, “nyc-evictions-data2midi.ipynb.” 4. Run each cell in the notebook by pressing Shift + Enter. (Or you can run the entire script: Run > Run All Cells.) 5. The cells are organized by steps with headers and include comments. Read each section to understand the logic of the code.\ ![](https://474819277-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkFIX5m2sdMOgL46wsjZF%2Fuploads%2FtAL23O0FTiBtcDEob7fe%2Fjupyter-notebook-screenshot.png?alt=media\&token=01e376a7-33df-472f-b7cc-71333a492ce0) 6. A MIDI file called “nyc-evictions.mid” will be generated. Download this file (Right click > Download). ### Method 2: Good Old Python 1. Download the files in [this folder](https://github.com/awalmer/Sonification-Exercises/tree/main/NYC%20Evictions/Python) and save them to a folder on your computer. 2. Open the downloaded folder in your favorite IDE (*integrated development environment*). I like to use Visual Studio Code. 3. Run the script – it is organized by steps, with plenty of little comments. Read each section to understand the logic of the code. 4. A MIDI file called “nyc-evictions.mid” will be generated. Huzzah! ### Audio Editing {% hint style="success" %} Continue these steps after completing the steps in Method 1 or 2. {% endhint %} 1. Launch your audio editor of choice. I prefer Logic Pro X (this is a DAW \~ *digital audio workstation*), but there are other [options](/data-sonification/tools#audio-editing-tools). 2. Place the MIDI file into a new Software Instrument track. 3. Select your preferred software instrument, and adjust effects until you are satisfied with the resulting sound. 4. Consider further [customization](/data-sonification/audio-editing#some-customization-examples-to-consider) of your sonification. \ Add a background soundscape, or auditory icons to indicate events. Here are some [free audio sample resources](/data-sonification/tools#audio-sample-resources) for you.\ Add a tempo marker to indicate the passing of each year.\ Make it yours! 5. When you are happy with your sonification, export and share! File > Bounce > Project or Section… > save your file. 6. The project is now an audio file that can be embedded in a digital article or attached to an animated visualization. Like [this](https://youtu.be/8h3_ijIudHo?si=-j4sqVETh9uBVXlS), for example!
Data Source: [NYC OpenData](https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Evictions/6z8x-wfk4/about_data). # Community Connect with the communities that support sonification collaboration and learning. ### Online Communities | Community Name | Description | Link | | ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Decibels Community | A data sonification community hosted on Discord. A space to share projects, ask questions, and connect with other sonifiers. | | | International Community for Auditory Display (ICAD) | A forum for presenting research on the use of auditory display. Includes an [annual conference](https://icad.org/conferences/) with extensive proceedings. | | | Georgia Tech Sonification Lab | An interdisciplinary research group at Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on the development of multimodal devices that often employ sonification. | | | Highcharts Sonification Studio Community | An online resource aimed at users of the Highcharts Sonification Studio. Includes video tutorials and useful links. | | | SoniFriday | An audio-visual collaboration from Berit Kruse and Christian Basl. It features sonifications on topics such as climate, gender, and ecology. | [https://www.instagram.com/sonifriday/ ]() | | Sonification World Chat | An organization launched by Geneva Lakes Astrophysics and STEAM which shares current information about sonification projects. It also advocates for blind or low vision (BLV) individuals to take part in the conversation about sonification tool development. There is a SWC email listserv, and monthly meetings are held across two time zones. | | | Geo SonNet (Sonification Network for the Geosciences) | A project connected to the Sonification World Chat (SWC) which encourages multidisciplinary collaboration in data sonification for geosciences. It also aims to document the status of geoscience sonification projects, and prepare geoscientists for submitting successful grant proposals. Meetings are shared with SWC. | | ### Conferences | Conference Name | Link | | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | ICAD Conference | | | Audio Mostly | | | The Sound and Music Computing Conference | | | SoniTEA Conference | | ### Opportunities and Events | Opportunity / Event | Link | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | The Sonification Awards | | # Shoutouts + Submissions {% hint style="info" %} Sonification inspiration crowdsourced from the data sonification community! Quotations, links, and hype incoming. 📣 {% endhint %} # Share Your Project Upon review, sonification project submissions will be featured in the Shoutouts + Submissions section. {% embed url="" %} # Contribute to the Toolkit {% embed url="" %} # Contact the Author Questions? Feedback? Send them to ****. 📩 Interested in collaborating on a sonification or commissioning a project? Let's work together! # RJI Fellowship A big thank you to The Reynolds Journalism Institute for providing funding and support to make this sonification resource possible. [**About RJI Fellowships**](https://rjionline.org/about-rji-fellowships/) [**RJI Fellows Cohort 2024-2025**](https://rjionline.org/fellowship-class/2024-2025/) ### RJI Fellows Presentation, March 2025 {% embed url="" %} Data Sonification Toolkit at 16:02 {% endembed %}

# Fellowship Articles Articles about data sonification and the development of this toolkit.


Embracing data-driven audio as a storytelling method	August 8, 2024 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/embracing-data-driven-audio-as-a-storytelling-method/	article_banner_aurawalmer_article1.jpg
Breaking down the barriers to data sonification	September 12, 2024 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/breaking-down-the-barriers-to-data-sonification/	walmera24091102.jpg
Toolkit overview: Examples, tutorials, resources	October 3, 2024 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/toolkit-overview-examples-tutorials-resources/	walmera24100201.jpg
Why journalists should care about design-conscious sonification	November 4, 2024 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/why-journalists-should-care-about-design-conscious-sonification/	walmera241102.png
Customization is key to a compelling sonification	December 3, 2024 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/customization-is-key-to-a-compelling-sonification/	digital collage for RJI article #5 __2.png
Listening for feedback on a dynamic resource	January 21, 2025 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/listening-for-feedback-on-a-dynamic-resource/	rjiarticle6.jpeg
You're not alone	February 19, 2025 Aura Walmer	https://rjionline.org/news/youre-not-alone/	rjiarticle7.jpeg
Introducing the Data Sonification Toolkit	February 27, 2025 Aura Walmer		rjiheader8.png

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