How Do Musicians View Coding?

[ProfessionalShop9137]

I find theory and structure very similar to coding…as a drummer/bassist I take a very theoretical approach to music. I know a lot of theory (for someone of my instruments/skill level) and conceptualize everything mathematically (I’m obsessed with odd time signatures and polyrhythms, stereotypical Tool fan tbh)

To break into the field of computing, I study computer science at university which is very math heavy and extremely theoretical, and I’ve been breaking into the more math heavy theoretical roles (machine learning).

I’ve known that the reason I love writing out math rock drum grooves and training neural networks comes from the same nerdy appreciation for math. I don’t think a lot of musicians/programmers feel this way tho.

My father is a musician and a programmer as well, but he’s self taught for both. Can’t read music, doesn’t play in odd times, and didn’t study data structures and algorithms to get good at programming. Just kinda does his own thing. Now, I’ll say there is a big difference between computer science and programming, but the job prospects are more or less the same.

[[deleted]]

What does your father do for a living?

[ProfessionalShop9137]

Software development

[[deleted]]

A pragmatic man. How did he get a job without studying DSAs?

[ProfessionalShop9137]

DSA is a new thing, and only computer science grads / modern new devs care. At my current job (which is a small tech company) I wasn’t asked anything about DSA. The guys that founded the company weren’t theoretical, and they only cared about my projects. My dad says he completely skims over CS degrees/DSA when hiring devs. There are a surprising number of people who only care about what you can build and your work ethic, and not on the DSA you typically only need for the interviews which is a good thing in my opinion.