Tone.js Skill

Expert knowledge package for building interactive music applications with Tone.js in browser environments.

Overview

Tone.js Skill provides comprehensive guidance for AI agents to build professional audio applications using the Tone.js Web Audio framework. It encapsulates best practices, common patterns, and critical gotchas for synthesizers, samplers, effects processing, and audio scheduling in browsers.

Features

Complete API Coverage: Instruments, effects, scheduling, Transport system, and audio routing
Step-by-Step Workflows: Seven common tasks with detailed implementation steps
Timing Precision: Emphasis on sample-accurate scheduling vs imprecise JavaScript timing
Edge Case Handling: Browser autoplay policies, memory management, loading states
Pattern Library: Step sequencers, probabilistic playback, dynamic parameters
Architecture Overview: Class hierarchy and audio graph structure
Quick Reference: Instrument types, effects, time notation lookup tables

Installation

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/tonejs-skill.git
cd tonejs-skill

# Add to your agent's skill directory
cp SKILL.md ~/.config/your-agent/skills/tonejs.md

Usage

This skill is designed to be loaded by AI agents that support skill-based knowledge systems. When loaded, the agent gains expertise in:

- Creating synthesizers and polyphonic instruments
- Loading and playing audio samples
- Building step sequencers and drum machines
- Applying real-time audio effects
- Automating parameters over time
- Synchronizing visuals with audio playback
- Implementing complex audio routing graphs

The skill emphasizes critical concepts like:

User interaction requirement: Tone.start() must be called from click/touch events
Time parameter discipline: Always use callback time parameter for scheduling
Memory management: Disposing of audio nodes to prevent leaks
Loading patterns: Waiting for Tone.loaded() before sample playback

Configuration

The skill file follows standard frontmatter format:

name: tonejs
description: Web Audio framework for creating interactive music in browsers
license: MIT
metadata:
    author: Yotam Mann
    version: "15.4.0"
    repository: https://github.com/Tonejs/Tone.js

Agents detect usage scenarios automatically based on keywords: synthesizers, audio visualization, DAWs, step sequencers, effects processors, sample playback.

Architecture

The skill is organized into functional sections:

Core Concepts: AudioContext initialization, audio graph routing, time notation, Transport system
Step-by-Step Instructions: Seven common implementation tasks with code examples
Common Patterns: Reusable code patterns for sequencers, probabilistic playback, LFO modulation
Sound Design Principles: Comprehensive guide for notification sounds, UI feedback, creative process, and technical considerations
Edge Cases and Gotchas: Seven critical issues with correct vs incorrect examples
Architecture Overview: Tone.js class hierarchy diagram
Quick Reference: Lookup tables for instruments, effects, and time notation

Each section includes inline code examples with explanatory comments. Incorrect patterns are marked WRONG with corrected alternatives marked CORRECT.

Development

The skill is maintained as a single Markdown file:

tonejs-skill/
├── SKILL.md              # Complete skill (626 lines)
└── README.md             # Documentation

Validation commands:

# Validate frontmatter syntax
grep -A 10 "^---" SKILL.md

# Test code examples (requires Tone.js environment)
# Extract and run code blocks for verification

The skill targets Tone.js version 15.4.0. Key dependencies documented: Web Audio API support, modern browser with ES6+ features.

License

MIT License

plyght/tonejs-skill

README