v0.38.2: Part.ramp() for smooth parameter automation

Smoothly sweep any parameter (lowpass, reverb, distortion, etc.)
from current value to target with linear, ease_in, ease_out, or
ease_in_out interpolation curves.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -2,6 +2,47 @@
 
 All notable changes to PyTheory are documented here.
 
+## 0.38.2
+
+- **`Part.ramp()`** — smooth parameter automation from current value to
+  target over a duration. Works for lowpass, reverb, distortion, chorus,
+  delay, volume, and any `.set()` parameter. Four interpolation curves:
+  linear, ease_in, ease_out, ease_in_out.
+
+## 0.38.1
+
+- **Dynamic curves** — `Part.crescendo()`, `Part.decrescendo()`,
+  `Part.swell()`, and `Part.dynamics()` for velocity ramps and custom
+  curves across a sequence of notes
+
+## 0.38.0
+
+- **Articulations** — `staccato`, `legato`, `marcato`, `tenuto`, `accent`,
+  `fermata` via `articulation=` on `Part.add()` and `Part.hold()`
+- **`Part.hit()`** — place individual drum sounds in a Part's note stream
+  with articulation, velocity, and effects support
+- **5 new djembe patterns** — dununba, tiriba, yankadi, djansa, mendiani
+- **3 new djembe fills** — djembe call, djembe roll, djembe break (30 fills total)
+- **Cross-choke drum damping** — striking one sound fades out related sounds
+  (djembe, hi-hats, cajón, doumbek)
+- **Improved djembe slap** — dry goatskin pop instead of snare-like noise
+
+## 0.37.0
+
+- **5 new djembe patterns** — dununba, tiriba, yankadi, djansa, mendiani
+- **3 new djembe fills** — djembe call, djembe roll, djembe break (30 fills total)
+- **Cross-choke drum damping** — striking one sound on a hand drum fades
+  out the ring of related sounds (djembe slap kills bass resonance, closed
+  hat chokes open hat, cajón slap dampens bass, doumbek tek dampens dum)
+- **Improved djembe slap** — dry, high-pitched goatskin pop instead of
+  snare-like noise rattle
+
+## 0.36.6
+
+- **6 new drum fills** — 3 cajón (flam, rumble, breakdown) and 3 metal
+  (triplet, blast, cascade). 27 fills total.
+- Updated drums documentation with fill lists and examples
+
 ## 0.36.5
 
 - **Duration arithmetic** — `Duration.WHOLE * 2`, `Duration.HALF + Duration.QUARTER`,

docs/guide/drums.rst

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ the genre -- they tell the listener's body how to move before a single
 melodic note is played.
 
 PyTheory includes a complete drum system -- 51 synthesized percussion
-sounds, 80+ pattern presets across dozens of genres, and 21 fill presets.
+sounds, 85+ pattern presets across dozens of genres, and 30 fill presets.
 Every sound is generated from waveforms; no samples needed.
 
 Drum Sounds
@@ -252,14 +252,17 @@ ending and a new one is about to begin. Without fills, a drum pattern
 just loops. With them, it breathes and has structure.
 
 ``Pattern.fill()`` loads a 1-bar drum fill -- a short break that
-transitions between sections. 21 fill presets are available:
+transitions between sections. 30 fill presets are available:
 
 .. code-block:: pycon
 
    >>> Pattern.list_fills()
    ['afrobeat', 'blast', 'bossa nova', 'breakdown', 'buildup',
-    'cumbia', 'disco', 'funk', 'highlife', 'hip hop', 'house',
-    'jazz', 'jazz brush', 'metal', 'reggae', 'rock', 'rock crash',
+    'cajon breakdown', 'cajon flam', 'cajon rumble',
+    'cumbia', 'disco', 'djembe break', 'djembe call', 'djembe roll',
+    'funk', 'highlife', 'hip hop', 'house',
+    'jazz', 'jazz brush', 'metal', 'metal blast', 'metal cascade',
+    'metal triplet', 'reggae', 'rock', 'rock crash',
     'salsa', 'samba', 'second line', 'trap']
 
    >>> fill = Pattern.fill("rock")
@@ -433,14 +436,19 @@ central to the drum ensemble traditions of Mali, Guinea, and Senegal.
 **3 sounds** -- bass (open center strike), tone (edge strike), and
 slap (sharp edge strike).
 
-**3 patterns:** djembe (a basic accompanying rhythm), kuku (a
-traditional rhythm from Guinea associated with fishing), and soli (a
-solo/celebration rhythm).
+**8 patterns:** djembe (basic accompanying rhythm), kuku (Guinean harvest
+dance), soli (powerful Mandinka rhythm), dununba (heavy bass-driven),
+tiriba (joyful Susu rhythm), yankadi (gentle greeting/welcome), djansa
+(fast Malinke dance), mendiani (women's celebratory dance).
+
+**3 fills:** djembe call (bass-tone-slap conversation building to climax),
+djembe roll (rapid slaps accelerating into bass), djembe break (syncopated
+West African-style break).
 
 .. code-block:: python
 
    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
-   score.drums("djembe", repeats=4)
+   score.drums("djembe", repeats=8, fill="djembe call", fill_every=4)
 
 Metal Kit
 ~~~~~~~~~
@@ -456,10 +464,15 @@ metal blast (blast beat with china cymbal accents), metal groove (a
 half-time groove with double kick fills), and metal gallop (the
 classic triplet-feel gallop rhythm).
 
+**4 fills:** metal (double kick 16ths with descending toms), metal triplet
+(double kick triplets with snare accents), metal blast (alternating
+snare/kick 32nds into half-time crash), metal cascade (descending snare
+roll → kick roll → alternating → crash ending).
+
 .. code-block:: python
 
    score = Score("4/4", bpm=200)
-   score.drums("metal blast", repeats=4)
+   score.drums("metal blast", repeats=8, fill="metal cascade", fill_every=4)
 
 Cajón
 ~~~~~
@@ -468,15 +481,20 @@ The cajón is a box-shaped percussion instrument from Peru, now
 ubiquitous in acoustic and unplugged settings worldwide. Players sit
 on the box and strike the front face with their hands.
 
-**2 sounds** -- slap (sharp, snare-like) and tap (bass-like).
+**3 sounds** -- bass (deep center thump), slap (sharp, snare-like edge
+hit with wire buzz), and tap (light finger tap).
 
 **3 patterns:** cajon (basic groove), cajon rumba (flamenco-style rumba),
 and cajon folk (folk/acoustic pattern).
 
+**3 fills:** cajon flam (slaps accelerating into bass hits), cajon rumble
+(fast taps building to slap accents), cajon breakdown (syncopated
+bass-slap groove).
+
 .. code-block:: python
 
    score = Score("4/4", bpm=100)
-   score.drums("cajon", repeats=4)
+   score.drums("cajon", repeats=8, fill="cajon flam", fill_every=4)
 
 MIDI Export
 -----------

docs/guide/sequencing.rst

@@ -47,6 +47,18 @@ A ``Duration`` represents a note length in beats (quarter note = 1 beat):
    >>> Duration.TRIPLET_QUARTER.value
    0.6666666666666666
 
+Duration supports arithmetic — multiply, divide, and add to create
+compound durations:
+
+.. code-block:: pycon
+
+   >>> Duration.WHOLE * 2
+   8.0
+   >>> Duration.HALF + Duration.QUARTER
+   3.0
+   >>> Duration.WHOLE / 2
+   2.0
+
 Time Signatures
 ---------------
 
@@ -399,6 +411,102 @@ The arpeggiator also accepts velocity:
 
    lead.arpeggio("Am", bars=2, pattern="up", velocity=80)
 
+Articulations
+-------------
+
+Articulations change *how* a note is played — its attack, duration, and
+weight. A staccato note is short and bouncy. A marcato note hits hard.
+A legato note melts into the next one. This is the difference between
+a melody that sounds like a MIDI file and one that sounds like a
+musician played it.
+
+Pass ``articulation=`` to ``Part.add()``:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   piano.add("C4", Duration.QUARTER, articulation="staccato")   # short, bouncy
+   piano.add("D4", Duration.QUARTER, articulation="legato")     # smooth, overlaps
+   piano.add("E4", Duration.QUARTER, articulation="marcato")    # heavy accent
+   piano.add("F4", Duration.QUARTER, articulation="tenuto")     # held, soft attack
+   piano.add("G4", Duration.QUARTER, articulation="accent")     # louder
+   piano.add("C5", Duration.HALF, articulation="fermata")       # held longer
+
+What each articulation does:
+
+- **staccato** — plays ~40% of the note duration with a quick fade-out. Short and detached.
+- **legato** — extends ~15% into the next note. Smooth and connected.
+- **marcato** — 25% velocity boost + sharper attack. Heavy and accented.
+- **tenuto** — full duration with a softer attack ramp. Held and deliberate.
+- **accent** — 20% velocity boost, no duration change.
+- **fermata** — stretches the note 50% longer.
+
+Articulations work on ``Part.hold()`` and ``Part.hit()`` too.
+
+Dynamic Curves
+--------------
+
+Real music breathes — phrases get louder, get quieter, swell and
+recede. Dynamic curves let you shape the velocity across a sequence
+of notes instead of setting each one manually.
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   # Crescendo: quiet to loud
+   piano.crescendo(["C4","D4","E4","F4","G4","A4","B4","C5"],
+                   Duration.QUARTER, start_vel=30, end_vel=110)
+
+   # Decrescendo: loud to quiet
+   piano.decrescendo(["C5","B4","A4","G4","F4","E4","D4","C4"],
+                     Duration.QUARTER, start_vel=110, end_vel=30)
+
+   # Swell: up then back down (orchestral < > shape)
+   strings.swell(["C4","D4","E4","F4","G4","F4","E4","D4"],
+                 Duration.QUARTER, low_vel=35, peak_vel=110)
+
+   # Custom curve: explicit velocity per note
+   piano.dynamics(["C4","E4","G4","C5"], Duration.QUARTER,
+                  velocities=[50, 80, 110, 90])
+
+Four methods:
+
+- **crescendo()** — linear velocity ramp from ``start_vel`` to ``end_vel``.
+- **decrescendo()** — same thing, but typically loud to quiet.
+- **swell()** — ramps up to the midpoint, then back down. The classic
+  orchestral crescendo-decrescendo.
+- **dynamics()** — the general form. Pass a ``(start, end)`` tuple for
+  a linear ramp, or a list of velocities for a custom curve.
+
+All four accept ``articulation=`` to combine dynamics with articulations:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   # Staccato crescendo — bouncy notes getting louder
+   piano.crescendo(["C4","E4","G4","C5","E5","G5","C6","E6"],
+                   Duration.EIGHTH, start_vel=40, end_vel=110,
+                   articulation="staccato")
+
+Part.hit() — Manual Drum Placement
+-----------------------------------
+
+The pattern system is great for grooves, but sometimes you want to
+place individual drum hits with full control — articulations, effects,
+and all. ``Part.hit()`` puts a drum sound into a Part's note stream:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   from pytheory import DrumSound
+
+   kit = score.part("kit", synth="sine", volume=0.7)
+
+   kit.hit(DrumSound.KICK, Duration.QUARTER, articulation="accent")
+   kit.hit(DrumSound.CLOSED_HAT, Duration.EIGHTH, velocity=60)
+   kit.hit(DrumSound.SNARE, Duration.EIGHTH, articulation="marcato")
+
+Because hits go through the normal Part renderer, they get humanize,
+effects, and articulations for free. Use this for custom beats that
+don't fit a preset pattern, or for one-shot accent hits layered on
+top of a pattern.
+
 Swing and Groove
 ----------------
 
@@ -478,6 +586,50 @@ integrate naturally with the rest of the automation system:
    pad.rest(Duration.WHOLE)
    pad.rest(Duration.WHOLE)
 
+Parameter Ramps
+---------------
+
+Fades only control volume. ``Part.ramp()`` smoothly sweeps *any*
+parameter from its current value to a target — filters, reverb,
+distortion, chorus, delay, anything ``.set()`` accepts. This is how
+you build filter sweeps, gradual effect sends, and EDM buildups.
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", lowpass=200, lowpass_q=3.0)
+
+   # Open the filter over 8 bars
+   lead.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 8, lowpass=8000)
+
+   # Ramp multiple params at once
+   pad.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 4, reverb=0.5, chorus=0.3)
+
+   # Close the filter with distortion fading in
+   lead.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 4, lowpass=400, distortion=0.5)
+
+Four interpolation curves:
+
+- **linear** — constant rate of change (default).
+- **ease_in** — starts slow, accelerates. Good for buildups.
+- **ease_out** — starts fast, decelerates. Good for releases.
+- **ease_in_out** — slow at both ends. Smooth and natural.
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   # EDM buildup: slow start, accelerating filter sweep
+   lead.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 8, curve="ease_in", lowpass=8000)
+
+   # Smooth reverb wash fading in and settling
+   pad.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 4, curve="ease_in_out", reverb=0.6)
+
+``ramp()`` generates automation points every quarter-beat by default.
+Set ``resolution=0.125`` for smoother curves (every 32nd note), or
+``resolution=1.0`` for lighter automation (every beat).
+
+Combine with ``lfo()`` for cyclic modulation and ``ramp()`` for
+one-shot sweeps — together they cover the full range of parameter
+automation.
+
 Humanize
 --------
 

pyproject.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "pytheory"
-version = "0.36.5"
+version = "0.38.2"
 description = "Music Theory for Humans"
 readme = "README.md"
 license = "MIT"

pytheory/__init__.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 """PyTheory: Music Theory for Humans."""
 
-__version__ = "0.36.5"
+__version__ = "0.38.2"
 
 from .tones import Tone, Interval
 from .systems import System, SYSTEMS, TET

pytheory/play.py

@@ -2890,29 +2890,27 @@ def _synth_djembe_tone(n_samples):
 def _synth_djembe_slap(n_samples):
     """Djembe slap — edge strike with fingers spread, sharp crack.
 
-    The highest, sharpest djembe sound. Fingers fan out on contact
-    creating a loud crack with minimal sustain.
+    The highest, sharpest djembe sound. A dry, high-pitched pop from
+    goatskin membrane — NOT a snare. Tight attack, very short decay,
+    skin character rather than wire rattle.
     """
     t = numpy.arange(n_samples, dtype=numpy.float32) / SAMPLE_RATE
-    # Sharp crack — mostly noise
-    crack_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.02), n_samples)
-    crack = _noise(crack_len) * _exp_decay(crack_len, 100) * 1.0
-    # Brief high-pitched ring
-    ring = numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * 600 * t) * _exp_decay(n_samples, 25) * 0.4
-    ring2 = numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * 1200 * t) * 0.2 * _exp_decay(n_samples, 35)
-    # Brief membrane pop
-    thump_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.02), n_samples)
-    thump_raw = _noise(thump_len)
-    if thump_len > 20:
-        bl, al = scipy.signal.butter(2, [300, 2000], btype='band', fs=SAMPLE_RATE)
-        thump = scipy.signal.lfilter(bl, al, numpy.pad(thump_raw, (0, max(0, n_samples - thump_len))))[:thump_len]
+    # High membrane pop — goatskin resonance, much higher than snare
+    pop = numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * 900 * t) * _exp_decay(n_samples, 50) * 0.5
+    pop2 = numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * 1600 * t) * _exp_decay(n_samples, 60) * 0.25
+    pop3 = numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * 2400 * t) * _exp_decay(n_samples, 80) * 0.12
+    # Very short filtered click — hand-on-skin transient, not noise rattle
+    click_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.008), n_samples)
+    click_raw = _noise(click_len)
+    if click_len > 20:
+        bl, al = scipy.signal.butter(2, 1800 / (SAMPLE_RATE / 2), btype='high')
+        click = scipy.signal.lfilter(bl, al, numpy.pad(click_raw, (0, max(0, n_samples - click_len))))[:click_len]
     else:
-        thump = thump_raw
-    thump *= _exp_decay(thump_len, 80) * 0.8
-    result = ring + ring2
-    result[:crack_len] += crack
-    result[:thump_len] += thump
-    return numpy.tanh(result * 1.7)
+        click = click_raw
+    click *= _exp_decay(click_len, 150) * 0.6
+    result = pop + pop2 + pop3
+    result[:click_len] += click
+    return numpy.tanh(result * 1.5)
 
 
 def _synth_guiro(n_samples):
@@ -4147,10 +4145,48 @@ def _render_notes_to_buf(notes, buf, samples_per_beat, total_samples,
                 start += _rnd.randint(-max_offset, max_offset)
                 start = max(0, start)
             dur_ms = note.beats * 60_000 / bpm
+            # Articulation: adjust duration and velocity
+            art = getattr(note, 'articulation', '')
+            art_vel_mult = 1.0
+            art_attack_mult = 1.0  # multiplier for envelope attack
+            if art == 'staccato':
+                dur_ms *= 0.4  # short and bouncy
+            elif art == 'legato':
+                dur_ms *= 1.15  # slight overlap into next note
+            elif art == 'marcato':
+                art_vel_mult = 1.25  # heavier
+                art_attack_mult = 0.3  # sharper attack
+            elif art == 'tenuto':
+                art_attack_mult = 1.8  # softer attack, full duration
+            elif art == 'accent':
+                art_vel_mult = 1.2
+            elif art == 'fermata':
+                dur_ms *= 1.5  # held longer
             n_samples = int(SAMPLE_RATE * dur_ms / 1000)
             if start + n_samples > total_samples:
                 n_samples = total_samples - start
             if n_samples > 0 and start >= 0:
+                # Drum hit via Part.hit() — use drum synth directly
+                from .rhythm import _DrumTone
+                if isinstance(note.tone, _DrumTone):
+                    drum_wave = _render_drum_hit(note.tone.sound.value, n_samples)
+                    mixed = drum_wave.astype(numpy.float32)
+                    # Staccato fade-out for drums
+                    if art == 'staccato':
+                        fade_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.01), len(mixed))
+                        if fade_len > 0:
+                            mixed[-fade_len:] *= numpy.linspace(1.0, 0.0, fade_len).astype(numpy.float32)
+                    vel = getattr(note, 'velocity', 100)
+                    vel = min(127, int(vel * art_vel_mult))
+                    if humanize > 0.0:
+                        vel_jitter = int(humanize * 15)
+                        vel = max(1, min(127, vel + _rnd.randint(-vel_jitter, vel_jitter)))
+                    vel_scale = vel / 127.0
+                    end = min(start + len(mixed), total_samples)
+                    buf[start:end] += mixed[:end - start] * volume * vel_scale
+                    if not getattr(note, '_hold', False):
+                        beat_pos += note.beats
+                    continue
                 # Get pitches
                 if hasattr(note.tone, 'tones'):
                     pitches = [t.pitch(temperament=temperament, reference_pitch=reference_pitch) for t in note.tone.tones]
@@ -4251,11 +4287,18 @@ def _render_notes_to_buf(notes, buf, samples_per_beat, total_samples,
                 if noise_mix > 0:
                     noise = numpy.random.uniform(-1, 1, n_samples).astype(numpy.float32)
                     mixed = mixed * (1.0 - noise_mix * 0.5) + noise * noise_mix * 0.5
-                # Amplitude envelope
-                if a > 0 or d > 0 or s < 1.0 or r > 0:
-                    mixed = _apply_envelope(mixed, a, d, s, r)
-                # Per-note velocity
+                # Amplitude envelope (articulation may adjust attack)
+                art_a = a * art_attack_mult
+                if art_a > 0 or d > 0 or s < 1.0 or r > 0:
+                    mixed = _apply_envelope(mixed, art_a, d, s, r)
+                # Staccato: apply a quick fade-out at the end
+                if art == 'staccato':
+                    fade_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.01), len(mixed))
+                    if fade_len > 0:
+                        mixed[-fade_len:] *= numpy.linspace(1.0, 0.0, fade_len).astype(numpy.float32)
+                # Per-note velocity (articulation may boost)
                 vel = getattr(note, 'velocity', 100)
+                vel = min(127, int(vel * art_vel_mult))
                 if humanize > 0.0:
                     vel_jitter = int(humanize * 15)
                     vel = max(1, min(127, vel + _rnd.randint(-vel_jitter, vel_jitter)))
@@ -4661,6 +4704,35 @@ def render_score(score):
                         part_stereo[fade_start:start, ch] *= fade
             _last_hit_start[sound_id] = start
 
+            # Cross-choke: a new hit on one sound dampens the ring of
+            # related sounds on the same instrument (e.g. djembe slap
+            # kills the bass resonance, closed hat kills open hat).
+            _CHOKE_GROUPS = {
+                # Djembe — any strike dampens the others
+                DrumSound.DJEMBE_BASS.value: (DrumSound.DJEMBE_TONE.value, DrumSound.DJEMBE_SLAP.value),
+                DrumSound.DJEMBE_TONE.value: (DrumSound.DJEMBE_BASS.value, DrumSound.DJEMBE_SLAP.value),
+                DrumSound.DJEMBE_SLAP.value: (DrumSound.DJEMBE_BASS.value, DrumSound.DJEMBE_TONE.value),
+                # Hi-hats — closed chokes open
+                DrumSound.CLOSED_HAT.value: (DrumSound.OPEN_HAT.value,),
+                DrumSound.PEDAL_HAT.value: (DrumSound.OPEN_HAT.value,),
+                # Cajón — slap dampens bass ring
+                DrumSound.CAJON_SLAP.value: (DrumSound.CAJON_BASS.value,),
+                DrumSound.CAJON_TAP.value: (DrumSound.CAJON_BASS.value,),
+                # Doumbek — tek/ka dampen dum
+                DrumSound.DOUMBEK_TEK.value: (DrumSound.DOUMBEK_DUM.value,),
+                DrumSound.DOUMBEK_KA.value: (DrumSound.DOUMBEK_DUM.value,),
+            }
+            choke_targets = _CHOKE_GROUPS.get(sound_id, ())
+            for target_id in choke_targets:
+                if target_id in _last_hit_start:
+                    prev_start = _last_hit_start[target_id]
+                    fade_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.004), max(0, start - prev_start))
+                    if fade_len > 0 and start > 0:
+                        fade = numpy.linspace(1.0, 0.0, fade_len).astype(numpy.float32)
+                        fade_start = max(0, start - fade_len)
+                        for ch in range(2):
+                            part_stereo[fade_start:start, ch] *= fade
+
             remaining = total_samples - start
             hit_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.5), remaining)
             wave = _render_drum_hit(hit.sound.value, hit_len)

pytheory/rhythm.py

@@ -449,6 +449,7 @@ class Note:
     bend: float = 0.0
     bend_type: str = "smooth"  # "smooth" (log), "linear", "late"
     lyric: str = ""  # syllable for vocal synth
+    articulation: str = ""  # "", "staccato", "legato", "marcato", "tenuto", "accent", "fermata"
     _hold: bool = False  # if True, don't advance beat position
 
     @property
@@ -565,6 +566,17 @@ class DrumSound(Enum):
     METAL_HAT = 107      # tight, short, precise
 
 
+class _DrumTone:
+    """Wrapper so a DrumSound can be placed in a Part's note list."""
+    __slots__ = ('sound',)
+
+    def __init__(self, sound: DrumSound):
+        self.sound = sound
+
+    def pitch(self, **kwargs):
+        return -self.sound.value
+
+
 class _Hit:
     """A single drum hit at a specific position in a pattern."""
     __slots__ = ("sound", "position", "velocity")
@@ -1907,6 +1919,74 @@ Pattern._PRESETS["soli"] = dict(
     ],
 )
 
+# Dununba — heavy bass-driven rhythm (accompaniment djembe part)
+Pattern._PRESETS["dununba"] = dict(
+    name="dununba",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JB, 0.0, 110), _h(JB, 0.5, 95),
+        _h(JT, 1.0, 75), _h(JB, 1.5, 100),
+        _h(JB, 2.0, 108), _h(JT, 2.5, 70),
+        _h(JB, 3.0, 105), _h(JB, 3.5, 90), _h(JT, 3.75, 65),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Tiriba — joyful Susu rhythm from Guinea
+Pattern._PRESETS["tiriba"] = dict(
+    name="tiriba",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JT, 0.0, 85), _h(JS, 0.25, 95), _h(JT, 0.5, 80),
+        _h(JB, 1.0, 100), _h(JT, 1.5, 75),
+        _h(JS, 2.0, 92), _h(JT, 2.25, 78), _h(JT, 2.5, 80),
+        _h(JB, 3.0, 105), _h(JS, 3.5, 88), _h(JT, 3.75, 72),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Yankadi — gentle greeting/welcome rhythm from Guinea
+Pattern._PRESETS["yankadi"] = dict(
+    name="yankadi",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JB, 0.0, 90), _h(JT, 0.5, 70),
+        _h(JT, 1.0, 72), _h(JS, 1.5, 85),
+        _h(JB, 2.0, 88), _h(JT, 2.5, 68),
+        _h(JS, 3.0, 82), _h(JT, 3.5, 65),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Djansa — fast Malinke dance rhythm
+Pattern._PRESETS["djansa"] = dict(
+    name="djansa",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JS, 0.0, 100), _h(JT, 0.25, 72), _h(JT, 0.5, 70),
+        _h(JB, 0.75, 95),
+        _h(JS, 1.0, 98), _h(JT, 1.25, 68), _h(JB, 1.5, 92),
+        _h(JS, 2.0, 102), _h(JT, 2.25, 75), _h(JT, 2.5, 72),
+        _h(JB, 2.75, 90),
+        _h(JS, 3.0, 105), _h(JT, 3.25, 70), _h(JB, 3.5, 95),
+        _h(JS, 3.75, 88),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Mendiani — women's dance rhythm, celebratory
+Pattern._PRESETS["mendiani"] = dict(
+    name="mendiani",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JB, 0.0, 100), _h(JT, 0.25, 65), _h(JS, 0.5, 90),
+        _h(JT, 1.0, 70), _h(JB, 1.5, 95), _h(JT, 1.75, 68),
+        _h(JS, 2.0, 92), _h(JT, 2.5, 72), _h(JS, 2.75, 85),
+        _h(JB, 3.0, 105), _h(JT, 3.25, 65), _h(JS, 3.5, 95),
+    ],
+)
+
 # ── Fill presets ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 Pattern._FILLS["rock"] = dict(
@@ -2292,6 +2372,160 @@ Pattern._FILLS["tabla call"] = dict(
     ],
 )
 
+# ── Djembe fills ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Djembe call — bass-tone-slap conversation building to climax
+Pattern._FILLS["djembe call"] = dict(
+    name="djembe call fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JB, 0.0, 100), _h(JT, 0.25, 70), _h(JT, 0.5, 72),
+        _h(JS, 0.75, 90),
+        _h(JB, 1.0, 95), _h(JT, 1.25, 68), _h(JS, 1.5, 88),
+        _h(JT, 1.75, 75),
+        _h(JS, 2.0, 100), _h(JS, 2.25, 95), _h(JT, 2.5, 78),
+        _h(JB, 2.75, 105),
+        _h(JS, 3.0, 110), _h(JT, 3.25, 80), _h(JS, 3.5, 112),
+        _h(JB, 3.75, 120),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Djembe roll — rapid slaps accelerating into bass
+Pattern._FILLS["djembe roll"] = dict(
+    name="djembe roll fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        # Accelerating slap roll
+        *[_h(JS, i * 0.125, 50 + i * 4) for i in range(16)],
+        # Bass accents punching through
+        _h(JB, 2.0, 105), _h(JB, 2.5, 108),
+        _h(JB, 3.0, 112), _h(JT, 3.25, 85),
+        _h(JB, 3.5, 115), _h(JS, 3.75, 100),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Djembe break — syncopated West African-style break
+Pattern._FILLS["djembe break"] = dict(
+    name="djembe break fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(JB, 0.0, 105), _h(JT, 0.25, 65), _h(JS, 0.5, 90),
+        _h(JT, 0.75, 70), _h(JB, 1.0, 100),
+        _h(JS, 1.25, 85), _h(JS, 1.5, 88),
+        _h(JB, 1.75, 95), _h(JT, 2.0, 72),
+        _h(JS, 2.25, 92), _h(JB, 2.5, 108),
+        _h(JT, 2.75, 68), _h(JS, 2.875, 55),
+        _h(JB, 3.0, 115), _h(JS, 3.25, 100),
+        _h(JB, 3.5, 118), _h(JB, 3.75, 120),
+    ],
+)
+
+# ── Cajón fills ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Cajón flam run — slaps accelerating into bass hit
+Pattern._FILLS["cajon flam"] = dict(
+    name="cajon flam fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(CSL, 0.0, 95), _h(CT, 0.125, 45), _h(CSL, 0.25, 90),
+        _h(CB, 0.5, 100), _h(CT, 0.75, 50),
+        _h(CSL, 1.0, 88), _h(CT, 1.125, 42), _h(CSL, 1.25, 92),
+        _h(CT, 1.5, 55), _h(CSL, 1.75, 85),
+        _h(CB, 2.0, 105), _h(CSL, 2.25, 75), _h(CT, 2.5, 48),
+        _h(CSL, 2.75, 80), _h(CT, 2.875, 40),
+        _h(CB, 3.0, 110), _h(CSL, 3.25, 90), _h(CSL, 3.5, 95),
+        _h(CB, 3.75, 120),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Cajón rumble — fast taps building to slap accents
+Pattern._FILLS["cajon rumble"] = dict(
+    name="cajon rumble fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        *[_h(CT, i * 0.125, 35 + i * 3) for i in range(16)],
+        _h(CSL, 2.0, 95), _h(CSL, 2.5, 100),
+        _h(CB, 3.0, 108), _h(CSL, 3.25, 88),
+        _h(CB, 3.5, 112), _h(CSL, 3.75, 95),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Cajón breakdown — syncopated bass-slap groove
+Pattern._FILLS["cajon breakdown"] = dict(
+    name="cajon breakdown fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        _h(CB, 0.0, 100), _h(CT, 0.25, 45), _h(CSL, 0.5, 85),
+        _h(CB, 1.0, 95), _h(CSL, 1.25, 78), _h(CT, 1.5, 50),
+        _h(CSL, 1.75, 82),
+        _h(CB, 2.0, 105), _h(CT, 2.125, 40), _h(CT, 2.25, 42),
+        _h(CSL, 2.5, 90), _h(CT, 2.75, 48),
+        _h(CB, 3.0, 115), _h(CSL, 3.25, 95),
+        _h(CB, 3.5, 110), _h(CSL, 3.75, 100),
+    ],
+)
+
+# ── Metal fills (using metal kit) ────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Metal triplet — double kick triplets with snare accents
+Pattern._FILLS["metal triplet"] = dict(
+    name="metal triplet fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        # Triplet kick pattern (12 kicks across 4 beats = triplet 8ths)
+        *[_h(MK, i * (1/3), 95 + (i % 3 == 0) * 15) for i in range(12)],
+        # Snare accents on downbeats
+        _h(MS, 0.0, 110), _h(MS, 1.0, 105),
+        _h(MS, 2.0, 110), _h(MS, 3.0, 115),
+        # Hat on upbeats
+        _h(MH, 0.5, 60), _h(MH, 1.5, 60),
+        _h(MH, 2.5, 65), _h(MH, 3.5, 70),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Metal blastbeat variant — alternating snare/kick 32nds
+Pattern._FILLS["metal blast"] = dict(
+    name="metal blast fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        # Alternating kick-snare at 32nd note speed for 2 beats
+        *[_h(MK if i % 2 == 0 else MS, i * 0.125, 100 + i) for i in range(16)],
+        # Then crash into half-time for 2 beats
+        _h(MK, 2.0, 120), _h(MS, 2.5, 115),
+        _h(MK, 3.0, 120), _h(MH, 3.25, 80),
+        _h(MS, 3.5, 120),
+    ],
+)
+
+# Metal cascade — descending snare/kick rolls
+Pattern._FILLS["metal cascade"] = dict(
+    name="metal cascade fill",
+    time_signature="4/4",
+    beats=4.0,
+    hits=[
+        # Fast snare roll beat 1
+        *[_h(MS, i * 0.125, 80 + i * 5) for i in range(8)],
+        # Double kick beat 2
+        *[_h(MK, 1.0 + i * 0.125, 90 + i * 3) for i in range(8)],
+        # Alternating beat 3
+        _h(MS, 2.0, 105), _h(MK, 2.125, 95),
+        _h(MS, 2.25, 108), _h(MK, 2.375, 98),
+        _h(MS, 2.5, 110), _h(MK, 2.625, 100),
+        _h(MS, 2.75, 112), _h(MK, 2.875, 102),
+        # Crash ending
+        _h(MK, 3.0, 120), _h(MS, 3.0, 120),
+        _h(MK, 3.5, 120), _h(MS, 3.5, 120),
+    ],
+)
+
 
 class Part:
     """A named voice within a Score, with its own synth, envelope, and effects.
@@ -2402,7 +2636,8 @@ class Part:
         self._automation: list[tuple[float, dict]] = []  # (beat, {param: value})
 
     def add(self, tone_or_string, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *, velocity: int = 100,
-            bend: float = 0.0, bend_type: str = "smooth", lyric: str = "") -> "Part":
+            bend: float = 0.0, bend_type: str = "smooth", lyric: str = "",
+            articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
         """Add a note. Accepts Tone/Chord objects or note strings like ``"E5"``.
 
         Duration can be a ``Duration`` enum or a raw float (beats).
@@ -2410,6 +2645,10 @@ class Part:
         Bend specifies a pitch bend in semitones over the note duration
         (e.g. ``bend=2`` bends up a whole step, ``bend=-1`` bends down
         a half step). Used for guitar bends, sitar meends, slides.
+        Articulation changes how the note is played: ``"staccato"`` (short,
+        ~40% duration), ``"legato"`` (overlaps next note), ``"marcato"``
+        (heavy accent), ``"tenuto"`` (full duration, soft attack),
+        ``"accent"`` (velocity bump), ``"fermata"`` (held ~50% longer).
 
         Returns self for chaining.
         """
@@ -2420,11 +2659,13 @@ class Part:
             duration = _RawDuration(duration)
         self.notes.append(Note(tone=tone_or_string, duration=duration,
                                velocity=velocity, bend=bend,
-                               bend_type=bend_type, lyric=lyric))
+                               bend_type=bend_type, lyric=lyric,
+                               articulation=articulation))
         return self
 
     def hold(self, tone_or_string, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *, velocity: int = 100,
-             bend: float = 0.0, bend_type: str = "smooth", lyric: str = "") -> "Part":
+             bend: float = 0.0, bend_type: str = "smooth", lyric: str = "",
+             articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
         """Add a note without advancing the beat position.
 
         The note plays at the current position but the next note
@@ -2449,9 +2690,168 @@ class Part:
             duration = _RawDuration(duration)
         self.notes.append(Note(tone=tone_or_string, duration=duration,
                                velocity=velocity, bend=bend,
-                               bend_type=bend_type, lyric=lyric, _hold=True))
+                               bend_type=bend_type, lyric=lyric,
+                               articulation=articulation, _hold=True))
         return self
 
+    def hit(self, sound, duration=Duration.EIGHTH, *, velocity: int = 100,
+            articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
+        """Add a drum hit to this part.
+
+        Places a drum sound into the note stream so it goes through the
+        normal renderer — meaning articulations, humanize, and effects
+        all work on individual hits.
+
+        Args:
+            sound: A :class:`DrumSound` enum member (e.g. ``DrumSound.KICK``).
+            duration: How long the hit occupies in the timeline (default 8th note).
+            velocity: Hit loudness 1-127.
+            articulation: ``"accent"``, ``"staccato"``, ``"marcato"``, etc.
+
+        Example::
+
+            >>> drums = score.part("kit", synth="sine")
+            >>> drums.hit(DrumSound.KICK, Duration.QUARTER, articulation="accent")
+            >>> drums.hit(DrumSound.CLOSED_HAT, Duration.EIGHTH)
+        """
+        if isinstance(duration, (int, float)):
+            duration = _RawDuration(duration)
+        self.notes.append(Note(tone=_DrumTone(sound), duration=duration,
+                               velocity=velocity, articulation=articulation))
+        return self
+
+    def crescendo(self, notes, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *,
+                  start_vel: int = 40, end_vel: int = 110,
+                  articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
+        """Add notes with velocity ramping up (getting louder).
+
+        Args:
+            notes: List of note strings (e.g. ``["C4", "D4", "E4"]``).
+            duration: Duration for each note.
+            start_vel: Starting velocity (quiet).
+            end_vel: Ending velocity (loud).
+            articulation: Optional articulation for all notes.
+
+        Example::
+
+            >>> piano.crescendo(["C4","D4","E4","F4","G4"], Duration.QUARTER,
+            ...                 start_vel=40, end_vel=110)
+        """
+        return self.dynamics(notes, duration, velocities=(start_vel, end_vel),
+                             articulation=articulation)
+
+    def decrescendo(self, notes, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *,
+                    start_vel: int = 110, end_vel: int = 40,
+                    articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
+        """Add notes with velocity ramping down (getting quieter).
+
+        Args:
+            notes: List of note strings.
+            duration: Duration for each note.
+            start_vel: Starting velocity (loud).
+            end_vel: Ending velocity (quiet).
+            articulation: Optional articulation for all notes.
+
+        Example::
+
+            >>> piano.decrescendo(["G4","F4","E4","D4","C4"], Duration.QUARTER,
+            ...                   start_vel=110, end_vel=40)
+        """
+        return self.dynamics(notes, duration, velocities=(start_vel, end_vel),
+                             articulation=articulation)
+
+    def dynamics(self, notes, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *,
+                 velocities=None, articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
+        """Add notes with a velocity curve.
+
+        Args:
+            notes: List of note strings or Tone/Chord objects.
+            duration: Duration for each note (or list of durations).
+            velocities: Velocity curve — either a ``(start, end)`` tuple
+                for a linear ramp, or a list of ints (one per note).
+            articulation: Optional articulation for all notes (or list).
+
+        Example::
+
+            >>> # Linear ramp
+            >>> piano.dynamics(["C4","E4","G4","C5"], Duration.QUARTER,
+            ...                velocities=(50, 120))
+            >>> # Custom curve (swell and fade)
+            >>> piano.dynamics(["C4","D4","E4","F4","G4","F4","E4","D4"],
+            ...                Duration.EIGHTH,
+            ...                velocities=[50, 70, 90, 110, 110, 90, 70, 50])
+        """
+        n = len(notes)
+        if n == 0:
+            return self
+
+        # Resolve velocities
+        if velocities is None:
+            vels = [100] * n
+        elif isinstance(velocities, (tuple, list)) and len(velocities) == 2 and isinstance(velocities[0], (int, float)):
+            # (start, end) tuple — linear ramp
+            start_v, end_v = velocities
+            if n == 1:
+                vels = [int(start_v)]
+            else:
+                vels = [int(start_v + (end_v - start_v) * i / (n - 1))
+                        for i in range(n)]
+        else:
+            vels = list(velocities)
+
+        # Resolve durations
+        if isinstance(duration, (list, tuple)):
+            durs = list(duration)
+        else:
+            durs = [duration] * n
+
+        # Resolve articulations
+        if isinstance(articulation, (list, tuple)):
+            arts = list(articulation)
+        else:
+            arts = [articulation] * n
+
+        for note, vel, dur, art in zip(notes, vels, durs, arts):
+            vel = max(1, min(127, vel))
+            self.add(note, dur, velocity=vel, articulation=art)
+
+        return self
+
+    def swell(self, notes, duration=Duration.QUARTER, *,
+              low_vel: int = 40, peak_vel: int = 110,
+              articulation: str = "") -> "Part":
+        """Add notes that swell up then fade back down (< > shape).
+
+        The velocity ramps up to the midpoint then back down,
+        creating the classic orchestral swell.
+
+        Args:
+            notes: List of note strings.
+            duration: Duration for each note.
+            low_vel: Velocity at start and end.
+            peak_vel: Velocity at the peak (midpoint).
+            articulation: Optional articulation.
+
+        Example::
+
+            >>> strings.swell(["C4","D4","E4","F4","G4","F4","E4","D4"],
+            ...               Duration.QUARTER, low_vel=40, peak_vel=110)
+        """
+        n = len(notes)
+        if n <= 2:
+            return self.dynamics(notes, duration, velocities=[peak_vel] * n,
+                                 articulation=articulation)
+        mid = n // 2
+        vels = []
+        for i in range(n):
+            if i <= mid:
+                v = low_vel + (peak_vel - low_vel) * i / mid
+            else:
+                v = peak_vel - (peak_vel - low_vel) * (i - mid) / (n - 1 - mid)
+            vels.append(int(v))
+        return self.dynamics(notes, duration, velocities=vels,
+                             articulation=articulation)
+
     def set(self, **params) -> "Part":
         """Change effect parameters at the current beat position.
 
@@ -2535,6 +2935,79 @@ class Part:
         points = sorted(set(beat for beat, _ in self._automation))
         return points
 
+    def ramp(self, over: float = 4.0, resolution: float = 0.25,
+             curve: str = "linear", **params) -> "Part":
+        """Smoothly ramp parameters from their current values to new targets.
+
+        Generates interpolated automation points — like turning a knob
+        gradually instead of jumping to a new position. Works for any
+        parameter that ``.set()`` accepts.
+
+        Args:
+            over: Duration of the ramp in beats (default 4.0 = 1 bar).
+                Use ``Duration.WHOLE * 4`` for a 4-bar ramp, etc.
+            resolution: How often to insert points, in beats (default 0.25).
+                Lower = smoother but more points.
+            curve: Interpolation shape — ``"linear"`` (default),
+                ``"ease_in"`` (slow start, fast end),
+                ``"ease_out"`` (fast start, slow end),
+                ``"ease_in_out"`` (slow start and end).
+            **params: Target values for any parameter. The ramp starts
+                from the parameter's current value at this beat position.
+
+        Returns:
+            Self for chaining.
+
+        Example::
+
+            >>> lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", lowpass=200)
+            >>> # Open the filter over 4 bars
+            >>> lead.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 4, lowpass=8000)
+            >>> # Fade reverb in over 2 bars
+            >>> pad.ramp(over=Duration.WHOLE * 2, reverb=0.5)
+            >>> # Multiple params at once with easing
+            >>> lead.ramp(over=8.0, curve="ease_in", lowpass=6000, distortion=0.4)
+        """
+        current_beat = sum(n.beats for n in self.notes)
+
+        # Map param names to internal names
+        param_map = {
+            "reverb": "reverb_mix", "delay": "delay_mix",
+            "distortion": "distortion_mix", "chorus": "chorus_mix",
+            "phaser": "phaser_mix",
+        }
+
+        # Get current values for each param
+        current_params = self._get_params_at(current_beat)
+        ramps = {}
+        for param, target in params.items():
+            internal = param_map.get(param, param)
+            start = current_params.get(internal, getattr(self, internal, 0.0))
+            ramps[internal] = (float(start), float(target))
+
+        # Generate interpolated points
+        beat = 0.0
+        while beat <= over:
+            t = beat / over if over > 0 else 1.0
+            t = max(0.0, min(1.0, t))
+
+            # Apply curve
+            if curve == "ease_in":
+                t = t * t
+            elif curve == "ease_out":
+                t = 1.0 - (1.0 - t) ** 2
+            elif curve == "ease_in_out":
+                t = 3 * t * t - 2 * t * t * t
+
+            point = {}
+            for internal, (start, end) in ramps.items():
+                point[internal] = start + (end - start) * t
+
+            self._automation.append((current_beat + beat, point))
+            beat += resolution
+
+        return self
+
     def lfo(self, param: str, *, rate: float = 0.5, min: float = 0.0,
             max: float = 1.0, bars: float = 4, shape: str = "sine",
             resolution: float = 0.25) -> "Part":

uv.lock

@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ wheels = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "pytheory"
-version = "0.36.5"
+version = "0.38.2"
 source = { editable = "." }
 dependencies = [
     { name = "numeral" },