In 1999, Alex Sonnenfeld began developing a music notation system specifically for turntablism. Known as "S-notation," this transcription method employs a unique set of symbols to represent the techniques used by turntablists and musicians who manipulate sound through motor skills involving faders, knobs, and discs.

S-notation adheres closely to the orthographic principles of classical music notation, enabling effective communication with traditional musicians and facilitating composition, education, and research.

After presenting this system at various music universities worldwide, Sonnenfeld adapted these methods to create performance strategies for electronic music. In his lecture at the Sample Music Festival 2024 symposium, he analyzed modern forms of digital live performance through the lens of S-notation, exploring new technological advancements that enhance playing techniques on controller instruments.

This lecture also served as an introduction to the inaugural DMC for Electronic Music, a new competition format designed for artists in the electronic music domain.