Different programming systems for computer music are based upon seemingly similar, but profoundly different, programming paradigms. In this paper, we shall discuss some of them, with particular reference to computer-aided composition systems and Max. We shall subsequently show how the bach library can support different programming styles within Max, improving the expression, the readability and the maintainance of complex algorithms. In particular, the forthcoming version of bach introduces bell, a small textual programming language embedded in Max and specifically designed to facilite programming tasks related to manipulation of symbolic musical material.