Music Hackspace meetups

Jean-Baptiste Thiebaut

The Meetups are live events usually hosted online on a Zoom call. Meetups are generally organised for group of users of a particular creative technology (e.g. Max or TouchDesigner), and within that technology, on a variety of creative topics (e.g. music visualisation or interactive art).


The meetups are community-led and promote good practices, creativity, diversity, ethical considerations, transparency and openness. This is in the spirit of how we and our partners view the community and want to engage with its participants.


The Meetups create regular opportunities for everyone to meet and engage with like minded artists. We encourage active participation, questions, answers, and collaborations.

Anyone can present at a Meetup! It is the role of the Meetup Host to find a few speakers to share their experience on a particular topic, and we’re always happy to put them in touch with our community, so if you are interested to present, do get in touch!
Presentations range from work-in-progress to retrospective on past works and deep insights into research topics. Many artists who are still exploring a topic or a project enjoy sharing their journey into a particular technology, to get feedback, or to raise questions. Some artists take the opportunity to reflect on a recent project and discuss its technical aspects with the community. Every approach is welcome, it’s all about a genuine desire to share experiences, inspire and be inspired by others approaches.

The Music Hackspace isn’t offering a fee for presenting. The Host receives a fee though. They are tasked with finding the speakers. preparing the event, running it on the day and managing Q & A. If you are interested in hosting a meetup on a topic that you’re passionate about and that we haven’t covered, do get in touch!


If you’d like to present, but feel that your ideas and experience should be monetised, we are happy to discuss the possibility of a paid workshop with us in which you will receive a royalty share.

Yes! We believe that Meetups are a great way to introduce technologies, gather feedback and provide users first-hand experience of new creative possibilities. Do get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss this for your products.

Build a MIDI 2.0 program using the Apple UMP API – Workshop 2 / December 6th

Date & Time: Monday 6th December 2021 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

This workshop builds on the first UMP Workshop, and focuses on C++ development using the new Apple UMP API. Automatic 20% discount will be applied at checkout to this workshop if purchased at the same time as the first workshop.

2-hours

Difficulty level: Advanced

  • Inspect the new Apple UMP API
  • What can be done with the API, where are limitations?
  • Build a simple UMP program in C++

Overview

This workshop builds on Workshop 1, and will provide developers with knowledge and code for implementing MIDI 2.0 Universal MIDI Packet (UMP) development using the Apple UMP API in C++. The Apple UMP API will be presented and explained. Then, the participants will co-develop a simple implementation in C++ using the Apple UMP API. For that, a stub workspace will be provided. Exercises will let the participants practice the newly learned concepts. Xcode on MacOS 11 required for building the workshop code.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop the participants will:

  • Be able to build MIDI 2.0 products using UMP using the Apple UMP API

Study Topics

  • Looking at the Apple UMP API
  • Extending the code from Workshop 1 with Apple i/o
  • Presenting fragments of the code in the stub workspace
  • Testing and interoperability with MIDI 1.0

Level of experience required

  • Attendees who joined workshop 1 <add link>
  • Some experience with C++ coding required
  • Attendees should be familiar with MIDI 1.0; they should have experience building and debugging applications using Xcode (macOS)

Any technical requirements for participants 

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A webcam and mic
  • A Zoom account
  • for development: Xcode on MacOS 11

About the workshop leader 

Florian Bomers runs his own company Bome Software, creating MIDI tools and hardware. He has been an active MIDI 2.0 working group member since its inception. He serves on the Technical Standards Board of the MIDI Association and chairs the MIDI 2.0 Transports Working Group. He is based in Munich, Germany.

MIDI 2.0 – Introduction to the Universal MIDI Packet – Workshop 1 / November 29th

Date & Time: Monday 29th November 2021 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

This workshop is followed by two more workshops exploring the specific implementations with Apple UMP API and the JUCE UMP API (cross-platform). Automatic 20% discount on workshop 2 and/or 3 will be applied when purchased with this workshop.

2- hours

Difficulty level: Advanced

MIDI 2.0 is set to power the next generation of hardware and software with enhanced features for discovery, expression and faster communication. The Universal MIDI Packet (UMP) is a fundamental aspect of MIDI 2.0, which allows programs to negotiate and communicate with MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 products.

In this workshop, you will learn from a member of the MIDI Association Technology Standard Board, who wrote the specifications, how to get started working with UMP, and write a simple C++ program that utilises UMP.

Overview

This workshop will provide developers with knowledge and code for starting MIDI 2.0 Universal MIDI Packet (UMP) development in C++. The concepts of UMP will be explained. Then, the participants will co-develop a first simple implementation of a generic UMP parser in plain C++. For that, a stub workspace will be provided. Exercises will let the participants practice the newly learned concepts.

Who is this workshop for:

Developers wanting to learn how the new MIDI 2.0 packet format works under the hood, and how to get started writing software for it right away.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop the participants will:

  • Understand the core concepts of UMP
  • Be able to build applications in C++ using UMP

Study Topics

  • UMP Basics
  • packet format
  • MIDI 1.0 in UMP
  • MIDI 2.0 in UMP
  • Translation
  • Protocol Negotiation in MIDI-CI
  • Inspecting the UMP C++ class in the stub workspace
  • A simple UMP parser in C++
  • Unit Testing the UMP class

Level of experience required: 

  • Some experience with C++ coding
  • Have a development environment set up and ready with Xcode (macOS) or Visual Studio (Windows).
  • Working knowledge of MIDI 1.0

Any technical requirements for participants 

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A webcam and mic
  • A Zoom account
  • Xcode (macOS) / Visual Studio (Windows)

About the workshop leader 

Florian Bomers runs his own company Bome Software, creating MIDI tools and hardware. He has been an active MIDI 2.0 working group member since its inception. He serves on the Technical Standards Board of the MIDI Association and chairs the MIDI 2.0 Transports Working Group. He is based in Munich, Germany.

Notch meetup – Using Notch for live performances / October 30th 2021

Date & Time: Saturday 30th October 4pm UK / 5pm Berlin / 8am LA / 11am NYC

Meetup length 2-hours

Level: Open to all levels

Meetups are a great way to meet and be inspired by the Notch community.

What to expect? 

The meetup runs via Zoom and will be approx. 2-hours in length.

This session focuses on Notch for live performances and will feature presentations from expert practitioners.

  • Mikkel G.Martinsen & Lorenzo Venturini: NOTCH Imag FX integration in live concerts productions

www.roofvideodesign.com
www.mikkel.it
www.lorenzoventurini.com

 

  • More speakers to be announced this week!

Following these presentations breakout rooms are created where you can: 

  • Talk to the presenters and ask questions

  • Join a room on topics of your choice

  • Show other participants your projects, ask for help, or help others out

  • Meet peers in the chill-out breakout room

The list of presenters will be updated and announced before the meetup.

Requirements

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A Zoom account

 Berlin Code of Conduct

We ask all participants to read and follow the Berlin Code of Conduct and contribute to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

Supported by Notch 

Max meetup – October 23rd

Date & Time: Saturday 23rd October 2021 4pm UK / 5pm Berlin / 8am LA / 11am NYC

Meetup length 2-hours

Level: Open the all levels

Meetups are a great way to meet and be inspired by the Max community.

What to expect? 

The meetup runs via Zoom and will be approx. 2-hours in length.

This session focuses on <add topic> and will feature presentations from expert practitioners.

Speakers:

Michele Zaccagnini – Beyond Jitter: audiovisuals in Max using shaders

  • Overview: In this presentation I will demystify, or at least whet your appetite for, shaders in Max. I will also present a set of tools I helped develop to port MIDI and audio to shaders, and have them rendered in all sorts of formats. While shaders can be intimidating at first, they are incredibly powerful and offer enormous possibilities for the audiovisual composer. They are entirely run on the GPU and allow for completely flexible visual programming which is very suitable for abstract visuals.  After years of practicing audiovisual composition I believe that the Max+Shaders combo is simply delicious! 
  • More info https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMQVkLE-bKdA7cycXECtCQ https://www.patreon.com/michelez 

Philip Meyer:  Modular Sequencing with Jamoma

  • Overview: I am in the process of building a modular system for creating dynamic musical sequences. This is the early stages of a long-term project for me to build a powerful environment in which I can create intricate, novel compositions as dynamic data systems, eschewing the need for a timeline. For this project, I decided to use the Jamoma package for the first time. This seems at present to have been a good decision – Jamoma’s “MVC” architecture is intuitive and clean, and the cueing system is working well so far. I am eager to show the group what I have made so far and gather any feedback, advice, or ideas the group may have. I’m particularly curious to hear the thoughts of anybody who has extensive experience with Jamoma. I might also be interested in bringing any collaborators or beta testers on to the project if anybody is so inclined.
  • More info: 
    • Philip-meyer.com
    • Bbandcamp: inter-modal.bandcamp.com 

Following these presentations breakout rooms are created where you can:

  • Talk to the presenters and ask questions

  • Fancy a collaboration challenge? In one of the breakout rooms, host Ned Rush will be leading ‘Ready, Steady, Patch!’ sign up to learn more!

  • Show other participants your projects, ask for help, or help others out

  • Meet peers in the chill-out breakout room

Requirements

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A Zoom account

Berlin Code of Conduct

We ask all participants to read and follow the Berlin Code of Conduct and contribute to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

 Supported by Cycling ‘74

TouchDesigner meetup October 16th – TouchDesigner and Unreal

Date & Time: Saturday 16th October 2021 4pm UK / 5pm Berlin / 8am LA / 11am NYC

Meetup length 2-hours with option for continuing collaboration in breakout room after the main session for an additional hour.

Level: Open to all levels

Meetups are a great way to meet and be inspired by the TouchDesigner community.

What to expect? 

The meetup runs via Zoom, the main session will be 2-hours in length with an additional hour open to the community for collaboration and sharing in breakout rooms.

This session focuses on TouchDesigner and Unreal and will feature presentations from expert practitioners:

  • Daryl Atkins – Unreal + TouchDesigner + Lasers for AV performance
  • Qualia.AV – Evolution of our audioreactive systems based on TDAbleton + Unreal
  • Carlos Serrano – Blending the Physical and the Digital Space for Audiovisual Performance

Speaker 1:

Name: Daryl Atkins

Title Of Presentation: Unreal + TouchDesigner + Lasers for AV performance

Description: Daryl will be sharing some workflows and techniques I use with Ableton, Unreal, TouchDesigner & lasers to create audiovisual experiences. He’ll also share some recent work from Somnal and some of the approaches for building a flexible live system.

Bio: Daryl is a visual artist, musician and creative director based in London.

He designs interactive works as well as being a member of the audiovisual group Somnal.

Social Media: @daryladesign / @somnalstudio

 

Speakers 2:

Name: Qualia.AV

Title Of Presentation: Evolution of our audioreactive systems based on TDAbleton + Unreal

Description: Qualia.AV will explain different system configurations from simple to complex made with Touchdesigner, Ableton Live and Unreal Engine, working together to generate digital artistic content.

Bio: QUALIA is an educational, audioreactive and live performance project that uses audiovisual tools and digital technology to develop artistic works and installations.

Qualia.AV has been doing research and artistic content for more than five years as a

duo formed by musician and producer Adrian Lex, and VJ and visual programmer

Luciano Toledo.

Social Media:

https://qualia.social

https://www.instagram.com/qualia.av

https://www.instagram.com/adrianlexmusic

https://www.instagram.com/tolch.av

 

Speaker 3

Name: Carlos Serrano 

Title Of Presentation: Blending the Physical and the Digital Space for Audiovisual Performance

Bio: Carlos is a Media Designer and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Communication Design at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, and a Master’s Degree in the Media Spaces programme at BTK Art & Design in Berlin, Germany. He has focused his artistic research on how the real world can be recreated with physics and mathematics by running algorithms and simulating physical worlds in virtual representations. In the past two years, he has been mostly working with real-time engines and experiences to create a unique way of digital storytelling. His main methodology is to take elements from the physical world, and bring these elements into the digital universe by certain techniques such as photogrammetry, 3D scanning and through recording volumetric videos. 

Social Media:

www.carlosaserrano.com

www.instagram.com/cayequitas

 

 

Following these presentations breakout rooms are created where you can:

  • Talk to the presenters and ask questions

  • Join a room on topics of your choice

  • Show other participants your projects, ask for help, or help others out

  • Collaborate with others

  • Meet peers in the chill-out breakout room

Requirements

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A Zoom account

Berlin Code of Conduct

We ask all participants to read and follow the Berlin Code of Conduct and contribute to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

Supported by

 

Getting Started with TouchDesigner – October Series

Dates and Times: Thursdays 7th / 14th / 21st / 28th October 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

Level: Beginners curious about creating immersive visuals with TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a powerful tool for creating live performances, installations, real time visuals and complex digital systems. In this series of workshops you’ll learn the basic functioning of TD’s node-based workflow and how to use them to create media, use the data to manipulate content and how to organize and navigate your TouchDesigner networks.

Who is this workshop for?

Aspiring visual and media artists who’d like to get started with TouchDesigner

Series Learning Outcomes

By the end of this series a successful student will be able to create content by:

  • Becoming familiar with the User Interface

  • Exploring TouchDesigner’s building blocks

  • Constructing dynamic visual effects

  • Applying basic audio reactivity and other techniques

Series Study Topics

  • TouchDesigner User Interface and patching

  • How to use building blocks (operators)

  • Controlling parameters for dynamic visuals

  • Audio reactivity and visual effects techniques

Requirements

  • A computer with internet connection

  • A web cam and mic

  • A Zoom account

  • A three button mouse or to configure Apple Track Pad appropriately

  • TouchDesigner (free version suffices https://derivative.ca/download)

  • If you’re on Mac please check TouchDesigner can run on your system (i.e. has basic GPU requirements such as Intel HD4000 or better)

About the workshop leader 

Bileam Tschepe aka elekktronaut is a Berlin based artist and educator who creates audio-reactive, interactive and organic digital artworks, systems and installations in TouchDesigner, collaborating with and teaching people worldwide.

Getting started with Max – October Series

Date & Time: Wednesdays 6th / 13th / 20th / 27th October – 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

Length 2-hours

Level: Beginners curious about programming

Get started with interactive audio and MIDI, and discover the possibilities of the Max environment. In this series of workshops, you will learn how to manipulate audio, MIDI, virtual instruments and program your own interactive canvas.

Connect together Max’s building blocks to create unexpected results, and use them in your music productions. Through a series of guided exercises you will engage in the pragmatic creation of a basic MIDI sequencer device that features a wealth of musical manipulation options.

Learn from guided examples and live interactions with teachers and other participants.

This series of online workshops aims to enable you to work with Max confidently on your own.

Sessions overview: 

Session 1 – Understand the Max environment

Session 2 – Connect building blocks together and work with data

Session 3 – Master the user interface

Session 4 – Work with your MIDI instruments

Requirements

  • A computer and internet connection

  • A good working knowledge of computer systems

  • Access to a copy of Max 8

About the workshop leader 

Kyle Duffield is a Toronto based Interactive Experience Design Professional who creates immersive interactive installations and brand activations. He is also known for his affiliation with the studio space Electric Perfume. His decade-plus expertise spans audio, video, creative coding, electronics, and interaction design with the intent of bringing play and multisensory spectacle to public spaces. As an Educator, he has facilitated interactive media courses and workshops with various institutions, galleries, and universities across Canada, Shanghai, the UK, and online. Currently, Kyle is a Cycling 74 Max Certified Trainer, and is focusing on creating unforgettable technological experiences.

Using Collab-Hub with Max for Collaborative Network Performance / LIVE Session – September 19th

Date and Time: Sunday 19th September 2021 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

Length: approx. 2- hours

Level: Intermediate

Collab-Hub offers the ability to connect multiple Max patches together over the internet, allowing performers across the world to share control data with one another during collaborative performances. In this workshop you will learn how to add Collab-Hub’s user-friendly modules to any Max patch, how to send and receive data between multiple connected users, and how to map that data to the parameters of your instrument or effect. You will also learn techniques for sharing data between Max and web pages, opening the door for building multi-platform networked experiences between mobile devices and your favourite patches.

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

  • Build a Max patch that connects to the Collab-Hub web server
  • Retrofit Collab-Hub modules and mapping strategies into an existing Max/Jitter patch
  • Send and receive data in both Control and Event formats between their Max patch and other connected clients
  • Explore methods for building advanced messaging networks with the Push and Publish transmission methods

Session Study Topics

  • Introduction to Collab-Hub and the Collab-Hub Max client modules
  • Sending and Receiving Control and Event data (from within Max patches and/or a web interface)
  • Mapping Data to Synthesis Parameters
  • Understanding Push/Publish distribution types and Room organization

Requirements

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A web cam and mic
  • A Zoom account
  • Access to a copy of Max 8 (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leaders 

Nick Hwang is a composer and sonic artist interested in interactivity, collaborative systems, and gameful performance. He is an Assistant Professor in the Media Arts and Game Development program at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Eric Sheffield is a musician and maker currently interested in physics-based modeling, networked performance, and popular music. He currently teaches as Visiting Assistant Professor in both the Music and Emerging Technology in Business + Design departments at Miami University.

Anthony T. Marasco is an Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Composition at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. As a composer and sound artist, his works feature custom-made software and electronic instruments, hacked consumer hardware, and networked systems for designing audience/performer collaborative experiences.

TouchDesigner meetup September – TDAbleton

Date & Time: Saturday 18th September 2021 4pm UK / 5pm Berlin / 8am LA / 11am NYC

Meetup length 2-hours with option for continuing collaboration in breakout room after the main session for an additional hour. 

Level: Open to all levels

Meetups are a great way to meet and be inspired by the TouchDesigner community.

What to expect? 

The meetup runs via Zoom, the main session will be 2-hours in length with an additional hour open to the community for collaboration and sharing in breakout rooms.

This session focuses on TDAbleton and will feature presentations from expert practitioners:

1. 47 VIZN (Myles & Jaiden) – TDAbleton for Live with 47Vizn 

  • Presentation: 47 VIZN will be showcasing their setup and how they use TDAbleton for their live performances in TouchDesigner.
  • Bio: Motion Design / New Media art studio using TouchDesigner for audio visual performances 
  • To find out more: https://www.instagram.com/47vizn/

2. Spherical Aberration (Ioana Bilea) – Ableton OSC to TouchDesigner for live AV

  • Presentation: Spherical Aberration will walk us through how she sends audio via OSC from Ableton to TouchDesigner for live AV shows. It will be a look into her latest live set
  • Bio: Spherical Aberration is an audio visual artist merging ambient sounds with generative visuals, all inspired by the natural world and the occult. Based between Berlin and Copenhagen
  • To find out more: https://www.instagram.com/spherical.aberration/ https://www.facebook.com/sphericalaberration

3. Ivan DelSol – TDAbleton and TouchDesigner Q&A

  • Description: Answers to questions about all things TDAbleton and some things TouchDesigner
  • Bio: Ivan DelSol is a Python and systems developer for TouchDesigner (derivative.ca) including the TDAbleton package for connecting to Ableton Live. He is also an artist, activist, and small town wizard
  • https://forum.derivative.ca/u/ivan/summary

Following these presentations breakout rooms are created where you can:

  • Talk to the presenters and ask questions
  • Join a room on topics of your choice
  • Show other participants your projects, ask for help, or help others out
  • Collaborate with others
  • Meet peers in the chill-out breakout room

Requirements

  • A computer and internet connection
  • A Zoom account

Berlin Code of Conduct

We ask all participants to read and follow the Berlin Code of Conduct and contribute to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

Supported by