Dates & times: 

Session 1: Wednesday 3rd March – 6pm GMT / 7pm CET / 10am PST / 1pm EST

Session 2: Wednesday 10th March – 6pm GMT / 7pm CET / 10am PST / 1pm EST

Session 3: Wednesday 17th March – 6pm GMT / 7pm CET / 11am PST* / 2pm EST*

Session 4: Wednesday 24th March – 6pm GMT / 7pm CET / 11am PST* / 2pm EST*

*Note PST & EST time-zones ONLY: Wednesdays 17th & 24th March time-zone change. Instead of 10AM PST & 1PM PST, there is a +1hr change. So the sessions begin at 11AM PST & 2PM EST

Overview

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 

Phelan Kane is a Berlin & London based music producer, engineer, artist, developer and educator. For over twenty years he has been active in both the music industry and the contemporary music education sector, with a focus on electronic music and alternative bands.

He specialises in sound design and production techniques such as synthesis and sampling, alongside audio processing and plug-in development.

He is currently running the electronic music record label Meta Junction Recordings and the audio software development company Meta Function, which specialize in Max for Live devices releasing the M4L synth Wave Junction in partnership with Sonicstate.

Level: Intermediate

In this workshop you will use openFrameworks to build a real-time audiovisual instrument. You will generate dynamic abstract visuals within openFrameworks and procedural audio using the ofxMaxim addon. You will then learn how to control the audiovisual material by mapping controller input to audio and visual parameters using the ofxRapid Lib add on.

Session Learning Outcomes

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

• Create generative visual art in openFrameworks

• Create procedural audio in openFrameworks using ofxMaxim

• Discuss interactive machine learning techniques

• Use a neural network to control audiovisual parameters simultaneously in real-time

Session Study Topics

• 3D primitives and perlin noise

• FM synthesis

• Regression analysis using multilayer perceptron neural networks

• Real-time controller integration

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A web cam and mic

• A Zoom account

• Installed version of openFrameworks

• Downloaded addons ofxMaxim, ofxRapidLib

• Access to MIDI/OSC controller (optional – mouse/trackpad will also suffice)

About the workshop leader 

Bryan Dunphy is an audiovisual composer, musician and researcher interested in generative approaches to creating audiovisual art. His work explores the interaction of abstract visual shapes, textures and synthesised sounds. He is interested in exploring strategies for creating, mapping and controlling audiovisual material in real time. He has recently completed his PhD in Arts and Computational Technology at Goldsmiths, University of London.

This workshop series was added as the other two series planned in January and February were sold out.

LIVE Sessions on Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th February 2021, 6pm GMT

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

Connect together Max’s building blocks to create unexpected results, and use them in your music productions. 

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. 

Session overview 

Session 1 – Understand the Max environment

Session 2 – Connect building blocks together

Session 3 – Master the user interface

Session 4 – Work with your MIDI devices

 

Taught by Phelan Kane

Phelan Kane is a Berlin & London based music producer, engineer, artist, developer and educator. For over twenty years he has been active in both the music industry and the contemporary music education sector, with a focus on electronic music and alternative bands.

He specialises in sound design and production techniques such as synthesis and sampling, alongside audio processing and plug-in development. 

He is currently running the electronic music record label Meta Junction Recordings and the audio software development company Meta Function, which specialize in Max for Live devices releasing the M4L synth Wave Junction in partnership with Sonicstate.

 Requirements: 

• A computer and internet connection

• A good working knowledge of computer systems

• Access to a copy of Max 8 

Dates: Thursdays 4th / 11th / 18th / 25th February 2021 6pm GMT

Level: Intermediate +

Overview

In this series of 4 workshops, we’ll look at how to interconnect the different 80 modules that come with Vsynth, exploring video techniques and practices that can create aesthetics associated with the history of the electronic image but also complex patterns founded in some basic functions of nature.

Vsynth is a high level package of modules for Max/Jitter that together make a modular video synthesizer. Its simplicity made it the perfect tool to introduce yourself to video synthesis and image processing. Since It can be connected to other parts of Max, other softwares and hardwares it can also become a really powerful and adaptable video tool for any kind of job.

Here’s what you’ll learn in each workshop:

Workshop 1:

Learn the fundamentals of digital video-synthesis by diving into the different video oscillators, noise generators, mixers, colorizers and keyers. By the end of this session students will be able to build simple custom video-synth patches with presets.

• Video oscillators, mixers, colorizers.

Workshop 2: 

• Modulations (phase, frequency, pulse, hue, among others).

In this workshop we will focus on the concept of modulation so that students can add another level of complexity to their patches. We’ll see the differences between modulating parameters of an image with simple LFOs or with other images. Some of the modulations we’ll cover are Phase, Frequency, Pulse Width, Brightness & HUE.

Workshop 3:

• Filters/convolutions and video feedback techniques.

• This 3rd workshop is divided in two. In the first half, we’ll go in depth in what actually means low or high frequencies in the image world. We’ll then use Low-pass and High-pass filters/convolutions in different scenarios to see how they affect different images.

• In the second, half we’ll go through a lot of different techniques that uses the process of video-feedback. From simple “trails” effects to more complex reaction-diffusion like patterns!

Workshop 4:

• Working with scenes and external controllers (audio, midi, arduino).

• In this final workshop we’ll see how to bundle in just one file several Vsynth patches/scenes with presets for live situations. We’ll also export a patch as a Max for Live device and go in depth into “external control” in order to successfully control Vsynth parameters with audio, midi or even an Arduino.

Requirements

• Intermediate knowledge of Max and Jitter

• Have latest Max 8 installed

• Basic knowledge of audio-synthesis and/or computer graphics would be useful

About the workshop leader

Kevin Kripper (Buenos Aires, 1991) is a visual artist and indie software developer. He’s worked on projects that link art, technology, education and toolmaking, which have been exhibited and awarded in different art and science festivals. Since 2012 he’s been dedicated to creating digital tools that extend the creative possibilities of visual artists and musicians from all over the world.

-SOLD OUT- Head over to to this link for Thursday sign ups Getting started with Max – LIVE Series #3 – Music Hackspace

Session 1: Saturday 6th February 2021

Session 2: Saturday 13th February 2021

Session 3: Saturday 20th February 2021

Session 4: Saturday 27th February 2021

Level: Beginners curious about programming

Getting started with Max – LIVE Session

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

Connect together Max’s building blocks to create unexpected results, and use them in your music productions. 

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. 

Session overview 

Session 1 – Understand the Max environment

Session 2 – Connect building blocks together

Session 3 – Master the user interface

Session 4 – Work with your MIDI devices

 Requirements: 

• A computer and internet connection

• A good working knowledge of computer systems

• Access to a copy of Max 8 

About the workshop leader

Phelan Kane is a Berlin & London based music producer, engineer, artist, developer and educator. For over twenty years he has been active in both the music industry and the contemporary music education sector, with a focus on electronic music and alternative bands.

He specialises in sound design and production techniques such as synthesis and sampling, alongside audio processing and plug-in development. 

He is currently running the electronic music record label Meta Junction Recordings and the audio software development company Meta Function, which specialize in Max for Live devices releasing the M4L synth Wave Junction in partnership with Sonicstate.

FREE

Date:  Saturday 30th January – 3pm UK time / 4pm CET

Level: Open to all levels 

Overview

Join the Max meetup to share ideas and learn with other artists, coders and performers. Showcase your patches, pair with others to learn together, get help for a school assignment, or discover new things.

The meetup runs via Zoom. The main session features short presentations from Max users. Breakout rooms are created on the spot on specific topics, and you can request a new topic at any time.

 In the breakout rooms, you can share your screen to show other participants something you’re working on, ask for help, or help someone else.

Presenters

The session will be hosted by Ned Rush and feature presentations by:

Nick Rothwell, aka Cassiel, Live coding a patch librarian in Clojure
Philip Meyer, Image Convolution with jit.gl.pix
Johan Englund, CV recorder for Mira

And more to be confirmed soon.

Ready to present your work?

Everyone is welcome to propose a presentation. Just fill in this short form and you’ll be put on the agenda on a first come first served basis.

Presentations should take no more than 5 minutes with 5 minutes Q&A and we’ll have up to 5 presentations at each meetup.

Topic suggestions but not limited to:

• MIDI
• Jitter
• Signal processing
• Sequencing
• Hardware
• OSC
• Algorithmic composition
• Package manager modules

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.

Difficulty level: Beginner

Overview

Markov chains are mathematical models that have existed in various forms since the 19th century, which have been used to aid statistical modelling in many real-world contexts, from economics to cruise control in cars. Composers have also found musical uses for Markov Chains, although the implied mathematical knowledge needed to implement them often appears daunting.

In this workshop we will demystify the Markov Chain and make use of the popular ml.star library in Max/MSP to implement Markov Chains for musical composition. This will involve preparing and playing MIDI files into the system (as a form of Machine Learning) and capturing the subsequent output as new MIDI files. By the end of the session you will have the knowledge of how to incorporate Markov Chains into your future compositions at various levels.

Topics

• Max
• Markov Chains
• Machine Learning
• Algorithmic Composition

Requirements 

• You should have a basic understanding of the Max workflow and different data types.
• Knowledge of MIDI format and routing to DAWs (Ableton, Logic etc) would be a plus, although Max instruments will be provided.
• No prior knowledge of advanced mathematical or machine learning concepts are necessary, the focus will be on musical application.

About the workshop leader

Samuel Pearce-Davies is a composer, performer, music programmer and Max hacker living in Cornwall, UK.

With a classical music background, it was his introduction to Max/MSP during undergraduate studies at Falmouth University that sparked Sam’s passion for music programming and algorithmic composition.

Going on to complete a Research Masters in computer music, Sam is now studying a PhD at Plymouth University in music-focused AI.

During these workshops you will prototype your own instrument (hardware and software) using an Arduino microcontroller, sensors, and Max or Pure Data.

Registration includes access to all sessions.

You will be introduced to the basics of working with an Arduino microcontroller and interfacing it with a computer software in order to generate, control and manipulate sound. We will use open source hardware and software (Arduino / Max or Pure Data) to prototype an instrument using buttons, switches, potentiometers and sensors. We will start by looking at the basics such as setting up Arduino and running sketches, analog vs digital pins, Arduino programming environment, basic electronic, etc. From there we will get a bit more advanced by looking at the serial communication, connecting sensors to Arduino, reading and values from sensors, and controlling sound parameters with them.

Requirements

Beginner with notions of programming. All participants are required to have a computer with pre-installed Arduino IDE and Max or PureData.

Downloads:

• arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/
• Pure Data: http://puredata.info/downloads
• Max: https://www.cycling74.com
• Useful but not essential: wire cutters & strippers, multimeters, soldering irons

Components (not included, please order):

• Arduino board + USB cable. If your laptop doesn’t have a USB port please make sure you have an adapter! USB cable not included!
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires
• Resistors (1k)
• Resistors (10k)
• Light dependent resistor a.k.a. LDR a.k.a. light sensor:
• 10k potentiometer
• Mini buttons

Learn to construct music-generating algorithms in Max, to compose semi-autonomously or supplement your compositional practice.

Level: Intermediate 

Composing with randomness

For centuries, musicians have incorporated chance-based elements into their compositions, first through coin flips and dice rolls and more recently through computer software. Today, building music-oriented algorithmic systems is easier than ever with Max.

What you will learn

In this workshop you will learn a variety of algorithmic processes and useful tools to construct your own systems: including drunken walks, list manipulation and step-sequencer pattern generation. Primarily focusing on MIDI-controlled instruments, you will gain an understanding of how chance can be factored into numerous aspects of composition, from melody and harmony to overall piece structure and instrumentation.

By the end of the workshop you will have built a system for algorithmically generating a short multi-instrumental composition which you will be able to go on to improve and expand upon to fit your own preferences.

Requirements

• You should be comfortable with the general workflow and data formatting in Max.
• Knowledge of MIDI format and routing to DAWs (Ableton, Logic etc) would be a plus, although Max instruments will be provided.
• You should have some basic knowledge of music theory: chords, scales, modes etc.

About the workshop leader

Samuel Pearce-Davies is a composer, performer, music programmer and Max hacker living in Cornwall, UK.

With a classical music background, it was his introduction to Max during undergraduate studies at Falmouth University that sparked Sam’s passion for music programming and algorithmic composition.

Going on to complete a Research Masters in computer music, Sam is now studying a PhD at Plymouth University in music-focused AI.

Website

YouTube channel

Level: Intermediate

In this series of 4 2-hours workshop, Kevin Kripper, the author of Vsynth, explains  how to interconnect the different 80 modules that come with Vsynth, exploring video techniques and practices that can create aesthetics associated with the history of the electronic image but also complex patterns founded in some basic functions of nature.

Here’s what you’ll learn in each workshop:

Lesson 1: video oscillators, mixers, colorizers.

Lesson 2: modulations (pm, fm, pwm, hue, among others).

Lesson 3: filters/convolutions and video feedback techniques.

Lesson 4: working with presets, scenes, audio and midi.

Vsynth is a high level package of modules for Max/Jitter that together make a modular video synthesizer. Its simplicity made it the perfect tool to introduce yourself to video synthesis and image processing. Since It can be connected to other parts of Max, other softwares and hardwares it can also become a really powerful and adaptable video tool for any kind of job.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Max and Jitter
• Have Max 8 installed
• Familiarity with audio-synthesis or computer graphics would be useful.

About the workshop leader

Kevin Kripper (Buenos Aires, 1991) is a visual artist and indie software developer. He’s worked on several projects that link art, technology, education and toolmaking which has exhibited in festivals such as +CODE, Innovar, Wrong Biennale, MUTEK, among others. In 2016 he won first place at the Itaú Visual Arts Award with his work Deconstrucento. In addition, since 2012 he’s been dedicated to create digital tools that extend the creative possibilities of visual artists and musicians from all over the world. During 2017, he participated in the Toolmaker residency at Signal Culture (Owego, NY) and in 2018 received a mention in the Technology applied to Art category from the ArCiTec Award for the development of Vsynth.

https://www.instagram.com/vsynth74/

https://cycling74.com/articles/an-interview-with-kevin-kripper