Level: Intermediate – Advanced

The creative path is not a straight line. In this workshop, you will develop a workflow focused on experimental approaches utilizing randomization, stochastic methods, polymeters, polyrhythms and more using Live and M4L. Experimental audio processing and non-linear mixing activities will be included in the compositional process to create unique sound qualities as well as overcoming creative blocks.

Session Learning Outcomes

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

• Examine various forms of (non)linear compositional strategies

• Identify approaches that provide musical contingency

• Select Ableton’s techniques & M4L devices to use in the writing process

• Design generative methods for complex compositional systems based on the Ableton and M4L environments

Session Study Topics

• Randomization & Stochastic methods

• Polymeters & polyrhythms

• Racks, Audio & MIDI FXs chains

• Max4Live LFO, Shaper, Buffer shuffler, Multimap pro

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A web cam and mic

• A Zoom account

• Access to a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite, or Ableton Live 10 with a Max For Live license

About the workshop leader

Simone Tanda is a musician, producer, multi-media artist, tech consultant, and educator.

Based across London & Berlin he is currently creating music for his own project, as well as multidisciplinary artists, film, and commercials.

Level: Beginner

Cheat codes 2 is a sample playground built for monome norns to explore live and pre-recorded audio. It extends traditional slicing and looping workflows to create playful music-making experiences with exciting results. This workshop will help uncover extended techniques for working with the script, including external controllers, creating dynamic soundscapes with the delay, recording patterns, remixing with the arpeggiator, and incorporating randomization to keep your sessions fresh.

Session Learning Outcomes

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

• Create full sample-based compositions with three parts
• Employ methods for quickly generating exciting clock-synced or asynchronous improvisations
• Explore multiple sampling paradigms to find new musical territories

Session Study Topics

• • Structuring compositions with both clock-synced and asynchronous looping/sampling methods
  • Creating a base from which to improvise
  • Incorporating external controllers to extend your workflow

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A web cam and mic

• A Zoom account

• Access to a norns or norns shield running software 201202 or later

• Familiarity with the basic process of connecting your norns to WiFi

• Familiarity with the basic functions of cheat codes 2

• Access to speakers or an audio interface to share sounds

• Access to any of the following controllers: monome grid, monome arc, USB MIDI keyboard or sequencer (eg. KeyStep or OP-Z), a recent Launchpad (X, Pro, or Mini mk3), USB MIDI slider bank (eg. 16n), MIDI Fighter Twister, or Max for Live

About the workshop leader

Dan Derks is a creative technologist and improviser with a passion for community. He is the host of Sound + Process, a podcast about the artists of lines (https://llllllll.co), and he builds digital tools for monome norns and Max for Live.