Level: Beginner

Sonic Pi is a live coding synth for live performance and music making. This workshop aims to provide you with basic skills to begin exploring live coding and making music in Sonic Pi.

Session Learning Outcomes

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

• Play samples

• Play pitches and scales using Sonic Pi’s built in synthesizers

• Learn basic timing principles

• Alter sounds using effects and more

Session Study Topics

• Samples: playing built-in samples and import your own

• Synths: Play pitches using MIDI pitches or traditional scales

• Timing: Basic timing, working with longer loops, repeating sequences, and cueing/syncing multiple loops

• Altering sounds by redefining parameters and adding effects

Requirements:

• A computer and internet connection

• Download and install Sonic Pi – https://sonic-pi.net/

About the workshop leader

Melody Loveless is an artist, creative technologist, and educator based in Brooklyn, NYC. Her work ranges from live coding performance, generative sound installations, multisensory performance, and more. She has taught at various institutes across NYC including NYU, the New School, Hunter College, and Harvestworks and is part of Cycling 74’s Max Certified Trainer Program.

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.

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