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.

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.

Dates & Times: Thursdays: 9th / 16th / 23rd / 30th September 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

Length: 2-hours each session

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.

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

See below for all 4 weeks

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

See below for all 4 weeks

Session 1

Topics

• Overview, Interface, Mouse & Shortcuts

• Operator Families & Operator Structure

• TOPs – Texture Operators

• CHOPs – Channel Operators

Learning Outcomes 

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

1: Navigate the TouchDesigner User Interface and utilise mouse and shortcuts controls

2: Become familiar with operator families and their structure

3: Construct basic networks via TOPs

4: Export CHOPs to create dynamic networks

Session 2

Topics

• SOPs, MATs and Rendering

• DATs

• COMPs and Network Structure

• Palette & Additional Info

Learning Outcomes

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

1: Build rendering networks via SOPs and MATs

2: Utilise and apply data via DAT operators

3: Construct custom networks via COMPs

4: Locate examples and info from resources such as the Palette

Session 3

Topics

• Audio Overview

• Instancing

• Building a Project 1

Learning Outcomes

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

1: Utilise audio CHOPs within a network

2: Apply audio CHOPs as modulation sources

3: Build basic Instancing networks

4: Begin to construct a bespoke self directed project

Project Overview

During Session 3 and 4, you will build a self directed and bespoke project in TouchDesigner. You will be supported by the workshop leader and the teaching assistants during these sessions. You can incorporate any techniques you have learnt from the workshop series into the project.

Examples include:

• TOPs driven from CHOPs

• Dynamic / generative art

• Audio reactive content

• Basic Instancing network

• 3D geometry via SOPs

In session 4 you can share your project to your peers in your Zoom break-out room. You will also be asked to provide feedback on your peers project’s.

Session 4

Topics

• Building a Project 2

Learning Outcomes

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

1: Work independently, with support, within the TD environment

2: Apply various techniques from the workshop series to construct dynamic networks

3: Continue to construct a bespoke self directed project

4: Share their work with peers and provide feedback to peers

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

Dates & Times: Wednesdays 7th / 14th / 21st / 28th July 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC

Level: Beginners curious about programming

Get started with interactive audio and MIDI, and discover the possibilities of the Max environment. In this series of recorded videos, 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 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.

This on demand content aims to enable you to work with Max confidently on your own.

Learning outcomes: 

• Understand the Max environment

• Connect building blocks together and work with data

• Master the user interface

• 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

Dates & Times: Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd of June 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC – 2 hours live sessions

Level: Beginners curious about programming

Get started with interactive audio and MIDI, and discover the possibilities of the Max environment. In this series of recorded videos, 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 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.

This on demand content aims to enable you to work with Max confidently on your own.

Learning outcomes: 

• Understand the Max environment

• Connect building blocks together and work with data

• Master the user interface

• Work with your MIDI instruments

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A good working knowledge of computer systems

• A Zoom account

• Access to a copy of Max 8

Date & Time: 

Session 1: Wednesday 5th May 7pm Indian Standard Time / 2.30pm UK / 3.30pm Berlin

Session 2: Wednesday 12th May 7pm Indian Standard Time / 2.30pm UK / 3.30pm Berlin

Session 3: Wednesday 19th 7pm Indian Standard Time / 2.30pm UK / 3.30pm Berlin

Session 4: Wednesday 26th May 7pm Indian Standard Time / 2.30pm UK / 3.30pm Berlin

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 

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: Beginners curious about programming

Get started with interactive audio and MIDI, and discover the possibilities of the Max environment. In this series of recorded videos, 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 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.

This on demand content aims to enable you to work with Max confidently on your own.

Learning outcomes: 

• Understand the Max environment

• Connect building blocks together and work with data

• Master the user interface

• 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

There are a broad array of techniques musicians can use to generate music in Max. One fundamental component of traditional analogue synthesiser use is the LFO, or low-frequency oscillator. Additionally, pitch quantization can be an extremely powerful tool, especially when used alongside the values generated by an LFO.

This workshop will provide you with the information to construct both devices in Max, giving you a broader palette of compositional tools.

Session Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Learn the basics of LFOs and pitch quantizers.

• Build a standalone LFO patch with variable waveforms and a functional UI.

• Build a quantizer which will map incoming pitch values to user-defined scales/modes.

• Use both devices to control parameters of sound synthesis and assist in generative music composition.

Session Study Topics

• Generative music

• LFOs and waveforms

• Pitch quantization

• Composition through MIDI and software instrument manipulation.

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection
•  Access to a copy of Max 7 or 8 (i.e. trial or full license)

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

Level: Intermediate

There are a broad array of techniques musicians can use to generate music in Max. One such process involves taking inspiration from Alan Turing’s early work on proto-computers, in particular the notion of a tape with data being displayed on it.

This workshop will provide you with the information to construct such a generative device, a ‘Turing Machine’, to supplement your compositional practice.

Session Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of a Turing Machine in a musical context.

• Patch together a generative process using randomisation and counters.

• Build a functional UI to tweak different aspects of the generative process in real time.

• Use the finished device to both generate music through MIDI and control broader parameters of software instruments.

Session Study Topics

• Turing machines, generative music.

• Random processes: drunken walks and probability.

• Visual design in Max

• Composition through MIDI and software instrument manipulation.

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection
• Access to a copy of Max 7 or 8 (i.e. trial or full license)

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.

Dates & Times: 

Session 1: Wednesday 7th April 10am LA / 1pm NYC / 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin

Session 2: Wednesday 14th April 10am LA / 1pm NYC / 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin

Session 3: Wednesday 21st April 10am LA / 1pm NYC / 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin

Session 4: Wednesday 28th April 10am LA / 1pm NYC / 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin

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 

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.