Music Hackspace

Getting started with Max - April Series
2021-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
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.

Generative Audio Looping in Max & Max For Live - LIVE Session
2021-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Beginner +
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Brian Eno used arranged tape loops for composition in the 1970 Discreet Music and Music For Airports. This M4L device takes those ideas and uses them for a simple but effective loop playback device. In this workshop you’ll learn how to work with audio file playback objects like buffer~ & groove~ along with send & receive concepts and sub-patches.
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Build a basic audio file playback device.

Explore signal routings using send & return objects.

Use sub-patch encapsulations in M4L.

Describe the signal flow in a M4L device.

Session Study Topics

Max objects for audio playback.

Audio signal flow.

Encapsulations in Max.

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 leader
Johan Englund is a music producer based in St Leonards East Sussex and an educator for Tileyard Education (London) and Bimm (London). He has been engaged as a professional in the music industry since the early 1990s and as a lecturer since 2005.

Introduction to beat detection and audio-reactive visuals in TouchDesigner - On demand
2021-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Beginner
TouchDesigner is a powerful tool for creating live performances, installations, real time visuals and complex digital systems. In this workshop you’ll learn the basic functioning of three node-types and how to use them to analyse audio, use the data to manipulate graphics and how to organize and navigate your TouchDesigner network.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Input audio into TouchDesigner

Extract relevant data from input sources

Use data to manipulate graphics

Create simple generative visuals

Navigate the TouchDesigner network

Session Study Topics

Audio input sources

Beat detection (frequency analysis, timesclicing etc.)

Creation and manipulation of generative visuals

Network organisation

Requirements

A computer with internet connection

A web cam and mic

A three button mouse or to configure Apple Track Pad appropriately

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

If your 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.

Generative Music Tools: Turing Machine - LIVE Session
2021-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
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.

Real-time Audio Reactive Visual Programming in Max - On demand
2021-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Informative for all levels of experience
One of the best aspects of Max MSP is it’s ability to do real-time visual rendering. In this workshop we’re going to learn how to program our own custom visual designs as well as different techniques to make them respond to audio in real-time. Through this workshop we’ll explore different aspects of how Jitter and OpenGL operate within the Max domain along with a look into many incredible max objects. We’ll also touch on some signal processing techniques and how to patch it all together.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Program their own visual animations in Max MSP

Have a basic understanding of Jitter, OpenGL and the differences between them.

Learn several techniques to make the visuals responsive to audio in real-time

Think of the design aesthetics from a new perspective.

Session Study Topics

Intro to jitter and OpenGL + key objects

Real Time Audio Responsive Techniques

Creating the Visuals

Design Thinking and Philosophy

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Max 8 (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader
Andrew Robinson is an Arizona based interactive experience designer, artist, and educator.
Andrew has been designing real-time audio responsive animations for live music performances, music videos, and more for the past 6 years and has had the opportunity to work with some incredible musical talent. He also received his master’s degree in interactive experience design from Arizona State University in 2019 and now works at Synthesis Center as an educator and researcher for experience design.

Gravity Synth Masterclass with Leon Trimble - LIVE Session
2021-04-16 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Don’t forget to also sign up for the Live AV Performance by Leon Trimble followed shortly after this Masterclass – Live AV Performance by Leon Trimble – Music Hackspace

Masterclass Date & Time: Friday 16th April 5pm UK
The Gravity Synth is a musical instrument combining the instrumentation used to detect gravitational waves, and a modular synthesiser. The experimentation with the scientific and musical equipment has been a collaboration between researchers at the Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy at University of Birmingham and audiovisual artist Leon Trimble. This is a parallel journey exploring the similarities between the processes of art and science. Leon Trimble has been working on the gravity synth since 2016 when, having sat down next to Dr.Hannah Middleton (Gravitational wave data analyst). From that moment on they started meeting and Leon & Hannah planned how the sound of a Michelson Interferometer (IFO) could be shaped into a performance. As time went on and the interferometer bedded into the performance, Leon upgraded parts of the modular synthesiser to accompany the IFO and Aaron refined components of the IFO to more accurately make sound.
Link: https://gravitysynth.tumblr.com/
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Requirements

A computer and internet connection
A Zoom account

Live AV Performance by Leon Trimble
2021-04-16 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Watch the Live AV Performance by Leon Trimble with a 360 camera. Navigate the scene with the arrows at the top left of the video.

TouchDesigner meetup 17th April - Audio visualisation
2021-04-17 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Date & Time: Saturday 17th April 5pm – 7pm UK / 6pm – 8pm Berlin
Level: Open to all levels
Join the online meetup for expert talks on audio visualisation. Meet and be inspired by the TouchDesigner community.
The meetup runs via Zoom. The main session features short presentations from TouchDesigner users. Breakout rooms are created on the spot on specific topics, and you can request a new topic at any time.
The theme for this session is Audio visualisation, hosted by Bileam Tschepe with presentations from the community.
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:
Name: Ian MacLachlan
Title: Terraforming with MIDI
Bio: Bjarne Jensen is an experimental audio/visual artist from the Detroit area with an interest in creating interactive systems for spatial transformation.
Name: Jean-François Renaud
Title: Generating MIDI messages to synchronize sound and visual effect in TouchDesigner
Description : Instead of using the audio analysis strategy to affect the rendering, we are focusing on building small generative machines using the basic properties of notes (pitch, velocity), and we look at different means to manage triggering. At the end, the goal is still to merge and to make alive what you hear and what you see.
Bio: Interactive media professor at École des médias, UQAM, Montréal
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/morpholux
Name: Bileam Tschepe
Title: algorhythm – a first look into my software
Description: I’ve been working on a tool for audiovisual live performances and I’d like to share its current state and see if people are interested in collaborating and working with me
Bio: 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.
YouTube: Bileam Tschepe

Requirements

A Zoom account
A computer and internet connection

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

Max meetup 17th April - Americas Edition
2021-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online
Date & Time: Saturday 17th April 3pm LA / 6pm NYC
Level: Open to all levels
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.
The theme for this session is Max in live performances.
Hosted by: Chloe Alexandra Thompson
With presentations by:
Marcus Price: Granular Synthesis
Presentation on how he use granular synthesis/auto-scrubbing and a variety of custom tools (spacialization helpers, effects and feedback/delay lines) for live performances.
Michele Zaccagnini: Nonlinear Sequencer
Michele will present a max package he designed which is now distributed in the package manager. It covers the use of sequencers in nonlinear fashion, i.e. the time function of the sequencer is distorted to create tempo oscillations. The overall tempo-predictability and synchronization robustness of the sequencer is nonetheless still present in the Nonlinear Sequencer. Plus these set of objects allow to “measure” the regularity/irregularity of a rhythmic event on an imaginary grid.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMQVkLE-bKdA7cycXECtCQ
https://michelezaccagnini.blog/.
João Cabral: Topic: Hardware presentation
João will present a bunch of devices that were made using M4L that work as a 1 dimensional Visual Synth that were used to create LED animations.

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.
Ready to present your work at a future meetup?
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.
List of presenters will be updated and announced before each event.
Topic suggestions but not limited to:

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

Requirements

A Zoom account
A computer and internet connection

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.

Generative Music Tools: LFOs and Pitch Quantization - On demand
2021-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
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

Create with MPE in Live 11 - On demand
2021-04-20 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Beginner
MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) offers a vast playground of musical opportunities to create musical compositions and productions. Live 11 supports a range of MPE tools to allow the composer and producer to create ideas in a myriad of ways. In this workshop you will creatively explore and deploy a range of MPE techniques in a musical setting. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to utilise the creative possibilities of MPE in the Ableton Live environment.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Identify the role and function of MPE

Explore MPE compatible devices in Live

Utilize MPE controllers within Live 11

Apply MPE to create novel musical and sonic elements

Session Study Topics

Using MPE

MPE devices in Live

MPE controllers

Creatively using MPE

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Live 11 (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader
Mel is a London based music producer, vocalist and educator.
She spends most of her time teaching people how to make music with Ableton Live and Push. When she’s not doing any of the above, she makes educational content and helps music teachers and schools integrate technology into their classrooms. She is particularly interested in training and supporting female and non-binary people to succeed in the music world.
Supported by

Audio visual creation & performance with TDAbleton - On demand
2021-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Beginner to Intermediate

This workshop will show participants how to build their own audio visual performance using TouchDesigner and Ableton. TouchDesigner is a visual programming language for real time interactive multimedia content. Using the TDAbleton tool, a vast array of audio elements within Ableton can be used to automate an audio reactive visual show.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Understand the TDAbleton tool

Link a number of audio elements in Ableton to drive visual content in TouchDesigner

Begin to build their own audio visual set for live performance

Consider different approaches to audio visual performance and creation.

Session Study Topics

TDAbleton tool

Triggering different TouchDesigner visual sets with Ableton midi clips.

Controlling TouchDesigner visual parameters with Ableton macros

Touchdesigner operators- TOPS, Maths Chop.

Performance Mode.

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

A Touchdesigner free license (https://derivative.ca/download)

Ableton Live 10 or 11 ( for Live 11, you will need to use the latest version of TouchDesigner and select the TDAbleton beta plugin)

About the workshop leader
Nilly Brook lectures various visual technologies across a number of institutions including: The National Film and Television School, Central Saint Martins, Wimbledon School of Art, London South Bank University and Private clients.
She is also a musician, producer and audio-visual performer working on two separate solo projects.

Max meetup 24th April - Europe Edition
2021-04-24 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Date & Time: Saturday 24th April 3pm UK
Level: Open to all levels
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.
Meetup will be hosted by Ned Rush with presentations by:
Mark Durham – https://fieldpluscode.wordpress.com
Philip Clevberger – https://www.instagram.com/thefellowpassenger
Dillon Bastan – https://www.instagram.com/dillonbastan
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.
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.
Topic suggestions but not limited to:

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

Requirements

A Zoom account
A computer and internet connection

Creative MIDI FX in Ableton Live - On demand
2021-04-27 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Beginner
Ableton Live offers a vast playground of musical opportunities to create musical compositions and productions. Live’s native MIDI FX provides a range of tools to allow the composer and producer to create ideas in a myriad of ways. Max For Live complements these tools and expands musical possibilities. In this workshop you will creatively explore and deploy a range of MIDI FX in a musical setting. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to utilise the creative possibilities of MIDI FX in the Ableton Live environment.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Identify and deploy MIDI FX

Explore native and M4L MIDI FX in Live

Render the output of MIDI FX into MIDI clips for further manipulation

Apply MIDI FX to create novel musical and sonic elements

Session Study Topics

Using MIDI FX

Native and M4L MIDI FX

Rendering MIDI FX outputs

Creatively using MIDI FX

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Live Suite with M4L (i.e. trial or full license)

About the work shop leader
Mel is a London based music producer, vocalist and educator.
She spends most of her time teaching people how to make music with Ableton Live and Push. When she’s not doing any of the above, she makes educational content and helps music teachers and schools integrate technology into their classrooms. She is particularly interested in training and supporting female and non-binary people to succeed in the music world.
Supported by

Android Audio Development Fundamentals - On-demand
2021-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
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Level: Intermediate
Android is the leading mobile operating system, with billions of active devices worldwide. In this workshop you will learn the fundamental principles needed to create high performance audio apps on the platform. From the basic setup to the creation of a sequencer based app, we will cover every aspect you need to build your own version of what a great Android audio application should be.
By the end of this series a successful student will be able to:

Be familiar with the Android development environment

Understand the logic behind real time audio processing app on the platform

Create GUI controls to interact with the sound

Implement a sequencer based application

Study topics:

Android Studio

Native project structure (JNI, CMake)

Oboe library usage

Android Layout Editor

# Session 1: Hello world

Setting up Android Studio
Build hello world code
Emulator
USB debugging/apk deliverable

# Session 2: Basic tone generation

Native project logic (JNI/CMake)
Oboe setup
Basic sine wave processing

# Session 3: Parameters and controls

Layout editor
Bypass button
Sine wave frequency/volume sliders
Custom UI component (knob)

# Session 4: Sequencer app

GUI: play button + 4 step on/off + 4 pitch sliders
Audio engine: associated processing code
Visual feedback from engine (C++ to Java calls)
Sequencer playhead position feedback

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

A webcam and mic

A Zoom account

A basic familiarity with Java or C++ and audio processing

An Android phone or tablet

A usb cable to connect the phone/tablet to your computer

About the workshop leader
Baptiste Le Goff is a french software engineer focused on electronic music instruments design and implementation.
After 6 years working for Arturia – moving from software development to product management – he founded Meteaure Studios to build music making apps for Android and empower the next generation of mobile producers.

Supported by Android

Getting started with Max: May Series
2021-05-05 14:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Online
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.

Max and Machine Learning with RunwayML - On-demand
2021-05-05 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Intermediate
RunwayML is a platform that offers AI tools to artists without any coding experience. Max/MSP is a visual programming environment used in media art that can be used to control RunwayML in a more efficient way. At the end of the workshop you will be able to train trendy machine learning models and generate videos by walking a latent space through Max and NodeJS.
﻿
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course a successful student will be able to:

Understand the RunwayML workflow

Use Node4Max to control RunwayML and generate a video.

Explore ML trendy models

Create a Dataset

Train a ML model

Process videos with the VIZZIE library.

Session 1
– Introduction to the course
– What’s machine learning, deep learning and neural networks?
– What’s RunwayML?
– What’s Max/MSP/Jitter and NodeJS?

– Dataset and models training with RunwayML

Session 2
– What’s a GAN and styleGAN?
– Latent space walk
– Image and video generation with RunwayML, Max and Node4Max (part 1)
Session 3
– Image and video generation with RunwayML, Max and Node4Max (part 2)

Session 4
– processing Images and videos with VIZZIE2 and Jitter.
Session Study Topics

Generate images and video through AI

Request data to models and save images on your local drive

Generate video from images

Communication protocols (web sockets and https requests)

AI models used in visual art.

Video processing

Models training

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Max 8 (either trial or licence)

A code editor such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime or Atom

Attendees need to create a RunwayML account – https://app.runwayml.com/signup.

Upon setting up an account you will receive 10$ credit for free
Approx. 50$ credits will be required to complete the course however these do not need to purchased in advance
20% RunwayML discount code will be provided to participant who sign up to the course

About the workshop leader
Marco Accardi is a trained musician, multimedia artist, developer and teacher based in Berlin.
He is the co-founder of Anecoica, a collective that organises events combining art, science and new technologies.

Granular Synthesis: Getting Started with Grainflow - On-demand
2021-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Advanced
http://mhproduction.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Chris-Promo-Video.mp4
Grainflow is a package for Max / MSP that utilizes gen~ and the MC wrapper to allow users to control large numbers of sample accurate grains. This workshop will teach participants about how to use and control large numbers of grains using the Grainflow package and Max’s multichannel wrapper.
By the end of the session students should be able to:

Develop an understanding of granulation and granular synthesis

Use Grainflow to build a granular file player

Use Grainflow for live granulation.

Build a granular time-stretching tool

Use the MC output of Grainflow to bus grains stochastically to different effects

Study Topics

Introduction to Grainflow~ – parameters and controls

Building a sound-file granulator using grainflow~

Building a live granulator using grainflow~.

Build a real-time time stretcher

Build a system for statistically bussing grains into several effects.

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Max 8

The Grainflow Package

About the workshop leader
Christopher Poovey is a Dallas based electroacoustic composer, media artist, and developer.
He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of North Texas with a research focus in interactive computer music and immersive installation. Chris has developed several software packages for Max as well as a number of Max for Live devices and VST instruments built using

Simple Systems for Live Performance: A TouchDesigner Primer - On-demand
2021-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Intermediate
Whether at a concert or in a music video, visual effects can do so much to enhance the listener/viewer’s experience and create a lasting impression. This workshop aims to demonstrate how, using TouchDesigner, one can convert MIDI and acoustic audio signal into dynamic visual performances.
﻿
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of these sessions a successful student will be able to:
PT1:

Design and implement generative visual effects which evolve over time

Map out a show control system with high-level hooks for updating state in production

Create simple audio +/ MIDI signal workflows

PT2:

Persisting/loading custom presets with Python + JSON

Map a visualization onto any performance environment, whether physical or digital

Session Study Topics
PT1:

How to build custom UIs with widgets in TouchDesigner

Encapsulating new and existing VFX patches in reusable components

Basic MIDI input with TouchDesigner

PT2:

Programming advanced actions with Python in TouchDesigner

Making custom MIDI mappings which plug into a global control system

Outputting anywhere: projection mapping, NDI streaming, DMX / lighting fixtures

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

A free (or higher) license of TouchDesigner

A text editor for programming, such as Sublime Text 3 (recommended)

Recommended:

Webcam and/or microphone

A text editor for programming, such as Sublime Text 3 (recommended)

Virtual audio routing software (e.g VB Cable on Windows, Soundflower / Loopback Audio on Mac) you can use to send audio to TouchDesigner directly from other software on your computer, such as Spotify

About the workshop leader
Ben Benjamin is a programmer and performer based in Los Angeles. He is obsessed with the intersection of media, culture, and technology.

Getting Started with Gen - On-demand
2021-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Intermediate / Previous experience with MSP is required.
Build highly efficient signal processing operations in Max using Gen~. In this series of 4 workshops, you will learn the fundamentals of signal processing and develop skills to confidently code with Gen~ in Max. The course contains 24 custom-made example patches along with audio samples that you will build as exercises during the course and be able to use in your own projects.
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Series Learning Outcomes
By the end of this series a successful student will be able to:

Become familiar with the Gen~ environment

Build various audio processing tools via Gen~ (i.e. delay FX, AM and FM tools)

Construct basic Gen~ sampling and synthesis tools

Apply a myriad of Gen~ operators

Series Study Topics

The Gen~ environment

Audio processing in Gen~

Gen~ sampling and synthesis tools

Gen~ operators and data management

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Max 8 (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader
Phelan Kane is a Berlin & London based music producer, engineer, artist, developer and educator.
He is currently running the electronic music record label Meta Junction Recordings and the audio software development company Meta Function. He has released the Max for Live device synth Wave Junction in partnership with Sonicstate.

Livestream: Nestup - A Language for Musical Rhythms
2021-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
Date & Time: Monday 10th May 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC
In this livestreamed interview, we will speak with Sam Tarakajian and Alex Van Gils, who’ve built a fantastic live-coding environment that works within an Ableton Live device called Nestup.
The programs we use to make music have a lot of implicit decisions baked into them, especially in their graphical interfaces. Nestup began as a thought experiment, trying to see if embedding a text editor inside Live could open up new creative possibilities. We think the answer is that yes, text can work well alongside a piano roll and a traditional musical score, as a concise and expressive way to define complex rhythms.
With Nestup, you define for yourself any size of rhythmic unit, any sort of rhythmic subdivision, and with any scaling factor. These language features open your rhythm programming up to musical ideas such as metric modulation, nested tuplets, complex polyrhythm, and more. Rhythms from musical styles which would have been prohibitively difficult to program in a DAW can therefore be rendered in MIDI, such as rhythms from Armenian folk musics or “new complexity” compositions.
Overview of speakers
Sam is a Brooklyn based developer and creative coder. Sam works for Cycling ‘74 and develops independent projects at Cutelab NYC. Alex is a composer, performer, and generative video artist based in Brooklyn.
Sam and Alex have been making art with music and code together for over 10 years, beginning with a composition for double bass and Nintendo Wiimote while undergraduates and continuing to include electroacoustic compositions, live AR performance art, installation art, Max4Live devices, and now Nestup, the domain-specific language for musical rhythms.
Where to watch?
YouTube –
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TouchDesigner meetup 15th May
2021-05-15 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London)
Date & Time: Saturday 15th May 5pm UK / 6pm Berlin / 9am LA / 12pm NYC
Meetup length 2-hours
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 and is 2-hours in length.
This session focuses on Typography and Graphic Design and features presentations from:

1. Jash: 36 Days Of Type
Jash is a Canadian/American photographer, videographer, and motion graphics artist. Jash recently challenged himself to participate in the annual 36 days of type challenge; Creating a generative composition in touch designer every day for 36 days. https://justjash.com/
2. Caroline Reize: Design for New Media: An introduction to design and its application in new media
Caroline is a German-born media artist who makes experimental visuals based on minimalism. Her work focuses on drawing inner emotion to create an image. The shapes and colors that are obtained from this allow the viewer a new experience. To develop a sufficient multi-sensory experience, she utilizes various forms of media, collaborates with sound artists, and works on narrowing the gap between art and technology. http://carolinereize.com/
3. Hugues Kir: The “Frog Effect”
A benevolent approach to graphic design in TouchDesigner
https://derivative.ca/p/62998 @smooth_isfast

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

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

Discover the new features in Max for Live 11 - On demand
2021-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Intermediate
MaxforLive allows users to develop their own devices for use in composition, performance and beyond. In the recent release of Live Suite 11 there are a myriad of new features and tools for musicians and programmers alike. In this workshop you will explore these new tools and features and be able to leverage them in your own musical works and patches.
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Explore new MPE possibilities

Utilise the new devices

Identify the new integrations and objects

Understand and deploy the new features for developers

Session Study Topics

MPE and Max for Live

New Max for Live devices

New integrations and objects in Max for Live with Live 11

New features for developers of Max for Live devices with Live 11

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Live 11 Suite & Max for Live (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader
Mark Towers is an Ableton Certified Trainer and a lecturer in music technology at Leicester College. He specialises in Max for Live, as well as working with Isotonik Studios to create unique and creative devices for music production and performance such as the Arcade Series.

Supported by

Creative Audio and MIDI in Ableton Live - On-demand
2021-05-19 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
If you’d like to support the Music Hackspace to continue to build a program of free workshops, a voluntary contribution would be much appreciated.
Level: Intermediate
Ableton Live offers a vast playground of musical opportunities to create musical compositions and productions. These include converting audio based harmony, melody and rhythm to MIDI, alongside techniques such as slicing audio into sampling tools which can be triggered via MIDI. In this workshop you will creatively explore and deploy a range of Audio and MIDI manipulation tools in a musical setting. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to utilise the creative possibilities of Audio and MIDI manipulation in the Ableton Live environment.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Convert Audio to MIDI

Slice Audio to MIDI

Manipulate Audio via MIDI slices

Utilise Audio and MIDI to create novel musical and sonic elements

Session Study Topics

Converting Audio to MIDI

Slicing Audio to MIDI

Manipulating slices within Simpler

Creatively using Audio and MIDI

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

Access to a copy of Live Suite (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader
Anna is a London based producer, engineer, vocalist and educator.

Anna is currently working as a university lecturer in London, teaching music production, creating educational content and working on her next releases as ANNA DISCLAIM.

Livestream: TidalCycles - growing a language for algorithmic pattern
2021-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Thursday 20th May 6pm UK / 7pm Berlin / 10am LA / 1pm NYC
In this livestreamed interview, Alex McLean retraces the history and intent that prompted him to develop TidalCycles alongside ‘Algorave’ live performance events, contributing to establish Live Coding as an art discipline.
Alex started TidalCycles project for exploring musical patterns in 2009, and it is now a healthy free/open-source software project and among the most well-known live coding environments for music.
TidalCycles represents musical patterns as a function of time, making them easy to make, combine and transform. It is generally partnered with the SuperDirt hybrid synthesiser/sampler, created by Julian Rohrhuber using SuperCollider.
Culturally, TidalCycles is tightly linked to Algorave, a movement created by Alex McLean and Nick Collins in 2011, where musicians and VJs make algorithms to dance to.
Where to watch –
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/musichackspace/
Overview of speaker
Alex McLean is a musician and researcher based in Sheffield UK. As well as working on TidalCycles, he also researches algorithmic patterns in ancient weaving, as part of the PENELOPE project based in Deutsches Museum, Munich. He has organised hundreds of events in the digital arts, including the annual AlgoMech festival of Algorithmic and Mechanical Movement. Alex co-founded the international conferences on live coding and live interfaces, and co-edited the Oxford Handbook of Algorithmic Music. As live coder has performed worldwide, including Sonar, No Bounds, Ars Electronica, Bluedot and Glastonbury festivals.

Create Music Visuals with TouchDesigner / Fundamentals - On-demand
2021-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
Note: Add this workshop to your cart along with the full workshop series to get £10 off at checkout

Level: Beginner

Overview
TouchDesigner is a tool that gains popularity among musicians who want to create visuals for their music and do audio-visual experiments. This workshop is an introduction to the series “Create Music Visuals with TouchDesigner – Going Further”. You will be guided through TouchDesigner environment, learn how to create 3D scenes and control visual parameters with sound, discuss audio-visual art with your peers and, of course, make visuals! Try it and see if you want to learn more in the coming weeks with Going Further.

Discuss some names in the history of audio-visual art and ideas that inspired the field

Understand fundamentals of 3D rendering in TD

Create basic geometric shapes, light and texture them

Create audio-reactive visual progression that switches between camera views

Computer animation in the 21st century – the 3D space.

Ideas and key figures in the history of audio-visual art

3D rendering set up

Simple 2D compositing

Triggering actions and controlling parameters with CHOPs

Requirements

A computer with internet connection

A three button mouse or Apple Track Pad appropriately configured

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

If your 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
Dancing Pixels (Masha Rozhnova) is a London based artist who creates audio-visual performances and videos for musicians. For the past three years she has been using TouchDesigner as the main tool for content creation, show control and as an engine to enable interaction with the audience. She performed at Live Performers Meeting in Rome, at New River studios and Crux events in London.

Max meetup 22nd May
2021-05-22 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Date & Time: Saturday 22nd May 2021 11am LA / 2pm NYC / 7pm UK / 8pm Berlin
Level: Open to 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 is 2-hours in length.
This session will be hosted by Chloe Alexandra Thompson and feature presentations from:
1) Iain C. T. Duncan: Scheme for Max Demo – Scripting and live-coding Max with Scheme Lisp

Project site
youtube channel

2) Kate De Lorme – Lobe 4DSOUND Software demonstration

lobestudio.ca
katedelorme.com

3) Bobby McElver – Wave Field Synthesis with Spat5 – exploring creating phono

Wave Field Synthesis
bobbymcelver.com

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

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

Creative MIDI CC’s in Ableton Live - On-demand
2021-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
If you’d like to support the Music Hackspace to continue to build a program of free workshops, a voluntary contribution would be much appreciated.
Level: Intermediate
Ableton Live offers a vast playground of musical opportunities to create musical compositions and productions. These include techniques to deploy MIDI Control Change messages (CC’s) to manipulate and transform musical ideas. In this workshop you will creatively explore and deploy a range of MIDI CC’s manipulation tools in a musical setting. This workshop aims to provide you with suitable skills to utilise the creative possibilities of MIDI CC manipulation in the Ableton Live environment.
Session Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

Identify MIDI CC’s messages

Map MIDI CC’s to parameters

Manipulate Clip Envelopes and dummy Clips via MIDI CC’s

Utilise MIDI CC”s to create novel musical and sonic elements

Session Study Topics

MIDI CC messages

MIDI Mapping CC’s

Clip Envelopes and dummy clips and CC’s

Creatively using MIDI CC’s

Requirements

A computer and internet connection

A web cam and mic

A Zoom account

Access to a copy of Live Suite (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader
Anna is a London based producer, engineer, vocalist and educator.

Anna is currently working as a university lecturer in London, teaching music production, creating educational content and working on her next releases as ANNA DISCLAIM.

Create Music Visuals with TouchDesigner / Going Further - On-demand
2021-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Level: Beginner

Overview
TouchDesigner is a tool that gains popularity among musicians who want to create visuals for their music and do audio-visual experiments. The goal of this course is to show how one can start with TouchDesigner and not risk being discouraged. You will learn the basic concepts underpinning creation and rendering of 3D geometries, what different parameters of PBR materials mean and how particle systems work. The concepts you learn will be used to create shiny and noisy audio-reactive visualizations that can be plugged into your live performance straight away. The course will equip you with tools and maps which will make your further TouchDersigner journey more productive and fun. This series is a continuation of the workshop Create Music Visuals with TouchDesigner – Fundamentals.
Session Learning Outcomes
Session 1

Change basic geometries

Understand the difference between CPU and GPU calculations

Make different audio frequencies trigger different events

Create an audio-reactive visualization using instanced geometries

Session 2

Import 3D assets

Perform transformations on imported 3D geometries (increase and decrease polygon count, translate)

Understand and Use PBR maps

Set up PBR shading for 3D assets

Session 3

Be confident with the main properties of a particle and particle system

Create a basic particle system

Configure emission properties of a particle system

Use force bearing objects to influence particles behavior

Confidently navigate the TD learning resources and know where to get help

Session Study Topics
Session 1

SOP generators and filters

Operators that use CPU and GPU

Geometry Instancing

Connecting Trigger CHOP to different frequencies of an audio-spectrum

Session 2

FBX and OBJ formats

Polyreduce and Subdivide SOPs, Delete SOP, Transform SOP

The theory of Physically-Based Rendering and Shading

PBR maps

PBR setup in Touch Designer

Session 3

Particle SOP inputs (emitter, attractor, force)

Particle SOP parameters

Differences between CPU and GPU particle systems

Navigating TouchDesigner Resources

Requirements

A computer with internet connection

A web cam and mic

A Zoom account

A three button mouse or Apple Track Pad appropriately configured

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

If your 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
Dancing Pixels (Masha Rozhnova) is a London based artist who creates audio-visual performances and videos for musicians. For the past three years she has been using TouchDesigner as the main tool for content creation, show control and as an engine to enable interaction with the audience. She performed at Live Performers Meeting in Rome, at New River studios and Crux events in London.

Getting Started with Max - June Series
2021-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Online
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
