Digital Synesthesia Workshop with Max 8

May 11 - 13 2020
Online
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Overview

In this two-day workshop, learn to create artful connections between audio and visual data using Cycling 74’s Max 8. During this session, we will build an audiovisual application that processes incoming audio data to influence generative 3D graphics.

We’ll learn how to build an audiovisual world of reactive 3D shapes in Jitter with OpenGL, and make it shine with interactive shaders and custom visual effects. Finally, we’ll look at live performance strategies and ways to optimize creative expression in Max/MSP/Jitter and Max for Live. This session will be a practical introduction to Jitter, with a focus on 3D graphics, meant for musicians, VJs, and audiovisual artists.

During this workshop, all students will build a custom standalone application, which is a huge benchmark for beginners and those just getting into code. Intermediate attendees will learn enough about OpenGL and Jitter to continue to learn about the framework on their own. Advanced attendees will be empowered to create flashy generative audiovisual systems.

Workshop Logistics

Dates: Monday & Wednesday, May 11 & 13, 2020
Time: 5-8pm PST

Cost: $180

Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate. Previous experience working with music and sound creation tools is helpful but not necessary.

Requirements:
Install Max 8 prior to arriving to workshop. Download here.

Workshop Outline

We'll cover a range of topics including:
• Brief history of Visual Music and Max/MSP
• Introduction to audio analysis methods
• Working with video files
• Controlling effects with audio
• Creating 3D scenes, meshes, and custom 3D objects
• Lights, cameras, action
• Interactive control of shaders
• MIDI/OSC control
• Building applications
• Intro to Max, Jitter, Jit.gl.objects, and Max4Live

This workshop will be held online and hosted in a webinar format via Zoom.

About Technologies

Max is an infinitely flexible place to create interactive media software. With in-depth tools for audio, graphics, interaction, and communication, Max is an environment to explore and develop your own ideas.

Instructor

Taurin Barrera

Taurin Barrera is an audio engineer, interactive multimedia artist, and teacher based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His work utilizes creative technologies to explore the liminal space between sensation and perception, and to augment our experience of sound, light, and space. He integrates spatial audio, visual music, and electroacoustic composition techniques to program custom software instruments, performance systems, and environments. His recent works have been exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (D.C.), National Gallery of Modern Art (Bangalore), CERN (Geneva), Maker Faire (Shenzhen), and Luminaria Festival (San Antonio). He holds an MFA in Electronic Music from Mills College and is currently a Professor of Music and Director of Technology and Applied Composition Studios at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.