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The Science of Sound: Introduction to Pure Data part II

November 23, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

$35

Registrations are closed.

About the workshop

PureData (PD) is a free, open-source visual programming environment for musicians and artists, allowing them to build their own music or multimedia instruments without writing code. It is easy-to-learn yet powerful tool, very similar to (and sharing DNA with) the commercial program MAX, the industry standard for this kind of work. (Information about this software is available at https://puredata.info).

In this introductory hands-on workshop, participants will:

  • Learn how to install and configure PD on their own laptops.
  • Learn the basics of visual programming, connecting functional objects (like oscillators, noise sources, filters, and amplifiers) together to create their own configurable software instruments (synthesizers).
  • Learn how to use PD to manipulate and play back sound files (eg., sampling), or to process live sound.
  • Create their own customizable sound instrument in PD.
  • Learn about the origins and history of PD, it’s relationship to other programs such as MAX, and how it continues to be developed and supported by its online user community.
  • Be introduced to additional resources to continue their exploration of PD, and to expand its capabilities to include multimedia such as visuals or video.

About the Science of Sound workshop series

The primary purposes of this series is to provide introductory-level, hands-on instruction in electronic music making over a range of approaches and to demystify electronic music and electronic music composition. This workshop series is not centered around learning specific technologies or electronic music generating equipment as such, or learning the newest technologies for their own sake; instead, they will learn how to learn new tools. Particular technologies and applications introduced in the series will play a supporting role in teaching participants the fundamentals of sound and the physics of sound as it pertains to experimental and electronic music making.

This workshop series is divided into four sections covering the various approaches contemporary electronic musicians and composers take regarding the technologies they prefer to utilize:

  • Fundamentals of physics, mathematics and music
  • Introduction to coding and open source computer applications
  • Exploring electronic music equipment and gear (pedals, controllers, field recording equipment, etc.)
  • Using the iPad to make music

This workshop series is supported by an Arts Partnership grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

About the instructor

Bbob Drake has been creating experimental music and audio in Cleveland for the last 45 years. From a start as a guitarist, his current focus is on electro-acoustic improvisation in both solo and group settings. His solo work spans a range from “lowercase” or “onkyokei” aesthetics (quiet, minimalist, abstract), to free jazz and more aggressive noise genres. He designs and builds the majority of his own instruments, both electronic synthesizers and original electo-acoustic designs. bbob has lead workshops in experimental electronics for music at Spaces and other venues, and he designs and sells printed circuit boards for DIY synthesizer enthusiasts. bbob’s most recent recorded releases are “Failure Cake” (solo CD) and “Curiouser” (with Cleveland drummer J. Guy Laughlin)

Workshop fees

The workshop fee of $35 will enroll you in BOTH parts – no need to register for each part separately.