EACH YEAR SPLICE INSTITUTE EXPLORES A SPECIFIC THEME. However THIS YEAR we’re doing things a bit differently in celebration of our 10 year Splice-iversary! our 10th year theme: come hang with us and our extra-large roster of super amazing guests!

SPLICE Institute 2024
Workshop Descriptions

Workshops (essentially “classes”) at SPLICE are divided into four time blocks. Many of these workshops meet every day for the duration of the week. Participants are encouraged to be as consistent as possible in attending their selected workshops. For the vast majority of these, if you have a laptop you should bring it!

A note about levels:
Introductory - Assumes a basic proficiency with computers, but does not assume prior knowledge or experience with the fundamentals of electroacoustic music (digital theory, acoustics, etc) or the tools being taught.
Intermediate - Assumes at least basic prior knowledge of the fundamentals of electroacoustic music, and a working understanding of the tools being taught (for example some experience with Max).
Advanced - Assumes extensive experience with the concepts of electroacoustic music, and prior fluency in the tools being taught.

new to electroacoustic music and unsure which workshops would be the right fit?
See our helpful Quickstart Guide!

Sunday Workshops

NOTE: The Sunday workshops are offered as one-off classes which will be repeated several times during the day. All other workshops, unless otherwise specified, function as traditional classes, building skills and knowledge over the course of the week.

Microphones and Live Performance (Open, 1 hr, Sun only)
We will discuss the properties of microphones and how they relate to microphone selection and positioning in live performance. We will also discuss issues of signal flow and latency related to microphones in live performance.

Environmental Recording and Deep Listening Explorations (Open, 2.5 hrs, Sun only)
This "scavenger hunt" workshop will explore Western Michigan's campus while collecting environmental soundscape recordings. First we will talk about recording and Deep Listening. Then we'll go on a group soundwalk, and then break into smaller groups to search for and record sounds. Afterward, we will share our sounds and perhaps create a short piece using the sounds we recorded. It's going to be FUN!

Aphasia Practice Session (Open, 1 hr, Sun only)
We will learn how to perform Mark Applebaum's Aphasia (https://web.stanford.edu/~applemk/portfolio-works-aphasia.html) for a performer and fixed media. We will study the score and practice a few sections of the piece.

Weekday Workshops

Slot A 9:00-10:15a

Animals and Synthesizers (Introductory, Mon-Fri)
An introductory workshop exploring the basics of synthesis in Reaper while creating sound for a short animal-themed film clip. All experience levels welcome!

DSP in Gen~ with Codebox (Advanced, Mon-Fri)
This will cover digital signal processing algorithms in the Gen~ programming environment within Max. It will focus on examples that teach concepts that demonstrate how Gen~ is useful. We will focus on using the codebox within Gen~, but we will also show how to work with graphical patching in Gen~. Previous experience with Max is required and it is preferable that participants have some knowlege of digital signal processing.

IRCAM Tools (Intermediate, Mon-Fri)
This will cover 2 pieces of IRCAM software: OpenMusic and Orchidea. The first 3 days cover OpenMusic, a visual programming environment for Computer-Assisted Composition. The last 2 days cover Orchidea, a computer-assisted orchestration tool. Users select a set of instruments and a target audio file, and Orchidea generates a sample-based audio file result and a score. Students should install both OpenMusic (Mac and Win), Orchidea (Mac only), and MaxOrch (Mac only) prior to the meetings. Installation instructions will be distributed prior to the Institute.
https://forum.ircam.fr/projects/detail/openmusic/
http://www.orch-idea.org/
https://perbloland.com/maxorch-about

Intro to SuperCollider (Intermediate, Mon-Fri)
An introductory workshop for those with little or no experience with SuperCollider. Learn basic audio coding while exploring this free and expressive programming language that provides a framework for acoustic research, algorithmic music, and electronic music performance.

Intro to Performance Technology (Introductory, Mon+Tues)
If you are new to electronic music performance, start here! The basic details about everything you need to know to setup and run pieces with electronics.

DAW for Performers (Introductory, Wed+Thurs)
A continuation of the “Intro to Performance Technology” classes, DAW for Performers will explore the basics of creating, recording, and editing sound in Digital Audio Workstations. After this course, participants will feel comfortable creating fixed playback electronics for use in their own compositions.

Slot B 10:30-11:45a

Intro to Max (Introductory, Mon-Fri)
An introductory workshop for those with little or no experience using Max. Explore the power of this visual programming language for music and multimedia, creating patches that input live signals, play soundfiles, and process live signals/soundfiles in various ways.

Max Topics (Intermediate, Mon-Fri)
Various workshops on working with Max, including data processing, effects, and preset systems, all geared for intermediate Max users.

Phasors, Phasors, Phasors! (Advanced, Mon-Fri)
This 5-day workshop is a deep dive in everything phasor~ in Max. We will explore wavetable synthesis, phase modulation, sample accurate sequencing, and many other creative/unconventional applications of the phasor~ object.

Electronic Ensemble (Introductory, Mon-Fri)
This class is an introduction to existing electronic ensemble repertoire and performance practices using freeware, laptops, and affordable electronic instruments. No previous experience in an electronic ensemble or improvisation is required.

Max for Performers (Introductory, Mon-Thurs)
Learn the basics of Max including how to troubleshoot, create cue systems, timers, and musically interact within the software. No previous experience is necessary.

SLot C 1:00-2:15p

Performing with Ableton Live (Introductory, Mon-Fri)
A series of sessions to introduce and explore techniques for using Ableton Live in live performance both for full structured pieces and improvisation.

Aesthetics (Open, Mon-Fri)
Discuss the aesthetics of electroacoustic music composition and performance. This workshop, often focused on previous evenings' concerts, engages participants in lively debate about the "why" of electroacoustic music. No experience needed. All discussions are strictly confidential!

Electronic Improv Ensemble (Open but see below, Mon-Fri)
This ensemble is open to any practitioner of electronic/electroacoustic performance. Through daily performances, we will explore the unique musical properties that emerge in and from instrumental systems capable of automation and increased agency. Our studies will include both free-improvisation and guided improvisational scores. Participants should have experience performing electronics, which could include fully electronic, either digital or analog, or hybrid electronic-acoustic systems, and they should be prepared to bring their instrument/system. Audio monitors can be provided; other gear could be provided upon request based on availability. Experience in improvisation is welcomed, but not required. Participants in EIE will be required to rehearse with the ensemble during the workshop C slot/period throughout the week. Non-practitioners, including purely acoustic instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers are welcome to audit the course.

Slot d 2:30-5:00p

SPLICE Creative Music Band (Open but see below, Mon-Fri)
Splice Creative Music Band is an advanced participant ensemble comprising acoustic and electronic musicians. The term Creative Music refers to the approach of music making established and embodied by the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. CMB seeks to honor the AACM and will rehearse existing repertoire throughout the week that incorporates systems of improvisation. This workshop is limited to 12 participants who have prior experience with improvisation. Participants in CMB will be required to rehearse with the ensemble during the workshop D slot/period throughout the week.

noise :: feedback :: noise - Paula Matthusen (Open, Thu-Fri)
a hands-on workshop investigating recursive musical systems.

Neural Networks and Complex/Chaotic Instrument Design - Sam Pluta (Wed + Thu)
In this workshop I will be sharing the design structures of my highly-dimensional and generally chaotic synthesizer instruments and how I use neural networks to reign in these chaotic systems for expressive performance. This is a one-time workshop that is offered W +Th.