SPLICE Institute 2026
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.
Open - Doesn’t fit within the level system above. Open to all!

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 repeat 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.

Aphasia Practice Session (Open, 2 hrs, 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.

Les Paul and the way of the Magi (Open, 1 hr, Sun only)
Learn the mystic ways of altering reality through mind-bending echo chambers and massive hallucinatory walls of face-peeling distortion.

Electronic Etudes - Electronic Instrument Performance Practice (Levy Lorenzo) (Open, 1 hr, Sun only)
Participants will be given electronic instruments designed by Levy Lorenzo. These instruments will run on participant laptops and iOS mobile devices. The workshop will discuss approaches to instrumental performance such as Practice, Play, Notation, and Embodiment.

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!

Max, Javascript, and AI Workflow (Advanced, Mon-Fri)
We will introduce the reasons to use Javascipt in Max, the basic syntax of Javascript (JS), the input/output of data between Max and JS, and specifying and replacing arguments for JS objects. We will then use AI to assist with creating, fixing, and adapting JS code. Javascript is ubiquitous in computer programming; therefore, any LLM can be useful. I will use Claude, but others are fine. You can work in a previous version of Max, but it is suggested that you download Max 9 so that you have access to the new V8 object, which allows contemporary JS. We will not generate musical content with AI, just utilities for using AI in Max.

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. In this course, participants will gain skills to create fixed media electronics and create and route click tracks.

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.

Jitter Gen [jit.gl.pix] (Advanced, Mon-Fri)
A deep dive into Jitter Gen, focused on understanding gen syntax and building custom visual systems from the ground up. The workshop will explore pixel shader development with jit.gl.pix, image synthesis, procedural visuals, custom video effects, and audio-reactive visual processes.

How to Create an Electronic Ensemble (Introductory, Mon-Thur)
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-Fri)
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

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!

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. Depending on class interest and expertise, we will introduce Max for Live.

Raw Electronic Sound Circuits - Levi Lorenzo (Intermediate, Mon-Thur)
Learn to build electronic sound circuits with raw electronic components. Students will be guided to some fundamentals of circuit design and connect the engineering process to electronic instrumental performance practice. Students will be able to take home the circuits that they build. Intermediate level but zero prior electronic design skills needed.

Videography for Musicians (beyond documentation) pt. 1&2 - Nick Zoulek (Open, Mon/Wed)
This two-part videography lab addresses common challenges musicians face when creating visual media and reframes video as an active participant in performance rather than a passive record. Participants will examine fundamentals of videography (lighting, framing, etc) and media as a relational system on stage, considering hierarchy, interaction, and audience perception when sound and image coexist. Through hands-on experimentation with camera placement, focal length, lighting, and lens effects, students will work in small groups to design and create short performance-based media works. No prior video experience is required; emphasis is placed on clarity, intention, and integration.

Slot d 2:30-5:00p

SPLICE Electronic Improv Ensemble (SpEIE) - (*Ensemble Participants Only; others may observe, Mon-Fri)
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.

Visual Music: Performing Media - Eric Souther (Open, Mon-Fri)
Visual Music: Performing Media workshop will focus on real-time performative audio-visuals. Students will learn how to build performative visual instruments in the node-based programming language TouchDesigner. We will learn several techniques for translating sound to image with both audio-reactivity and audio-visual relationships.

From the Inside Out: Performer-Driven Approaches to Making Music - Nick Zoulek (Open, Mon/Wed)
This daily workshop examines composition from the performer’s perspective, focusing on how idiomatic technique, improvisation, and physical interaction with an instrument can generate form and structure. Each session combines demonstrations, guided solo work, and discussion, emphasizing performer agency and practical strategies for developing material without relying on score-first workflows. Open to performers, composers, and hybrid artists.