Max Summer School in Geidai 2025Evening sessions

This event is open to the public.
Anyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free, so please feel free to come.

August 2nd

This presentation will explain the technology and research background applied in the work "NeuroLight Ensemble" and provide a demonstration.

Presentation Outline:

Fundamentals of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Sensors
What is EEG? How does it measure (number of electrodes, contact areas, etc.)?
What is the "concentration" index particularly focused on in this research?
Introduction to the Max patches used in "NeuroLight Ensemble".

Relationship between Concentration, Creativity, and Improvisational Performance, and Demonstration
Time-series data of actually acquired concentration levels.
Image of sound and video output corresponding to high and low concentration phases.
Examples of interaction in improvised polyphonic performance between EEG wearers and non-wearers.
Simple demo with Max patch: The process of converting real-time fluctuating EEG signals into music and musical scores.
Introduction of score style display using Bach Library.

Explanation Based on Related Literature
Importance of concentration control in creative performance.
Implications derived from this work (potential for development in education, art, and research fields).

Q&A
Answering questions from the audience and sharing future developments and collaboration possibilities.
Providing an opportunity for interested audience members or staff to experience the EEG sensor firsthand.

I will explain the music system of referee (2025), which will be performed at the final day's concert. The system configuration consists of a guitarist/outputter, a para-out guitar, a small robot, and a robot arm speaker. Sequences are driven at various timings based on the actions of the referee (outputter), forming the music. I would also like to explain the music system, device operation, and how the instruments and devices were created.

August 3rd

In the work "Isshin-denshin" for a single pianist's mind and Disklavier, to be presented at the August 6th concert, a single pianist's brainwaves are sensed using EMOTIV Insight, and reconstructed performance information is transmitted to and played (performed) by a Disklavier™. Here, I will explain the method of linking EMOTIV Insight with Max and the process of completing it as a musical work, and discuss the relationship between body augmentation mediated by sensing devices and musical works.

This session will introduce an electronic sound performance environment built based on body movements and playing self-made instruments. I will explain the mechanisms of signal analysis, sound processing, and spatial control based on Max, as well as the design intentions and implementation examples of self-made modules and self-made performance devices, accompanied by demonstrations. I will share my considerations on the structure where electronic processing functions as an extension of performance and how to dynamically construct the relationship between performance movements and sound.

August 4th

This session will focus on the systems involved in , a body-enhanced live performance in which body movements and music generation intersect. The piece uses an original Max algorithm to automatically generate harmonies and arpeggios based on the single notes or melodies played by the performer. Meanwhile, data on body movements, such as arm tilt and hand movement speed, detected by sensors, intervene and influence the algorithm. The project explores the potential for co-creation between technology and body, algorithm and human by generating an improvisation between performer and system.

This presentation will explain the work to be performed on August 6th and its technical aspects. This work is an installation-type musical drama that combines the exoskeleton robot "Skeletonics" with real-time sound and visual control technology.
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's "Robot Knight" conceptualized and created in 1495, this work fuses modern non-electric exoskeleton suits with artistic expression.
The performer wears Skeletonics and generate sound, light, and visuals using their own body movements as power. Their movements are detected by motion tracking and linked in real-time with DMX lighting, lasers, projection, etc., transforming the entire space into a "shadow theater."
This work is also a response to this year's Max Summer School theme, "Max and Extended Body," and an attempt to explore new connections between technology and physicality.

August 5th

Music Programming Tools such as Max and Pure Data can be utilized beyond music/art expression. I would like to present the possibilities of Music Programming Tools through examples of actual product development at Sony. I hope to inspire some insights and possibilities in everyone who watches.