Modalys is an environment that lets the user create completely novel virtual instruments based on “simple” physical objects such as strings, plate, tubes, membranes, plectrum, bows, or hammers, and making them interact.

It is also possible to build objects with complex forms using a 3D mesh. Modalys brings these objects to life by calculating their sonic vibrations.

By combining different physical, resonating objects and by specifying the type of interaction (striking, rubbing, using a mouthpiece or a bow, etc.), the user creates a virtual instrument and then decides how it will be played and controlled. Max and OpenMusic communicate directly with the Modalys synthesis engine via intuitive graphical interfaces

Objectives

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to construct a simple virtual instrument and interact with it in the ModaLisp environment and in real-time with Max.

Public

Composers, musicians, sound designer, teachers

Prerequisites

Participants must be able to read, write, and speak English (B2 level required)
Mastery a sequencer software program such as Pro Tools, LogicAudio, and a sound editor like Audacity
Mastery of the use of the main features of a Macintosh computer (knowledge and handling of the keyboard and mouse, creating and managing files and folders, navigating menus, launching an application)

Training Period and Organization

18 hours of training, 6 half-days from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m: January 17, 18 & 31, 2024 and February 1st, 21 & 22, 2024
Online Class, In English
8 students maximum

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Program

Wednesday, January 17

Introduction to physical model synthesis
Introduction to the Lisp language
Introduction to the basic functions of Modalys, Make-object, Make-connection, Make-access

Thusday, January 18

Study a string instrument
Use a sound file to activate an instrument
Construct a reed instrument
Use Modalys in real-time with Max (object Mlys)

Wednesday, January 31

Construct a plucked string model
Change the pitch of a string in real-time using Max

Thusday, February 1st

Construct a plaque
Use of hybrid objects

Wednesday, February 21

Construct 3D objects
Tibetan bowl
Balinese gong
Use 3D objects in Max

Thusday, February 22

Use OpenMusic to calculate Modalys sounds
Calculate chords
Calculate melodies using MIDI files

Educational Resources and Techniques

This professional training class will be taught online
Technical requirements: Participants should download Modalys prior to training
For best results, please use two screens for this class
Class Format: Class is taught in English. Training alternates between presentations, explanations on theory, studying examples to analyze, and hands-on exercises
Didactic Materials: presentations. A class guide will be given at the beginning of each training session and all complementary files will be given as needed

Supervision

A technical session will be held beforehand to ensure all participants have the necessary equipment
Attendance controlled; signature of an attendance sheet required every morning and afternoon
A certificate at the end of the program is given to each participant

Assessment

Assessment of acquired knowledge using a multiple-choice test taken at the end of training