Max Initiation (session 2) / Max certification level 1
Max is a graphical programming language that lets users process, generate, interact with MIDI data in audio and video contents as well as all other types of data, for example from sensors.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will acquire the knowledge necessary to make simple patches. They will be able to Identify the means necessary to create a project using Max. The training will be followed by an exam for the Max certification level 1.
Public
Any creative person who wants to work on a project requiring Max: composers, developers, performers, sound technicians, choreographers, sound creators, video artists, live coders, music or art teachers, makers, etc.
Prerequisites
Mastery of a sequencer software program such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or another digital audio editing program (WaveLab, SoundStudio, Adobe Audition);
Good understanding of the English vocabulary used in the software;
Mastery of the basic functions of a Macintosh computer (use of a keyboard and mouse, create and manage files and folders, use menus, launch an application).
Prior to the training, it is highly recommended participants download the software and test the demo mode (30 days with all functions available) and do all the included software.
Educational Resources and Techniques
Classroom equipped with computers with all the necessary software installed, headphones, and MIDI keyboards;
Class Format: Training alternates between presentations, explanations on theory, studying examples to analyze, and hands-on exercises;
Didactic Materials: Video-projected presentations. A class guide will be given at the beginning of each training session and all complementary files will be given as needed.
Supervision and Assessment
Welcome the first day of training beginning at 9:45am;
Attendance controlled; signature of an attendance sheet required every morning and afternoon;
Certification exam for Max level 1 taken at the end of training.
A certificate at the end of the program is given to each participant with the results of the exam.
Training Period and Organization
Trainin period : 33 hours of training, Monday, November 2 - Saturday, November 7, 2020, 10am-1pm & 2:30pm-5:30pm (Saturday 10am -1pm)
Max Certification 1 : 3 hours, Saturday, November 7, 2020 2:30pm-5:30pm
11 students maximum
Program
Monday
| Morning | General presentation of the Max environment; Types of objects, types of data. |
| Afternoon | Importance of the order of execution: the object trigger; Simple interactions with a MIDI keyboard. |
Tuesday
| Morning | Introduction to MIDI data and managing sequences; Creation of a random MIDI machine. |
| Afternoon | Introduction to audio in Max; Creation of a small sampler of sound files played from a keyboard. |
Wednesday
| Morning | Control synthesis using envelopes. |
| Afternoon | Receive data from an external controller (iPad, iPhone); Play a video, understand Jitter matrixes. |
Thursday
| Morning | Analyze audio streams and extract pertinent information using simple modules. |
| Afternoon | Record and manipulate reading sounds from a buffer. |
Friday
| Morning | Modular organization of a patch. |
| Afternoon | Simple audio processing techniques. |
Saturday
| Morning | Manage data external to Max: external libraries. |
| Afternoon | Certification exam for Max, level 1 |
Exam for Max certification level 1
Certification listed on the specific France Competences inventory (fiche available in French).
The certification test is made up of two parts (90 minutes each):
- A test of the applicant’s knowledge with open questions and comments and screen captures;
- Following a break, a series of exercises is given to the applicant with several concrete cases, with increasing difficulty. The applicant must find solutions, as if she were in a professional situation (test on a Mac computer with Max).
- Theory: restitute basic knowledge on Max and its environment (vocabulary for the MIDI and audio system, programming conventions);
- Analysis: analyze and interpret the Max programs’ functioning, offer “debugging” solutions;
- Application: apply this knowledge and skills to the conception and realization of interactive Max interfaces with precise specifications.
A certificate with the results will be sent to the participants 3 weeks following the exam.
