Tutorial 1: Why is Brazilian Guitar Interesting?
Francois Pachet and Giordano Cabral
Abstract: Brazilian guitar is not a genre per se, nor a style, not even a specific instrument. But almost every Brazilian knows how to play guitar in a certain way: rich chords, complex rhythms, harmonious melodies. Almost every Brazilian also knows hundreds of songs and this shared repertoire plays a big role in shaping Brazilian culture in general. Consequently, Brazilian guitar is a key instrument in many popular genres including choro, bossa nova (of course), samba, and all the recent developments of MPB. However, it is still a hard task to learn how to play Brazilian guitar and understand its basic principles. Its intrinsic rules are still ill studied, and poorly formalized. This tutorial will attempt to explain why Brazilian guitar is so fascinating. Like the preceding tutorial on jazz, it will be delivered from a “musician” viewpoint, but targeted at a scientifically advanced audience of computer music people. The main assumption of this tutorial (to become a series) is that in-depth knowledge of specific musical genres is a prerequisite to build the next generation of music information retrieval systems. In a first part, the tutorial will briefly trace the origins of Brazilian guitar by giving key examples by prominent composers from Villa Lobos to Joao Gilberto. It will then focus on two musical genres: bossa nova and choro. We will explain, both in principle and through live examples, the basics of bossa nova playing: the main rhythmic patterns and the specific ways harmonies are treated. In a second part, the tutorial will explain in details how specific bossa nova songs are interpreted, focusing on the specific style of Joao Gilberto. It will also describe other prominent Brazilian guitarists such as Baden Powell, Toninho Horta or Djavan. In a third part, we will describe MIR-related works that attempt to either model Brazilian guitar or support Brazilian music in a way or another.
Intended and expected audience: Computer music, or music information retrieval researchers of any background. Actual Brazilian guitarists may not learn much, but could enjoy the tutorial anyway and we would welcome their feedback to improve the content. No technical background is necessary. Basic notions of music (music notation) will help.
Tutorial 2: A demonstration of audio music Discovery, Classification and Analytic Tools
Abstract: Interest in music information retrieval (MIR) research has grown over recent years. Exciting advances in the music audio domain have garnered special attention. As this interest has grown, new audio-based MIR tools and dataset opportunities have been made available. This demonstration will survey a sample of readily available--mostly open source--music audio tools and datasets that can be used by newcomers to MIR explore a wide range of music audio discovery, classification and analytic options. The workshop will introduce possible data and metadata resources. Music audio feature selection and extraction tools will be demonstrated. Sample music classification and analytic experiments will be run. Select higher-level music digital library prototypes will be presented to illustrate of the new music audio discovery and exploration functions that MIR research are making possible.
Tutorial 3: Things to Consider when Starting Your Own Laptop Orchestra – Pd-L2Ork and Other Things That
Just May Make Your Journey a Little Bit Less Rocky
Ivica Ico Bukvic
Abstract: In the following workshop, participants will have an opportunity to learn about unique opportunities made possible by the newfound laptop orchestra genre, as well as strategies and pitfalls associated with starting a laptop orchestra. We will cover hardware and software, the philosophy behind open source, as well as outreach opportunities that go well beyond the obvious, including research, education, as well as serving the underrepresented population. Most importantly, the workshop will cover ways to get directly engaged in the L2Ork community as well as contribute to the growing collection of tools designed to streamline the process of starting a new laptop orchestra. A hands-on session will focus primarily on Pd-L2Ork and its underlying toolset as well as architectural choices designed to make technology as transparent as possible.
For the hands-on session, participants are encouraged to bring their own Linux laptops/computers. Ubuntu 12.04 is recommended Linux flavor for laptops. Images for Raspberry Pi systems will be provided on site. Internet connection may be required for some steps, including software install and online documentation.