28

 

Concurrent
Session IV

 

software—computer-, tablet-, and web-based—can offer
ways to help students learn to love using this powerful and
still very essential interface for musical ideas while learning
about harmony, arranging, and aural skills. The challenge is
finding a way to do this effectively while limiting time spent
on the technical glitches that often accompany the use of
technology. This session will share classroom-tested ways to
devise useful and even inspiring assignments using notation
software as a teaching tool while limiting its downside. The
session will focus on Finale, but there will be an overview of
Sibelius, Notion, and the web-based Noteflight. There will
also be a brief glimpse into the apparent future of notation
software as a practical tool and a learning platform: tablet-
based software with a stylus interface.

—Presented by: Steven Kirby and David Harris

—Hosted by: Andrea Pejrolo

Art of the Loop
1140 Boylston Street, Room 1W

This session will demonstrate the Art of the Loop, a new
flexible and expansive technology created by Berklee faculty
Ramon Castillo. The program utilizes numerous technologies
(Ableton Live and Max for Live) to move live looping from
simple effect-oriented performance to a robust platform

for composition, improvisation, and stage performance.
These looping protocols allow for users to automate every
parameter of a looped composition: loop length, loop
volume, effects amounts and parameter levels, tempo (for
loops or global), pitch, direction, start and stop times, and
outboard gear parameters. This allows for an enhanced
degree of musical expression (dynamics, polyrhythm,
asymmetry, etc.). Live performances have featured string
quartet (Publiquartet), percussion (pitched and unpitched),
solo piano, solo guitar, guitar and percussion duo, toy

piano, solo violin, Javanese gamelan, harp, synthesizer, and
saxophone. The presenter will be joined by Berklee alumnus
Alfonso Peduto, who has integrated this system into his daily