Sep 4, 2021So you want to invest in an alternate musical controller companyThe size of the musical instrument (MI) industry, in its entirety, is around $7.5B USD. The total yearly sales of all products from Roland is around $500M USD. The Yamaha DX7, the world’s best-selling synthesizer of all time, moved 100,000 units at $2000 USD/ea. A controller is a device that…Musical Instruments3 min readMusical Instruments3 min read
Aug 26, 2021The Loss of Russo’sRusso’s, a beloved market in Watertown, Massachusetts is closing. This is crushing news to local residents, including my family, who have come to rely on their fresh produce. Russo’s is not a failed business. It has been operating continuously for 100 years. …Farmers Market3 min readFarmers Market3 min read
Mar 15, 2021Hacking the Roli LumiThe Lumi by Roli is a small keyboard controller with LED feedback. The Lumi is a product designed to teach you how to play piano by lighting up what keys to play. …Roli4 min readRoli4 min read
Published inThe Startup·Sep 30, 2020Going Deskless“You won’t be that flexible when you’re 50.” From the tone of my partner’s voice, there was a note of disgust, as if I had just cheated. …Deskless4 min readDeskless4 min read
Sep 7, 2020Four Modeling ModulesI’m not really sure what qualifies for ‘modeling’ these days. There is no governing body that manages what you’re allowed to called ‘modeled’. ‘Model’ implies physical modeling, and so we think of strike and excitation/impulse generators fed into a resonant network. But ‘model’ could simply mean a broad category of…Eurorack5 min readEurorack5 min read
Published inThe Startup·Sep 6, 2020Member-onlyHow I Built a Dedicated Streaming ComputerLike many others, I use Zoom to replace what I previously did in person, on campus, in a lab. As the Fall semester begins, I wanted to address the following concerns: I want to see all of my students on one big screen, all the time. I want to see…Streaming7 min readStreaming7 min read
Published inThe Startup·Sep 4, 2020Member-onlyFive Modules to Promote Immediacy in a ModularI designed my modular to be used with a computer. At times, it feels like I’m in the minority in this regard. Many people seek refuge from their computer when they turn to their modular. I don’t personally experience computer fatigue, and I’m loathe to give up the capabilities it…Modular6 min readModular6 min read
Dec 18, 2019Every bike commuter needs a makeup bagI have several sets of bags and panniers I use depending on the weather and what I need to pack. These bags are basically one large container which is what I prefer because my needs change on a daily basis. This is my new favorite thing. It’s SMRITI Canvas Large Makeup Bag Pouch Purse Handbag Organizer with Zipper My wife saw it and was like, “oh, a makeup bag”Bikes2 min readBikes2 min read
Oct 14, 2018Polyphonic Modular and the Roli SeaboardThe mc object wrapper included with Max 8 is one of the most exciting developments in the field of audio software and synthesis since… I can’t even think of a suitable comparison. Maybe since the initial release of MSP or Native Instruments Generator. …Roli3 min readRoli3 min read
Sep 27, 2018Open letter to music hardware manufacturersQuite often manufacturers come to our department seeking some variation of ‘partnership’. They want to put their gear in the hands of our students because they know this practice feeds adoption. (psst: putting gear in the hands of professors also is a great idea! If I like your product, I…Electronic Music2 min readElectronic Music2 min read
