- Max Mathews
BEAM’s mission is to spark a new Western classical music movement, based on the technologies and aesthetics of the 21st century. New tools and techniques pioneered by BEAM will appear as a logical extension to the techniques in use by today’s composers and performers, in order to build on the wisdom and virtuosity already in place.
Using enhanced instruments coupled through an intelligent computer network, we create new music that is reactive, introspective, and fluid; resulting in suprising complexity and intimacy.
Introducing the K-Bow
The K-Bow is a sensor bow for stringed instruments. Combined with a standard violin, bass, cello, or viola the K-Bow allows traditional instrumentalists to seamlessly access the unlimited sound world that a computer provides, while utilizing the virtuosity built from years of practice.
The K-Bow gathers information about a performance through several sensors including an X Y and Z axis accelerometer, grip sensor, tilt sensor, playing pressure, distance from the instrument and gesture recognition. A suite of software lets a musician control the sound of the instrument, record with herself, or send the information to other standard music software. Details are available in our paper from NIME (PDF).
Bows will be available soon. For more information email info(at)kesumo(dot)com.
Hear what leading music technologists are saying about BEAM Foundation:
Dr. Richard Boulanger
Tom Oberheim
Jaron Lanier
“[The MAPPS system] is more than very impressive, since it can 'compose' practically anything you can think of, including things you may never have thought to think ...”
- Alvin Curran
Composer
“Forty years ago I had a dream where
musicians using advanced instruments played together while
connected to a central computer which integrated and guided
their performance. With the work of Keith McMillen and TrioMetrik,
this dream is now a reality. There is nothing else like this
in the world. TrioMetrik changes everything.”
- Max Mathews
Father of Computer Music
“TrioMetrik and NuRoque is the start of a new
musical culture. The importance of this development cannot be overstated.
Music isn't made of gadgets, but of people working together and creating
a persistent community.”
- Jaron Lanier
Musician & Virtual Reality Pioneer
“NuRoque is at the forefront of music and technology. Unlike many other cutting edge endeavors, they are guided by their sense of art rather than by the tools involved.”
- Will Wright
Creator of The Sims & Spore
“TrioMetrik is taking the relationship between composition, performance, improvisation, and
technology to a new level. Their excellent performance at BEAF 2006 opened a lot of eyes and ears,
and I look forward to more NuRoque-ing experiences as TrioMetrik forges their aesthetic future.”
- Bruce Hamilton
Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival
Western Washington University
