Picture

Contact Information

+33(0) 666 17 37 45
benjamin.n.levy@wanadoo.fr
On linkedin: benjamin-n-levy
On malt: benjaminlevy
On soundcloud: benjamin-n-levy
On dailymotion: BNLevy
On github: BenCello

Born 29th of May, 1985 in Paris, France
PhD in Computer Science applied to Music (UPMC, IRCAM, Paris, France)
MSc in Acoustics, Signal Processing and Computer Science applied to Music (UPMC, IRCAM, Paris, France)
MEng in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Telecommunications (ENSEA, Cergy, France)
Graduate in Cello (Regional Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Cergy, France)

In short

I am currently available for work as a freelance audio/music R&D engineer and computer musician.

As a scientist and developper, I love using my skills for new challenging systems from software features and functions to hardware and interactive devices or setups. As a musician, I have great care for applying and enriching my scientific explorations by playing with remarkable artists like Raphaël Imbert (saxophones) or Benjamin Lazare (theater director). These collaborations lead me to participate in all kinds of pieces, workshops or project from jazz to theater, sound installations, dance performances or radio programmes, where I use as much as possible the computer as a creation and/or improvisation instrument.

Bio

In contact with music since my childhood and skilled in science, I have always managed to combine those two competencies, first during my studies then in my work. Practicing contemporary improvisatition in high school thanks to a two year workshop in Saint-Ouen music school, I am also a former student of the Conservatoire of Cergy-Pontoise in cello, orchestra and composition. At the same time, I graduated from engineering school of electronics (ENSEA, Cergy) and I chose to combine music and computer with several internships and a masters degree (ATIAM) applying sciences to music.

I started 2009 working as an intern with the Musical Representations team of IRCAM on the OMax project: a software dedicated to music improvisation. Enthusiastic about this system, I developed novel visualizations during a 1-year developper position, then I pushed further this research with a PhD defended successfully in December 2013. Thus, I renewed deeply the architecture and interaction and playing possibilities of OMax making it my personal computer instrument.

After my PhD, I worked for two years as an R&D engineer in small audio oriented companies. Firstly at AudioGaming, I helped producing audio plugins for sound designers of the video games and film industry. Under the name Novelab, the company extended its activities to interactive video games making and multimedia installations creation. In this context, I was thrilled to enrich my skillset to environments like Unity 5 or Node.js and to get to grips with numerous emerging technologies such as Oculus Rift and GearVR headsets, LeapMotion controller, prototyping platforms Arduino and RaspberryPi etc. Then, I went to lower level audio programming at Trinnov Audio which successfully manufactures top of the line pre-amplifiers with unique loudspeaker/room optimization and 3D sound algorithmes. Among the R&D team, I helped integrate proprietary audio decoding libraries such as Dolby Digital or Auro3D in their software system.

During those two years, I also broaden my artistic horizons engaging myself in an exciting training at Abbaye de Royaumont with fifteen choreographers and musicians. We worked physically, intellectually and musically alltogether or in small groups around the question of the voice persence in choreography. Several frendships and long term collaborations started thanks to this amazing context for example with the saxophonist, composer and singer Alexandra Grimal.

At the end of 2016, I went back to Ircam as a Computer Music Designer in the Creation department to work in studio and play concerts with many renowned composers and musicians like Brice Pauset. Thanks to this institute, I had the opportunity to create and play the electronics of pieces for big orchestra or small ensembles, to integrate ad hoc technology in music theater, to technically support an installation with 3D sound and 3D visuals as well as code a entire 3D webaudio immersive experience. Aside from contemporary projects revolving around this famous institute, I continued expanding my exprience, exploring new tools and reusing them in very different technical and artistic contexts such as Jazz, radio and visual art.

Wanting to follow more freely various artistic or technological threads of my interests, I quitted my employee job at Ircam to work nowadays as a freelancer. One of my first and current mission is to help electronic musician Molécule to develop and innovative instrument using NextMind's brain interface to control the music through handfree interactions. I also participate actively at the improvement of high end electro-acoustical playback systems manufacturer Amadeus project Holophonix which provides a global spatialization environment for world-renowned venues such as La Gaîté Lyrique or Chaillot National Theater.

Forthcoming

Făbrĭca – Réseaux-Mondes exhibition [feb. 2022 - apr. 2022]

  • Interactive installation in Centre Pompidou, Paris, based on the visual exploratory composition Făbrĭca
    Giulia Lorusso conception & composition, Benjamin Lévy conception & code, Giovanni Muzio visuals & code

On Going

LIVE.BAZAR

BPM – Molécule x Nextmind

  • Work-in-progress: instrument construction for Molécule with Nextmind SDK
    Molécule conception & composition Benjamin Lévy computer music design & coding


Past Projects

Ircam [2017-21]

_ Catharsis, a piece for 2 pianos & 2 percussions and live electronics from Didier Rotella

  • Concert: June 29. 2018 during ManiFeste festival
    Links Ensemble pianos & percussions, Didier Rotella composition, Benjamin Lévy computer music design

_ Pockets of Space, a 3D immersive audio visual experience

_ BUG, quatuor à corps, musical theater piece for 4 actors and electronics

SoLomax [2014-16]

La Cabine Leslie [2016]

  • Despedirse, performance, La Cabine Leslie, 8. April 2016, Toi, Moi & Co Festival, Le Vent se Lève !, Paris
    Theatre piece from the company La Cabine Leslie using wired headphone network for the audience.
    La Cabine Leslie directing & acting, Benjamin Lévy electronic design
  • Despedirse, creation, 4. & 5 February 2016, Pablo Picasso Theatre, La Norville, Île-de-France
    Theatre piece from the company La Cabine Leslie using wired headphone network for the audience.
    La Cabine Leslie directing & acting, Benjamin Lévy electronic design

eSoprano [2013-14]

  • Concert: First version of this project for soprano and electronics, 23. May 2014, Conservatoire Paul Dukas, Paris
    Pieces and improvisations on pieces from Kaija Saariaho (Lohn), Pascal Dusapin (Two Walking), Jacques Rebotier (Je préfère les fleurs), Georges Aperghis (Pub #1).
    Anaël Ben Soussan soprano, Benjamin Lévy electronics

Camin de Lenga [2014-15]

  • Recording Sessions: Original Soundtrack recording for Camin de Lenga DVD, 20. & 21. October 2015, Dordogne, France
    Sylvain Roux flutes, fifes and other instruments, Benjamin Lévy cello and computer
  • Ciné-Concert: Camin de Lenga, a film from Sylvain Roux, music live from Sylvain Roux & Benjamin Lévy, 19. October 2014, Dordogne, France
    Sylvain Roux flutes, fifes and other instruments, Benjamin Lévy cello and computer
  • Ciné-Concert: Camin de Lenga, a film from Sylvain Roux, music live from Sylvain Roux & Benjamin Lévy, 15. June 2014, Dordogne, France
    Sylvain Roux flutes, fifes and other instruments, Benjamin Lévy cello and computer
  • Creation: orignal soundtrack for Camin de Lenga, a film from Sylvain Roux. Created in public on 22. February 2014 in Saussignac, Dordogne, France
    Sylvain Roux flutes, fifes and other instruments, Benjamin Lévy cello and computer

Prototype II, Royaumont [2014-15]

Abbaye de Royaumont’s programme Prototype II: 50 days training and research lab for 10 choreographers and 5 musicians/composers/improvizers.
  • Research Lab, 18. August to 4. September 2015, Abbaye de Royaumont
  • Creation: Point(s) de fuite from Mathilde Vrignaud, for 3 dancers and live electronics
    Mathilde Vrignaud choreography, Hélène Beilvaire, Sabine Rivière and Joana Schweizer dance, Benjamin Lévy electronics
  • Creation: Comble pour 3 danseurs from Benjamin Lévy, electro-acoustic improvisation for 3 dancers-musicians
    Benjamin Lévy director, Antoine Cegarra, Jérémie Gardelli and Jessie-Lou Lamy-Chappuis dance & music
  • Creation: Selfishow from Henrique Furtado, for 2 dancers-actors and visual installation
    Henrique Furtado director, Antoine Cegarra and Johann Nöhles dance & acting, Benjamin Lévy devices & electronics
  • Workshops & Self-Trainings, 18. April to 2. May 2015, Abbaye de Royaumont
    Jean-Christophe Paré Invited Speaker & Dance Workshop, Philippe Le Goff Throat Singing Workshop, every trainees workshops and collective recruitment auditions of dancers at Conservatoire de Paris.
  • Workshops & Trainings, 8. December to 20. December 2014, Abbaye de Royaumont
    Geoffroy Jourdain Vocal Training, Anne Lenglet Invited Speaker, Herman Diephus & Dalila Khatir Dance & Music Workshop, I-Fang Lin Feldenkrais Training, Irène Filiberti Writing Workshop, Philippe Le Goff Invited Speaker, Carlota Sagna Dance-Theater Workshop.
  • Fenêtre sur Cour[s]: open studio, public presentation of the Dance-Theater Workshop on 20. December 2014
  • Workshops & Trainings, 20. October to 1. November 2014, Abbaye de Royaumont
    I-Fang Lin Feldenkrais Training, Andrea Cera & Hervé Robbe Dance & Music Workshop, Irène Filiberti Writing Workshop, Andrew Morrish & Céline Larrère Improvisation Workshop, Philippe Le Goff Invited Speaker.
  • Fenêtre sur Cour[s]: open studio, public presentation of the Improvisation Workshop on 1. November 2014

PédagOMax [2011-15]

  • Pedagogical workshop with children: 13. & 14. November, 2015, Schools and Libraries around Clermont-Ferrand
    Setup for an acoustic musician and 8 novices controlling OMax improvising software through joysticks. Commissioned by Ensemble Court-Circuit.
    Pierre Dutrieu clarinet, Benjamin Lévy tutor
  • Pedagogical workshop: 18. to 20. March, 2014, Lille Grand Palais
    Setup for an acoustic musician and 8 novices controlling OMax improvising software through joysticks. Commissioned by Ensemble Court-Circuit.
    Pierre Dutrieu clarinet, Laurent Bômont trumpet, Benjamin Lévy tutor
  • Pedagogical workshop with secondary/junior High school pupils: 8 sessions from March to June 2011, Collège Bernard Palissy, Paris
    Setup for an acoustic musician and 8 pupils controlling OMax improvising software through joysticks. Commissioned by Ensemble Court-Circuit.
    Pierre Dutrieu clarinet, Laurent Bômont trumpet, Vincent David saxophone, Benjamin Lévy tutor

Le mystère de tes pas [2014]

  • Choreographic & Musical Creation: 18. October 2014, Théâtre Molière, Bordeaux
    Sylvain Roux flutes, fifes, melodica and objects, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax, Julie Oosthoek dance
  • Choreographic & Musical Creation: 25. April 2014, Théâtre Molière, Bordeaux
    Sylvain Roux flutes, fifes, melodica and objects, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax, Julie Oosthoek dance

Improtech #1 [2014]

  • Radio interview and concert: 2. March 2014, in Bruno Letort's show Tapage nocturne, France Musique, Paris & France.
    Olivier Benoit guitar,Wilfied Wendling & Benjamin Lévy computer

Bordeaux [2013]

  • Concert: Bernard Lubat et l'IRCAM, "OMax", 16. November 2013, Bordeaux, Le Roche Palmer
    Bernard Lubat keyboards, Gérard Assayag & Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax, Marc Chemilier & Jérôme Nika controlling ImproTek

OMax at Lomax [2011-13]

CMMR, Marseille [2013]

  • Concert: OMax at Lomax, 15. October 2013, Marseille, Bernardines Theater
    Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Thomas Weirich guitar and Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Marseille-Provence [2013]

  • Charivari, concert, 2. June 2013, Arles, Musée départemental Arles antique
    Compagnie Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax
  • TransHumance, concert, 28. May 2013, Les Baux-de-Provence, Carrières de Lumière
    Compagnie Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Jazz Festivals, South of France [2012]

  • Concert: OMax at Lomax, 18. July 2012, Junas Jazz Festival, Junas
    Compagnie Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax and invited musicians Paul Elwood banjo & singing, Sarah Quintana guitar & singing
  • Concert: OMax at Lomax, 17. July 2012, Five Continents Jazz Festival, Marseille, City Hall Square
    Compagnie Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax and invited musicians Paul Elwood banjo & singing, Sarah Quintana guitar & singing

Aix-en-Provence [2011]

  • Concert: OMax at Lomax, 15. Novembre 2011, Aix-en-Provence, Seconde Nature
    Compagny Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Benjamin Lévy & Gérard Assayag controlling OMax

Musiques au présent Festival, Narbonne [2011]

  • OMax at Lomax, 20.-24. June 2011, Narbonne, Palais des Archevêques, cour de la Madeleine
    Musical residency & concert with the compagny Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert (saxophones, composition) and guest musician Sarah Quintana (guitar, voice), Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Marseille [2011]

  • Concert: OMax at Lomax, 20. January 2011, Marseille, Cave à Jazz, Cité de la Musique
    Compagny Nine Spirit led by Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Benjamin Lévy & Gérard Assayag controlling OMax

Les [rencontres] inttendues Festival, Tournai, Belgium [2013]

  • L'âme du temps, concert, 31. August 2013, Tournai, Notre-Dame Cathedral
    Bernard Stiegler philosopher, Raphaël Imbert saxophones, Karol Beffa piano, Johan Farjot keyboards, André Rossi organ, Marion Rampal voice, Arnaud Thorette viola, Pierre Fenichel double bass and Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax
  • Presentation/Concert, 1. September 2013, Tournai, Music Conservatoire
    Raphaël Imbert saxophones, Karol Beffa piano and Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Hestejada de las arts, Uzeste Musical Festival [2011-13]

36th Edition [2013]

  • Conference/Concert: Informatique instrumentique, 18 & 19. August 2013, Carpentery
    Pierre Lambla Saxophone, Anaël Ben Soussan Soprano, Jaime Chao Guitar, Voice & Computer, Benjamin Lévy Computer
  • Concert: Miroir, 23. & 19. August 2013, Amusicien Theater
    Sylvain Roux flutes and Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax
  • Workshop: Jam O'Max, 22-24. August 2013, Chao barn
    Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax and various invited musicians

35th Edition [2012]

  • Workshop: Informatique instrumentique, 19-21. August 2012, Chao barn
    Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax and various invited musicians
  • Concert: Miroir, 23. & 24. August 2012, Chao barn
    Sylvain Roux flutes and Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax
  • Concert: Il est libre OMax, 25. August 2012, Chao barn
    Brice Martin bassoon and Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

34th Edition [2011]

  • Concert: Futuroscopie, 18. August 2011, Church of Pompejac
    Bernard Lubat keyboards & voice, Fabrice Vieira guitar & voice, Beñat Achiary voice, Benjamin Lévy and Marc Chemillier controlling OMax
  • Concert: Musique du XXIème siècle, L’homme, l’outil et la machine, 14. August 2011, Church of Noaillan
    Bernard Lubat keyboards & voice, Fabrice Vieira guitar & voix, Benjamin Lévy and Marc Chemillier controlling OMax
  • Workshop: Informatique instrumentique, 15-20. August 2011, Chao barn
    Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax and various invited musicians

Ma mère musicienne [2012]

Mettre en scène Festival, Rennes

  • Ma mère musicienne, 22-24. Novembre 2012, Rennes, Théâtre National de Bretagne
    Reprise of Benjamin Lazar's musical theater play with Benjamin Lazar director & actor, Claire Lefilliâtre soprano & actress, Vincent Manac’h composer, Geoffroy Jourdain musical director, Adeline Caron scenograpy & costumes, Aurélien Richard piano, Benjamin Lévy electronics

Creation, Quimper

  • Ma mère musicienne, 24. February - 2. March, 2.-25. April 2012, Quimper, Théâtre de Cornouaille
    Residency & creation of Benjamin Lazar's musical theater play with Benjamin Lazar director & actor, Claire Lefilliâtre soprano & actress, Vincent Manac’h composer, Geoffroy Jourdain musical director, Adeline Caron scenograpy & costumes, Aurélien Richard piano, Benjamin Lévy electronics

Comprovisations, Montréal [2012]

  • OMax Improvisation, 24. May, 2012, Concordia University
    Brice Martin bassoon, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

ImproTech, New York [2012]

  • Closing concert: 18. May, 2012, Computer Music Center, Columbia University
    Raphaël Imbert saxophones, Simon Sieger trombone, Thomas Weirich guitars, Sylvain Roux fifes, Brice Martin bassoon, Laurent Mariusse percussion, Benjamin Lévy & Georges Bloch controlling OMax & invited friends
  • Opening Concert: 16. May, 2012, Roulette, Brooklyn
    Raphaël Imbert saxophones & composition, Simon Sieger trombone & piano, Thomas Weirich guitars, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Journées de l'Improvisation, Viry-Chatillon [2012]

  • Concert: Il est libre OMax, 9. May 2012, Viry-Chatillon, Théâtre de l'Envol
    Brice Martin bassoon, Jean-Luc Cappozzo trumpet, Claude Barthélémy guitars, Edward Perraud drums, Beniat Achiary voice, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Sons Neufs Festival, Paris [2011]

  • Concert: L'art est torique, 9. Novembre 2011, Paris, Studio de l'Ermitage
    Brice Martin bassoon, Benjamin Lévy electronics

Trash, Église Saint-Merri, Paris [2011]

  • Concert "Trash" with the ensemble Multilatérale, 5. March 2011
    Compositions for contrabass clarinet or bassoon and electronics from Yann Robin (Art of Metal II ), Raphaël Cendo (Décombres), Roque Rivas (Conical Intersect) and Franck Bedrossian (Transmissions)
    Alain Billard clarinet, Lionel Bord bassoon, Benjamin Lévy electronics

Paris Sculpture [2010]

  • Performance for the opening of C.Grandgérard sculpture exhibition at Galerie Brissot, 2. October 2010, Paris
    Jean-Brice Godet bass clarinet, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax, Jose Luis Sultan dance

Villa Medici, Rome [2010]

  • Sound installation with OMax software, 4-6. June 2010, Villa Medici, Teatro delle esposizioni (Elias Genoun architect)
    Yann Robin composer, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

L'improvisation colloquium, IRCAM, Paris [2009-10]

  • Concert: Improvisation with OMax software, 11. February 2010, IRCAM, Espace de Projection
    Brice Martin bassoon, Beñat Achiary voice, Médéric Collignon bugle & voice, Michel Doneda saxophone, Benjamin Lévy controlling OMax

Research & Developments

Amadeus & HOLOPHONIX [2022 & on]

Molécule x Nextmind [2021-22]

On an idea impulsed by The Absolut Company Creation, sponsorship department from Pernod-Ricard and Absolut Vodka, I am very involved since June 2021 in the development of an innovative instrument for the French electronic musician Molécule. This new instrument makes use of NextMind's futurist brain computer interface and aims to make a creative and distinctive application of this new kind of interaction with a computer system. The built instrument will be played live by Molécule during many concerts in France and abroad in 2022.

Computer Music Designer at Ircam [2016-21]

After two years working in the undermentioned private companies, I came back to Ircam (where I did my PhD) to work as a permanent Computer Music Designer in the Production Department. This very specific position which almost only exists at Ircam is at the core of the dialog between music creation and technology. My role in this key job for the institute was to help composers, musicians or other creators to put into practice their numerous ideas about today's science and computer systems as artistical means to express. This requires to connect all the time between the musical discourse to the actual coding in various languages or environments such as C/C++, Max, Javascript or Webaudio, Ableton Live and more.

In this context, I had the privilege to work with established composers such as Brice Pauset or Georgia Spiropoulos as well as younger bright composers such as Didier Rotella or Aurélio Edler-Copes. Working as a close pair with each of them on their new creation, I had fo example the opportunity to conceive and advise a distributed audio-visual creation played in sync between Athens, Karlsruhe and Paris for Atlas project initiated by Carmine Emanuele Cella. I also helped building an immersive project with binaural sound and 3D visuals from Open Ended Group and Natasha Barrett, Pockets of Space. During the first year of Covid pandemic, I also put up a web-based 3D visual world named Făbrĭca driven by Giulia Lorusso's open composition, with graphics from Giovanni Muzio.

Last but no least, as part of my function as a Computer Music Designer at Ircam I played and sometimes renewed the electronic parts of several existing pieces of the contemporary repertoire such as the 4th Quartet from Jonathan Harvey, Fausto Romitelli's Professor Bad Trip or Yann Robin's piece for contrabass and electronics Art of Metal II and several others.

Trinnov Audio [2016]

Coming back to low-level audio development, I worked at Trinnov Audio as a software engineer for about half a year. This small company conceives, designs and produces very high quality pre-amplifiers for high-end Hi-Fi & Home Theaters, Professional Studios and Movie Theaters. They have full lines of custom hardware and software with patented loudspeaker and room optimization algorithms. They also make extensive use of 3D sound technologies such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or Auro-3D. As part of the R&D team, I was in charge of the integration, test and debug of proprietary decoding libraries required on the Altitude 32 and Ovation processors.

AudioGaming & Novelab [2013-16]

After my PhD, I worked in the private sector and I have been hired at AudioGaming. The first activity of this company is to develop procedural audio plugins for sound designers of the film/video games industry. Thus I participated actively in the R&D of the internal tools and frameworks of the company and to the release new plugins like AudioElec.

AudioGaming is also a private partner in several national and European funded research projects with prestigious academic labs such as the Music Technology Group of Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, the Embodied AudioVisual Interaction Group of Goldsmiths University of London or IRCAM in Paris and other private companies (Waves Audio or Game Audio Factory for example). As an R&D engineer I took part in the PHYSIS project which studied and developed new synthesis algorithms for non-musical sounds. I also worked in the Audio Commons Initiative dealing with the usage of Creative Commons content in sound and music and joined the RapidMIX project which tries to bring the research in intelligent bio-signal processing to mature usage in commercial audio technologies.

Under the trademark Novelab, the company expands its activities to the production of interactive and new media experiences. In this field, I had the chance to work with virtual/augmented reality headsets such as Google Cardboard and Oculus technologies. I participated in the development of audio visual and mobile acknowledged experiences like Notes On Blindness: Into Darkness (Sundance Festival nominee) and to interactive and mechatronics installations like the Remote:CTRL Operation for Uzful communication agency and Sony which proposed to control from anywhere in the world a real robot placed on the Champs Élysées in Paris playing the game Little Big Planet 3 on a Playstation 4.

PhD [2010-13]

Following my work on OMax & co I have been granted a scholarship from University Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6, Jussieu) for a three years PhD program. The subject of this work revolves around OMax principles and tries to extend the possibilities of such an interactive and agnostic improvisation software towards a better and deeper real-time analysis. I aimed to create a more flexible generative instrument with numerous possibilities. My thesis deals mainly with software architectures for such a system. I successfully defended this PhD on the 16th of December 2013 in front of a very international jury constituted of MM. C. Agon, T. Blackwell, C. Canonne, S. Dubnov, R. Rowe, D. Wessel.

OMax, MoMax, WoMax [2009-10]

OMax and its new modular (MoMax) and interactive version (WoMax) is a computer based improviser which analyses and recombines an instrumental sequence to play in real time as a new musical partner. It started before 2004 in the Musical Representation team at IRCAM with automatic style modelling attempts based on compression and repetition detection algorithms.

The last version, WoMax, now displays an interactive visualisation of the internal knowledge of the system and allows to drive responsively two computer based improvisations. It also include incremental clustering features.

Augmented Acoustic Cello [2008]

Augmented Acoustic Cello’s project is to provide the cello with additional possibilities to allow new expressions with technology. The approach is focused on the player’s sonic control. It uses features extracted from the audio to control the digital effects.
The system was developed in ICSRIM for Max/MSP programming environment and it can be used for both live improvisation or compositional contexts.

MoCaRT [2007]

MoCaRT is a collection of externals and patches developed for Max/MSP during an internship in CIANT. It aims to use the motion capture system Liberty Latus in the programming environment Max/MSP to enable a communication between movement and music for interactive performances.

EMux [2006]

EMux is an emulation of the dedicaced synthesizer E-Mu 6400 Emulator IV in the programming environment Max/MSP. It is an add-on for the 2PIM project developed around the Meta-Instrument (MI) in Puce Muse (et al.). EMux allows the MI player using the 2PIM platform to perform existing pieces for MI without owning the dedicaced synthesizer.

Teaching

IRCAM Software Courses [from 2014]

Tutor of the Introductory Max: Musical Programming professional course.
Tutor of the Computer-Assisted Improvisation with OMax professional course.

Academy of Music, Kraków, Poland [2012]

Invited speaker in the conference Around acoustics and synthetic sound of the Academy of Music in Karkow. Presentation and demo of the OMax project.

Columbia University, NYC [2010]

Invited speaker with Steve Lehman (saxophone) in Brad Garton's class Computer Music II. Presentation and demo of the OMax project.

EHESS, Paris [2010]

Invited speaker with Gerard Assayag and Raphael Imbert (saxophone) in Marc Chemillier's seminar. Presentation and Demo of the OMax project.

ENSEA (Graduate School of Engineering), Cergy [2008-10]

1st year students, practical: Implementing Ford-Fulkerson algorithm in C
3rd year students, project supervison: Porting GSM standard from Matlab to C using the Mex API
2nd year students, Musical and Electro Acoustics: An overview of digital synthesis methods and audio effects.
2nd year students, Musical and Electro Acoustics: Practical on Matlab: Karplus-Strong algorithm.

Publications

B. Lévy, G. Bloch, G. Assayag, OMaxist Dialectics, Capturing, Visualizing and Expanding Improvisations, in Proceedings of the 2012 NIME Conference, pp. 137-140, Ann Arbor, 2012.

B. Lévy, Visualising OMax, (ATIAM) Master Thesis, IRCAM/UPMC, 2009. Supervisors : G. Assayag, G. Bloch

B. Lévy, K. Ng, Audio-driven Augmentations for the Cello, in Proceedings of the 4th i-Maestro Workshop on Technology-Enhanced Music Education, pp. 49-51, University of Leeds - ICSRiM, 2008, ISBN 978 0 85316 269 8

Downloads

Curriculum vitæ

Science Curriculum Vitæ (French)
BLevy-CV.tech.pdf  
updated January, 2021
Music Curriculum Vitæ (French)
BLevy-CV.music.pdf  
updated October, 2020
Science Curriculum Vitæ (English) [outdated]
BLevy-CV_en.pdf  
updated February, 2016
Music Curriculum Vitæ (English) [outdated]
BLevy-CVm_en.pdf  
updated March, 2016

PhD & Masters thesis

Principles and Architectures for an Interactive and Agnostic Music Improvisation System at IRCAM [2010-2013] (English)
BLevy-PhD-v1.0-C.pdf
Visualizing OMax at IRCAM [2009] (English)
BLevy.WoMax.IRCAM.pdf

Internships reports

Augmented Acoustic Cello at ICSRiM [2008] (English)
B.Levy.AugmCello.ICSRiM.pdf
MoCaRT at CIANT [2007] (English)
B.Levy.MoCaRT.CIANT.pdf
EMux at Puce Muse [2006] (French)
B.Levy.EMux.PM.pdf