Keio University Syllabus and Timetable

Outline of "x-Music" Seminar

What is music? What kind of music should we create and express to the world? In this
"x-Music" seminar, we will explore the value and potential of music and try to create the next music that has yet to be named (= x-Music). We will create the "x-Music" from the following perspectives.

1. Create the next unknown music (= x-Music) that has yet to be named.
   
2. Explore ways of making music in extreme (eXtreme) situations
   
3. Continue Producing experimental (eXperimental) prototype music.
   
4. Cross boundaries to create synergy of values and ideas (X)
   
5. Express yourself (eXpression) through music.
   

Theme and Goals of x-Music Research Group

Since its establishment in 1990, SFC has contributed to the development of music and art by distributing live music concerts via the Internet and producing computer music and media art. Now that 30 years have passed since its establishment, what kind of music should we create? The theme and goal of this research group is to explore the value and potential of music, and further explore the next unknown music (= x-Music) that has yet to be named.

Respecting the creative mind of the Keio University SFC x-Design program, we will try creating the "x-Music" from the following perspectives.

1. Create the next unknown music (= x-Music) that has yet to be named.
   
2. Explore ways of making music in extreme (eXtreme) situations
   
3. Continue Producing experimental (eXperimental) prototype music.
   
4. Cross boundaries to create synergy of values and ideas (X)
   
5. Express yourself (eXpression) through music.
   

Joint research with companies

We are working with industries and companies on the generation of music using brain wave data and smartfootware data etc. We will continue to focus on sonification of brain and body motions. In addition, we plan to conduct research on the theme of "Urban Composition," the generation of sound art and music using urban data, the generation of music using brain wave data, the generation of music using baby movement data, generating music from the pulsation movements of jellyfish and the life activity data of artificial cells etc to create the x-Music.

Sub-seminars and study groups

Sub-seminars and study groups will be held in each of the following three categories: 1) Sonic Technologist Group, 2) Sound Artist Group, 3) Independent Artist Group. Each of the group sets milestones for research activities. In the Sound Technologist group, students will use software such as Ableton and Max to deepen their knowledge and skills. The Sound Artist group will organize literature and historical contexts related to sound art, artworks, and publish essays and statements. The Independent Artist group will thoroughly engage in extracurricular activities while sharing their enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills with other members to implement the "x-music" in our society.

International conference presentations

We aim to present our work at NIME (The International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression), ICMC (International Computer Music Association), NYCEMF (New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival), Ars Electronica, etc.

Examples of other activities

1. Future Scape Project 2024 at Yokohama Zou-no-hana Terrace [LINK]
   
2. Future Scape Project 2023 at Yokohama Zou-no-hana Terrace [LINK]
   
3. Drum Session with Odakyu Railway [LINK]
   
4. Creating & Knowing the “X” Music [LINK]
   
5. Selected for the FY2023 Digital Creator Talent Development Project Flying Tokyo 2024 [LINK]


6. Awarded the Yusuke Aonuma Prize at the Interverse Virtual Reality Challenge (IVRC) [LINK]


7. Shinya Fujii Laboratory Keio University SFC ORF2020 Digest Video [LINK]
   
8. Sonic Aquarium -Resonance- [LINK]
   
9. Synthesize: x-Music Exhibition Talk Session [LINK]
   
10. Urban Rhythmability [LINK]
    
11. Dialect x Music [LINK]
    
12. x-Music Exhibition vol. 0 [LINK]
    
13. Sonic-Aquarium [LINK]
    
14. Awarded Sonic-Aquarium ISCA2020 [LINK]