Office of International Programs
Jeffrey Scott
Post-conference narrative report
The annual Sound and Music Computing (SMC) Conference is an international venue for discussion and networking between interdisciplinary researchers with such diverse backgrounds such as computer science, engineering, information science, musicology and psychology. The 8th SMC Conference was hosted by the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Padova in Padova, Italy. My paper, Automatic Multi-­‐Track Mixing Using Linear Dynamical Systems, was one of three papers from Drexel’s Music and Entertainment Technology Laboratory (MET-­‐lab) accepted for this year’s conference. As a single-­‐track conference, I had the opportunity to present my work in an oral presentation in front of the entirety of the conference attendees. The work was well received and I had many engaging discussions regarding my work with researchers who approached me after My colleagues from the MET-­‐lab and I (left) the talk. at the SMC 2011 conference: Padova, Italy.
The technical sessions featured a large array of impressive work in computational musicology, modeling and extracting emotional expression in music, sound modeling, music automation and an abundance of other engaging topics too numerous to list. Sometimes more important than the technical program itself, the conversations you have and the relationships you form with colleagues at the conference social events foster collaboration and innovation in research. This year there were several concerts featuring experimental electronic music, culminating in the final concert for laptop ensemble at the Conservatory Bendetto Marcello in Venice. The conference provided a great opportunity Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute overlooking the Venetian Grand Canal (left) and the The Basilica of Santa Giustina as seen from the Prato della Valle, Padova.
for networking as I had the chance to meet many researchers who publish prominently in the field as well as reconnect with individuals I had met at past conferences. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Mostov and the entire staff at the Office of International Programs for awarding me an International Travel Award. Without this assistance, my attendance at this year’s Sound and Music Computing conference would not have been possible.