Office of Summer Programs
Alumni Hall
Dates
July 12 to July 17, 2026
The Program
This hands-on program guides participants through the process of building a custom MIDI controller. Ideal for beginners and those eager to deepen their understanding of digital music creation (music production, beat making, synthesizers, etc.), this course covers essential skills in electronics, programming, and music technology. By the end of the week, attendees will have created a fully functional MIDI controller, capable of interfacing with music software and instruments. No prior experience is required—just bring a personal computer.
Level
High School; Beginners Encouraged
Tuition, Meals & Housing
Program Cost: $1,000
Program Deposit: $100
This pricing includes tuition, materials, meals, and housing. All housing and meals will take place here on Alfred University’s campus.
Discounts
We are pleased to offer a $100 discount off tuition for students whose primary residence is within a fifty-mile radius of Alfred, New York, as well as for children of Alfred University Alumni and returning students from any Pre-College Program at Alfred University. Please contact Pre-College Programs Coordinator Isaac Matson for details.
About the Instructor
Matías Homar, born in Salta, Argentina, is a guitarist, composer, sound designer, and interactive instrument maker. With the Imaymana Duo, he has released two albums (2017-2021) and a solo album with his personal project of experimental music, Ge[r]minaciones (2022). He has participated in various ensembles, including a ‘modern’ tango band (Cosmo Ensemble), a children's music band (La Malagua Fosforescente), a rock band (Mondongo Soho), and experimental music ensembles (Academic Complex). Among his recent works for different ensembles are the Hanatsu Miroir Ensemble (France), Arditti Quartet (England), Ensemble Mise-en (US), Current Sax (Norway), Elision Ensemble (Australia), and Signal Ensemble (US). In 2024, Matías premiered a solo harpsichord piece with live processing effects, using the GEP board to electronically prepare the harpsichord. In the research field, Homar has been developing his own MIDI devices (GEP) to control sounds produced by instruments. His latest inventions include an interactive shoe (GEPedal) and a motion-sensing module (GEP Contraption - MIDI Innovation Award 2024 Winner) to read the movements of the body and modify the sounds. He is currently working on an interactive glove to be used in a piece for a dancer, which will be presented in Ireland as part of the Open Futures art residency in 2024.
