Call for applications – Soundpainting Training: Pedagogy and Creation

Block 4: Multidisciplinary Deepening – Grammatical Complexity and Advanced Typesetting

From 3 to 7 August 2026
Location: Condat-lès-Montboissier (Auvergne), France
Duration: 30 hours (5 days, from 10 am to 5 pm with 1 hour lunch break)

Prerequisites

Have validated Block 3 (Soundpainting level 3 certification) or justify equivalent experience, upon validation by the teaching team. An advanced mastery of the signs of Soundpainting and multidisciplinary composition is essential.

Target audience

Artists, composers, project managers, pedagogues, or anyone wishing to deepen composition in real time in an advanced multidisciplinary setting (music, dance, theatre, visual arts). This training is aimed at experienced Soundpainters or artists from other disciplines wishing to integrate Soundpainting as a tool for creation and direction.

Training objectives

At the end of this block, the beneficiary will be able to:

1. To learn about movement and space (Dance)

• To become aware of the body on stage and to use space in a controlled way.
• Work on movement on a platter and build a form with this single ingredient.

2. Exploring Play and Intention (Theatre)

• Work on stage presence, gaze and address to the audience.
• Experiment with simple state changes (character/neutral)

3. Master the foundation of presence (Neutral and Default)

• Explore and define “neutral” states
• Explore and set “defaults”

4. Structure with Palettes and Configurations

• Use pre-prepared materials (Palettes) to construct or improvise written sequences.
• Use configurations to pre-write a set of parameters.

5. Composing in multidisciplinary mode

• Learning to look at the set as a whole to balance the sound, the body and the image.
• Make quick direction decisions based on what artists are offering.

6. Compose in real-time

• To lead a short play mixing music, movement and theatre while aiming for transparency and fluidity.

 Speakers

• Walter Thompson : Creator of Soundpainting, international trainer.
• Éric Chapelle : Soundpainter, teacher and expert in multidisciplinary composition.
• Claude Whipple : Certified multidisciplinary soundpainter and educational coordinator.
• Xavier Bornens : Pedagogical Coordination, Training Manager, Real Time Music.

Methods used

• Face-to-face training : Alternation of theoretical courses, practical workshops, and real-life situations.
• Immersive approach : Work on the transposition of advanced signs, fluid composition, and adaptation to various artistic mediums.
• Personalized feedback : Individual and collective feedback to refine the practice.
• Artistic logbook : Encouragement to watch and reflect on one’s own practice.

Assessment and certification procedures

The Level 4 Soundpainting certification  is issued after validation of the following skills:

1. Practical test (composition and control of the stage):
   • Directing a 15-minute multidisciplinary piece integrating at least three disciplines (music, dance, theatre, visual arts).
   • Imperative use of advanced signs, palettes, and narrative structuring tools.
   • Evaluation of interdisciplinary balance, gestural clarity, and overall artistic coherence.
2. Theoretical evaluation :
   • Exhaustive mastery of the 135 signs of Workbook 3 and their adaptation according to the body and the discipline.
   • Ability to explain one’s composition strategy and analyze multidisciplinary artistic projects.
   • Presentation of an artistic logbook (list of shows or works seen, with reflection on their influence on the practice of Soundpainting).

3. Professional interview :
   • Discussion of the candidate’s artistic and educational project.
   • Validation of the ability to integrate an interdisciplinary culture and to take aesthetic risks.

Jury : Walter Thompson, Éric Chapelle, Claude Whipple.

Accessibility

The training is accessible to people with disabilities. For any specific request, contact the disability referent: Xavier Bornens – contact@realtimemusic.fr.

Rates and financing

• Professional financing (OPCO, AFDAS, employer, etc.) : €1,200

Intermittent workers in the entertainment industry can benefit from full coverage via AFDAS or their OPCO.

Please note : Applications for AFDAS funding must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of the training.

• Solidarity rate : 420 €
  Possibility of payment in several instalments (3 instalments free of charge).

Contacts

• Phone : 06 09 56 66 69 (Xavier Bornens)
• Email : contact@realtimemusic.fr

Access procedures and deadlines

• Application deadline : July 31, 2026 (limited places).
• Selection process : Review of motivation files and telephone interview if necessary.

How to apply?

Fill out the online registration form. A confirmation of receipt will be sent within 48 hours.

Recommended preparation

• Read the  full Workbook 3 (Parts 1 and 2).
• Previous experience in multidisciplinary composition or group leadership.

Real Time Music reserves the right to cancel the training in the event of an insufficient number of participants.

Further informationFor any questions, contact Xavier Bornens : contact@realtimemusic.fr

Introduction to Soundpainting: fundamental signs, syntax and principles of interpretation

Course Presentation – Bloc 1: Introduction to Soundpainting

This training, which will take place from October 26 to 30, 2026, will teach the fundamentals of Soundpainting, a universal gestural language dedicated to real-time composition for music (instruments and voice). Based on Walter Thompson’s Workbook 1, it covers:

• Syntax (sentence structure, sequences, time management),
• Mastering the movements (neutral position, active box, imaginary staff),
• Interpreting and directing sessions as a Performer or Soundpainter,
• A clear explanation of the principles of the language and the initiation of a group.

Level 1 certification awarded by a jury composed of Walter Thompson, François Jeanneau.

Target audience: Musicians, teachers and creators wishing to explore innovative perspectives in collective creation, real-time composition and musical mediation.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – Soundpainting Level 1 Training

Introduction to Soundpainting: fundamental signs, syntax and principles of interpretation

From October 26 to 30, 2026

ORGANIZER: REAL TIME MUSIC

DATES: From October 26 to October 30, 2026.

DURATION: 5 days, 30 hours. From 10am to 5pm with a 1-hour lunch break.

LOCATION : UMJ 19 rue des Frigos 75014 PARIS

PREREQUISITES: None

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Musicians, dancers, actors, or anyone interested in real-time creation (educators, therapists, facilitators).

GOALS :

• Use accurately the 45 fundamental signs of Soundpainting (referenced in Walter Thompson’s workbook 1).
• Understanding and implementing language syntax: sentence structure, logic of sequencing, time management.
• Execute the signs clearly and legibly, respecting the fundamental body principles of Soundpainting (neutral position / active box, imaginary range).
• To actively interpret Soundpainting as a Performer and to direct it as a Soundpainter.
• Clearly explain the basics of Soundpainting to a group: definitions, how the language works, fundamental rules, description of contents and functions.
• Introduce a group to the practice of Soundpainting using basic symbols in an artistic or educational context.

SPEAKERS:

Claude Whipple, certified multidisciplinary Soundpainter and educator.

Walter Thompson, creator of Soundpainting.

François Jeanneau, musician and historical figure of Soundpainting in France.

EDUCATIONAL COORDINATION:

Xavier Bornens, Training Manager at Real Time Music.

PRICES AND FINANCING:

– Professional rate: €1240

If you are a performing arts professional, this training may be covered by your OPCO (AFDAS) as part of your continuing professional development rights.

Please note that the funding request must be submitted no later than 30 days before the start of the training, i.e., before September 26, 2026.

Contact Real Time Music contact@realtimemusic.fr for financing information.

– Solidarity rate: €460 (personal financing). Payment in three installments is possible (contact Real Time Music).

METHODS USED:

Interactive and immersive in-person training.

Systematic alternation between the roles of Soundpainter and Performer.

Proprioceptive training.

Regular personalized feedback and active learning based on practical experimentation.

ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION METHODS:

Continuous assessment through performance observation and immediate feedback from instructors.

Real Time Music-Walter Thompson Certification:

• Practical assessment: a 10-minute composition and interpretation scenario (performer/soundpainter), allowing for the evaluation of mastery of signs, their bodily legibility, and the effectiveness of gestural communication.
• Questionnaire to assess the ability to explain the fundamental signs, to convey the rules of syntax, and to present the philosophical foundations of Soundpainting.
• Individual interviews with Walter Thompson and François Jeanneau
• At the end of the training, a Soundpainting Level 1 certification certificate will be given to participants who have obtained the certification.

ACCESSIBILITY:

This training is accessible to people with disabilities. For any specific requests, please contact our disability liaison, Xavier Bornens, at the following address: contact@realtimemusic.fr

CONTACTS:

For any questions, please contact us at:

• Phone: +33 6 09 56 66 69 (Xavier Bornens)
• E-mail : contact@realtimemusic.fr

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES

Applications are open until October 25, 2026.

Places are limited and allocated after review of applications.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please fill out the registration form by clicking the “REGISTRATION” button below.

Call for applications – Soundpainting Level 2 Advanced Training – Advanced Soundpainting (music) From February 15 to 19, 2027

ORGANIZER: REAL TIME MUSIC. Training organization SIRET number: 81846819100015 NDA: 11756389675

DATES AND DURATION

Dates: February 15-19, 2027 (5 days). Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break). Total duration: 30 hours of training.

Location: UMJ, 19 Rue des Frigos, 75013 Paris, France

TARGET AUDIENCE

This training is intended for musicians, conductors, educators, composers, and artists who have completed Level 1 (or equivalent) and wish to deepen their practice of Soundpainting in the musical field.

PREREQUISITES

• Completion and successful completion of Soundpainting Level 1 training (or equivalent experience).
• Mastery of the 45 fundamental Soundpainting symbols.
• Comfort with the basic principles of syntax and group direction.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

Use advanced Soundpainting signs specifically for music (referenced in Walter Thompson’s second workbook) with precision.

• Construct complex phrases combining basic and advanced signs, integrating group dynamics, musical form, and the challenges of collective listening.
• Adapt their gestural vocabulary according to the performers’ level and profile (amateurs, professionals, children).
• Organize a structured and coherent musical piece in real time, defining defaults and a clear nomenclature for the performers.
• Train a group in the advanced use of Soundpainting in a musical context.

SPEAKERS

• Claude Whipple, certified multidisciplinary Soundpainter and educator.
• Walter Thompson, creator of Soundpainting.
• François Jeanneau, musician and a key figure in the history of Soundpainting in France.

Educational coordination:

• Xavier Bornens, Head of Training at Real Time Music.

METHODS USED

• In-person, interactive, and immersive training.
• Alternating roles of Soundpainter and Performer for hands-on practice.
• Work on proprioception and gestural precision.
• Personalized feedback and active learning based on experimentation.
• Collective analysis of compositions created in real time.

FEES AND FUNDING

– Professional rate: €1240

If you are a performing arts professional, this training may be covered by your OPCO (AFDAS) as part of your continuing professional development rights.

Please note that the funding request must be submitted no later than 30 days before the start of the training, i.e., before January 15, 2026.

Contact Real Time Music for funding information.

– Solidarity rate: €460 (personal funding)

ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION METHODS

The assessment is based on:

• A practical exercise: a 10-minute musical composition for a group of musicians, using advanced symbols and an explicit formal structure (AABA, Collage, Linear, Motivic, etc.). The Soundpainter will need to define their default symbols and the performers’ nomenclature.
• An observation grid assessing the precision of the vocabulary, syntactic fluency, physical presence, and sustained attention to the group.
• An individual interview to discuss artistic choices, the use of advanced symbols, and their relevance to a musical or pedagogical approach.

Upon completion of the training, a Soundpainting Level 2 certification (music specialization) will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the assessment.

ACCESSIBILITY

This training is accessible to people with disabilities. For any specific requests, please contact our disability liaison:

Xavier Bornens – contact@realtimemusic.fr.

CONTACTS

For any questions:

Phone: +33 6 09 56 66 69 (Xavier Bornens)
Email: contact@realtimemusic.fr

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES

Application deadline: February 15, 2027.
Limited number of places available (allocation based on application review).

HOW TO APPLY?

To apply, fill out the registration form by clicking the “REGISTRATION ONLINE” button below.

Call for Applications

Multidisciplinary Opening
From April 05 to 09, 2027 (5 days, from 10 AM to 5 PM with a 1-hour lunch break) at Espace Albatros, 52 rue Du Sergent Bobillot 93 100 MOntreuil

DURATION: 30 hours

PREREQUISITES: Hold a Level 2 certification (Advanced Soundpainting in Music) or demonstrate equivalent experience, subject to validation by the teaching team.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Artists, dancers, actors, visual artists, musicians, educators, or anyone wishing to explore the transposition of Soundpainting into non- musical disciplines (dance, theater, visual arts, etc.).

OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the fundamental challenges of real-time composition in non-musical disciplines (movement, theater, visual arts).
2. Transpose the fundamental signs of Soundpainting, designed for music, to other artistic media, understanding their own logic.
3. Lead Soundpainting sessions with performers from non-musical disciplines.
4. Learn and use signs specific to non-musical disciplines.
5. Create simple multidisciplinary compositions.

TRAINERS:
• Walter Thompson, creator of Soundpainting
• François Jeanneau, musician and historical figure of Soundpainting in France
• Claude Whipple, certified multidisciplinary Soundpainter and educator
Pedagogical Coordination:
• Xavier Bornens, Training Manager at Real Time Music

FEES AND FUNDING
– Professional rate: €1240
If you are a performing arts professional, this training may be covered by your OPCO (AFDAS) as part of your continuing professional development rights.

Please note that the funding request must be submitted no later than 30 days before the start of the training, i.e., before March 05, 2027.
Contact Real Time Music for the funding procedure.

–Solidarity rate: €460 (personally funded)
Possibility of payment in installments (3 times without fees). Contact us to study the modalities.

METHODS USED:
In-person, interactive, and immersive training, alternating roles of Soundpainter and Performer, work on transposition of signs and adaptation to various artistic media, and personalized feedback.

EVALUATION AND CERTIFICATION:
• Practical test: Conducting a multidisciplinary composition (dance, theater, or visual arts) using transposed and specific signs.
• Observation grid: Evaluation of gesture clarity, adaptation to the medium, and the dynamic established.
• Evaluation questionnaire: Assessment of the ability to explain the logic of sign transposition and demonstrate an understanding of the issues of interdisciplinarity.
• “Soundpainting Level 3” certification awarded by Real Time Music and Walter Thompson to participants who have validated the evaluation.

ACCESSIBILITY:
The training is accessible to people with disabilities. For any specific request, contact our disability referent, Xavier Bornens, at contact@realtimemusic.fr.

CONTACTS:
• Phone: 06 09 56 66 69 (Xavier Bornens)
• Email: contact@realtimemusic.fr

ACCESS MODALITIES AND DEADLINES:
Application deadline: April 05. Limited places, allocated after reviewing applications.

HOW TO APPLY:
Fill out the application form via the link “registration” below

Brooklyn in Paris 2027 – Professional Workshop in Collective Improvisation and Instant Composition

From April 5 to 10, 2027, at IMEP (Paris), Real Time Music is organizing an intensive workshop for professional and emerging musicians, led by Ralph Alessi, Michael Attias, Michael Formanek, and Kate Gentile, among the most innovative musicians on the New York scene.

This program combines practical workshops, masterclasses (Myra Melford, Walter Thompson, the Makouaya brothers, Guillaume Orti), and a public performance.

Call for Applications – Professional Improvisation Workshop BROOKLYN IN PARIS

Ralph Alessi, Michael Attias, Michael Formanek, and Kate Gentile

Organizer: Real Time Music – Training Organization (NDA: 11756389675)

Dates: April 5-10, 2027

General information about the training

Training title: Brooklyn in Paris – Developing skills in collective improvisation and instant composition.

Target audience:

• Professional musicians (instrumentalists, singers) or those in the process of becoming professional

Prerequisites:

Experience in improvisation, supported by a resume and recordings.

Number of places:

Maximum 30 trainees.

Duration and hours:

• 6 days (April 5-10, 2027).
• 35 hours of training (7 hours per day, including workshops, masterclasses, and feedback sessions).

Location:

IMEP – Paris College of Music
7 rue Émile Dubois, 75014 Paris
(Accessible to people with reduced mobility)

Learning Objectives:

1.Improve improvisation skills by developing active listening, responsiveness, and creativity.
2.Acquire methodological tools for structuring improvisation (harmony, rhythm, interaction).
3.Expand personal musical vocabulary and develop new playing techniques.
4.Strengthen ensemble playing skills.
5.Build confidence as an instrumentalist.
6.Understand the stylistic approaches of the instructors.
7.Present the work in a public concert, evaluating individual and group progress.

Methods used:

1.Practical workshops in small groups, led by members of the teaching team.
2.Thematic masterclasses.
3.Group analysis and individual feedback.
4.Collaborative work to prepare the final performance.
5.Exchanges and discussions on creative processes and stylistic approaches.
6.Public performance (assessment of acquired skills).

Teaching team:

• Ralph Alessi (trumpet)
• Michael Attias (saxophone)
• Michael Formanek (basse)
• Kate Gentile (drum)

Educational coordination:
Xavier Bornens (Head of Training, Real Time Music)

Masterclass:

The workshop includes 4 masterclasses led by renowned artists, offering a diversity of approaches and styles:

• Myra Melford : Improvisation in composition.
• Walter Thompson : Creator of Soundpainting. Soundpainting techniques and collective direction.
• Les frères Makouaya : Improvisation in traditional Congolese music.
• Guillaume Orti : A personal approach to polyrhythm.

These masterclasses are educational resources, allowing participants to explore new working methods and to draw inspiration from the artistic approaches of the speakers.

Admission requirements:

To apply, please complete the online registration form (REGISTRATION button below) and upload the following documents:

1. Artistic CV (background, improvisation experience, projects) – PDF format only.
2. Two recordings (MP3 or WAV, maximum size: 10 MB per file) showcasing your improvisation work.
3. Cover letter (maximum 1 page) – PDF format only, explaining your expectations and your professional project.

Application deadline: February 15, 2027

Selection criteria:

• Artistic quality of the recordings.
• Suitability of the profile with the objectives of the internship.
• Diversification of instruments to balance the groups.

Response to candidates: Within 15 days after the deadline, by email.

Practical and financial arrangements:

Tuition fee: €1,500

(Price applicable for professional funding – OPCO, AFDAS, etc.)

For AFDAS funding: the application must be submitted no later than 30 days before the start of the training course (i.e., before March 6, 2027).
We will assist you in preparing your application (quote, detailed program), and training contract if necessary.

For participants choosing to self-fund:
Suitable solutions can be explored. Contact us to discuss them.

Accommodation and meals: At the participant’s expense.

Accessibility:
The training center (IMEP) is accessible to people with disabilities.
Xavier Bornens, disability liaison for Real Time Music, is available to assist you with any requests for accommodations.
Contact : contact@realtimemusic.fr

Cancelation :
The workshop will be cancelled if the minimum number of 15 participants is not reached. Fees will be fully refunded in the event of cancellation by the organizer.

Evaluation methods:

• Continuous assessment: Observations from participants during workshops and individualized feedback.
• Final assessment: Performance concert (assessment of acquired skills).
• Training certificate: Issued at the end of the training course, specifying the objectives achieved and the number of hours.

Contacts and applications:

To apply, complete the online registration form by clicking the “registration” button below and upload the required documents in the designated fields.

For any questions:
Xavier Bornens
contact@realtimemusic.fr
06 09 56 66 69