Soundpainting: The Art of Real-Time Composition
Soundpainting is a real-time compositional language designed for artists of all disciplines—musicians, dancers, actors, visual performers—as well as anyone wishing to explore the dynamics of collective creation.
Developed by New York composer Walter Thompson starting in the 1970s, this gestural language allows the Soundpainter (the real-time composer) to direct a group of performers in the present moment. Improvisation can be one of its materials, but Soundpainting primarily aims for spontaneous and structured composition, where each gesture builds the form of the emerging work.
Training objectives:
This multi-day training course, led by recognized experts, aims to review the fundamentals of Soundpainting, explore advanced techniques and their practical applications, and develop your skills in artistic direction and multidisciplinary interaction.
Soundpainting in a nutshell.
A Universal Language where Improvisation is the main material
Soundpainting relies on a precise gestural vocabulary of over 1,500 signs that allow for the construction, modification, and refinement of a composition in real time. These signs are used by the Soundpainter to communicate with the performers and guide their suggestions: sounds, movements, actions, textures, intentions… This language fosters fluid interaction between artistic disciplines and invites everyone to actively contribute to a collective, constantly evolving work.
A versatile artistic tool
Soundpainting finds its place in a wide variety of creative contexts, from research projects to stage performances, both solo and collaborative. It allows music, movement, spoken word, image, and space to interact within a shared and dynamic artistic expression.
Each discipline can find its place, whether in a single-discipline practice or within a mixed-ability group:
• a musician engages in dialogue with a dancer,
• a visual performer responds to a theatrical action,
• a choir composes with an ephemeral sculpture…
A structuring and liberating educational tool
Beyond the stage, Soundpainting is a powerful educational tool. By offering a clear and playful framework, it allows for an accessible and reassuring approach to improvisation, even for those unaccustomed to creating spontaneously. The symbols provide reference points, a structure, and open up a space where one can dare, try, and try again—without judgment. It's an ideal environment for developing creativity, listening skills, responsiveness, and cooperation, whether with children, teenagers, or adults, in school, artistic, social, or therapeutic settings. Adaptable to all levels, Soundpainting fosters an inclusive practice where everyone can contribute according to their abilities and desires.
A vibrant community, a language in motion
Soundpainting is not just a creative tool: it's a living language that connects artists across disciplines, cultures, and languages. It offers a different way to compose, share, and collaborate—freer, more direct, and more collective.
Practiced today in over 35 countries and supported by an active and inquisitive community, Soundpainting continues to evolve through encounters and experimentation.
Whether you're an established artist, educator, student, or simply curious, you're welcome to explore the infinite possibilities of real-time composition with us.
WATCH VIDEO
Thinktank concert 2024 in Lleida
Thinktank concert 2024 in Lleida
Soundpainting - PerformancesCONCERT WTO
CONCERT WTO
Soundpainting - PerformancesCLAUDE WHIPPLE DIRECTS THE SPOUMJ
CLAUDE WHIPPLE DIRECTS THE SPOUMJ
Soundpainting - PerformancesWorkbook 1 (Basic level)
Workbook 1 (Basic level)
Soundpainting - tutorial videosWorkbook 2 (Advanced level)
Workbook 2 (Advanced level)
Soundpainting - tutorial videosWorkbook 3 (Multidisciplinary)
Workbook 3 (Multidisciplinary)
Soundpainting - tutorial videosSOUNDPAINTING TRAINING: PEDAGOGY AND CREATION
Soundpainting is a living and evolving gestural language designed for real-time composition in diverse artistic contexts. It allows a Soundpainter to lead a group of performers—musicians, dancers, actors, visual artists—using codified signs to collectively create an improvised, structured, and multidisciplinary work.
The “Soundpainting: Pedagogy and Creation” certification validates the ability to use this language in creative, educational, and artistic outreach projects. It attests to the progressive mastery of the signs, syntax, principles of direction and listening, as well as the ability to adapt one’s approach according to the disciplines involved and the group’s level.
Beyond technical skill, this certification also recognizes an essential competency: full presence in the moment. Composing in real time involves being attentive to what emerges, to the quality of the group’s response, and to the internal rhythm of the form. It demands a keen awareness of the “now,” both for the Soundpainter and the performers, a prerequisite for a sensitive, coherent, and vibrant practice.
The “Soundpainting: Pedagogy and Creation” training program is structured into four competency blocks or modules, each lasting five days and progressing to higher levels. This program is designed to allow participants to progressively master Soundpainting skills, from initiation to multidisciplinary exploration.
Certification Objectives
This certification validates the ability to use Soundpainting as a real-time compositional language in artistic creation and educational contexts.
It recognizes the ability to:
1. To teach Soundpainting to diverse audiences (amateurs or professionals, children, teenagers, adults) by adapting content, objectives, and teaching methods to suit different contexts and skill levels.
2. To use Soundpainting as a tool for collective creation, leading groups that integrate one or more artistic disciplines (music, theater, dance, visual arts, etc.).
3. Understand and communicate the educational benefits of Soundpainting to institutional partners.
4. Cultivate a creative presence rooted in the moment, in constant dialogue with the group’s movements and the unpredictable nature of the form.
SKILL BLOCKS
Initiation au Soundpainting : signes fondamentaux, syntaxe et principes d’interprétation
SKILLS TARGETED | ABILITIES DEMONSTRATED:
Upon completion of this module, the participant will be able to:
1. Accurately use the 45 fundamental signs of Soundpainting (referenced in Walter Thompson’s first workbook).
2. Understand and implement the syntax of the language: sentence structure, logical flow, and timing.
3. Execute the signs clearly and legibly, respecting the fundamental body principles of Soundpainting (neutral stance/active box, imaginary range).
4. Actively perform Soundpainting as a Performer and direct it as a Soundpainter.
5. Clearly explain the basics of Soundpainting to a group: definitions, how the language works, fundamental rules, and descriptions of content and function.
6. Introduce a group to the practice of Soundpainting using the basic signs in an artistic or educational context.
EVALUATION METHODS:
• Practical assessment: a 10-minute role-playing exercise involving composition and interpretation (performer/soundpainter), designed to evaluate mastery of the signs, their legibility, and the effectiveness of gestural communication.
• Individual interview: assessment of the ability to explain the fundamental signs, convey the rules of syntax, and present the philosophical foundations of Soundpainting.
• Observation grid: based on the reference document cited in the appendix, incorporating criteria related to the Soundpainter’s posture, gestural clarity, and stage presence, as well as their physical presence and sustained attention to the entire group.
Approfondissement – Soundpainting avancé (musique)
SKILLS TARGETED | ABILITIES DEMONSTRATED:
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
1. Accurately use advanced Soundpainting signs specifically related to the musical domain (as described in Walter Thompson’s second workbook).
2. Construct complex phrases combining basic and advanced signs, taking into account group dynamics, musical form, and the challenges of collective listening.
3. Adapt their sign vocabulary according to the level and profile of the performers (children, amateurs, professionals, etc.).
4. Implement Soundpainting strategies to organize a structured and coherent musical piece in real time.
5. Train a group in the advanced use of Soundpainting in music.
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
• Practical test: a 10-minute composition for a group of musicians using advanced notation, with an explicit formal structure (AABA, Collage, Linear, Motivic, etc.). The Soundpainter defines their default settings and the performers’ nomenclature.
• Observation grid: evaluation of the Soundpainter’s vocabulary precision, syntactic fluency, physical presence, and sustained attention to the entire group.
• Interview: discussion of the artistic choices made during the composition, and the ability to explain the use of advanced notation and its relevance in a musical, pedagogical, or artistic approach.
Ouverture multidisciplinaire – bases de la composition multidisciplinaire en Soundpainting
SKILLS TARGETED | ABILITIES ATTRIBUTED:
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the fundamental principles of real-time composition in non-musical disciplines (movement, theater, visual arts, etc.).
2. Understand the transposition of fundamental Soundpainting symbols, designed for music, to other artistic media, grasping their specific logic.
3. Conduct Soundpainting sessions with performers from non-musical disciplines.
4. Learn and use symbols specific to non-musical disciplines.
5. Create simple multidisciplinary compositions.
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
• Practical test: creation of a multidisciplinary composition (dance, theatre, or visual arts) using transposed and specific signs.
• Observation grid: evaluation of the clarity of gestures, adaptation to the medium, and the dynamics established.
• Interview: discussion with the jury to assess the candidate’s ability to explain the logic behind the transposition of signs, to explain how they function, and to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental issues of interdisciplinarity.
Approfondissement multidisciplinaire – complexification grammaticale et composition avancée
SKILLS TARGETED | ABILITIES ATTRIBUTED:
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the fundamental principles of real-time composition in non-musical disciplines (movement, theater, visual arts, etc.).
2. Understand the transposition of fundamental Soundpainting symbols, designed for music, to other artistic media, grasping their specific logic.
3. Conduct Soundpainting sessions with performers from non-musical disciplines.
4. Learn and use symbols specific to non-musical disciplines.
5. Create simple multidisciplinary compositions.
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
• Practical assessment: composition of a sequence integrating at least three artistic disciplines, using advanced symbols and palettes, demonstrating sophisticated syntax and fluid composition.
• Observation grid: evaluation of syntactic richness, clarity of intent, mastery of complex symbols, and interdisciplinary balance.
• Interview: evaluation of understanding of advanced language concepts, ability to justify artistic choices, and explanation of pedagogical and compositional approaches.
THE SPEAKERS
Walter Thompson
Créateur du Soundpainting
With over four decades of experience, Walter Thompson has developed Soundpainting as a universal gestural language, enabling the direction of improvisational groups in various artistic fields. His presence offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the founder of this innovative method.
François Jeanneau
Intervenant
A historical figure in Soundpainting in France, François Jeanneau will also contribute his expertise. A renowned musician, he played a key role in the introduction and development of Soundpainting in Europe. His experience and pedagogical vision will greatly enrich this training program.
Claude Whipple
Intervenant | Coordination pédagogique
A certified multidisciplinary Soundpainter and educator completes this panel of experts. With extensive experience in teaching and practicing Soundpainting, Claude Whipple is renowned for his ability to convey the subtleties of this gestural language clearly and engagingly. His pedagogical approach fosters active learning and creative exploration.
Xavier Bornens
Responsable pédagogique
Xavier Bornens is the founder of Real Time Music and the head of training, where he coordinates the Soundpainting program. A trumpeter, improviser, and composer, he brings a wealth of musical expertise to his role. With his commitment to inclusion, he creates a learning environment accessible to all. As the disability liaison, Xavier ensures that each participant can fully benefit from the educational experience, fostering creativity and multidisciplinary interaction.
THIS TRAINING COURSE HAS QUALIOPI CERTIFICATION
