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Soundpainting Academy

What is soundpainting?

Soundpainting is a multidisciplinary sign language used to create art on the spot. This language, invented by Walter Thompson in 1974, currently consists of some 1,500 characters and is used worldwide by artists, art teachers, students and non-professionals. One soundpainter fronts an ensemble and conducts the group of musicians through gestures.

Whether you want to make music in small groups or work multidisciplinary with a group of a hundred people, soundpainting is the ideal tool to put creation first. Both soundpainter and performers are challenged to create on the spot. Because soundpainting is easy to learn, both beginners and advanced performers can make music together and use the language in all possible contexts. Soundpainting develops the player's musicality, creativity, technique and musical memory.

During this three-day workshop, you will be introduced to or further deepen your understanding of the universal language of soundpainting, a useful musical tool for your own teaching or artistic practice. You will learn to soundpaint yourself by getting to know the soundpainting characters and you will learn to play in an orchestra. And of course you will not do this alone, but under the guidance of leading sound painters and with the members of the Safety Last Soundpainting Ensemble as living examples. You finish with a presentation moment (on a silent animation film) in the concert hall of Music Centre De Bijloke.

Who is it for?

Deeltijds Kunstonderwijs (part-time art education)-teachers or (professional) musicians who want to apply the language of soundpainting in their own teaching or artistic practice.

During the second edition of this academy, in addition to musicians, we also encourage dancers and performers to participate.

By who?

Michiel Devijver
Johan Sabbe
Guillaume Le Baube
Walter Thompson
Angélique Cormier

Praktical info

  • Data:
    • Wednesday 20, Thursday 21, Friday 22 August from 09:30 until 16:30
    • Saturday 23 August concert on Bijloke Wonderland at 15:00
    • Welcome back day on February 22nd 2026 from 10:00 until 13:00
  • Location: Music Centre De Bijloke, Bijlokekaai 7, 9000 Gent
  • Target group: teachers in part-time art education and (professional) musicians
  • Registration fee: €200

This year's Soundpainting is fully booked. Please register here for the waiting list

Zoom in

Soundpainting Academy is a coproduction of Music Centre De Bijloke & MATRIX (Centre for New Music) in cooperation with the Safety Last Soundpainting Ensemble

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