summer school 2026:
spatial practices and sonic world making

experimental spatiality in music production // tracing immersive humans, unreal intelligence and artificial loudspeakers // towards critical immersion studies

This summer school aims to examine the myth of immersion linked to spatial audio and to discuss common technical and practical issues in music production involving humans and loudspeakers. We will showcase examples of both understanding and misconceptions of the concept of space in music and sound art, encouraging individual viewpoints and new directions for music’s future. The course will explore music-making as a critical engagement with ourselves and technology, using it as a learning tool to better understand how we share personal perceptions.

Meet Up at spæs Lab Berlin

Research & Lecture by Gerriet Krishna Sharma:

Introduction to a suggested catalogue of research questions from our lab, to enhance spatial practices in the sonic arts

Understanding Spatial Audio as a cultural artifact rather than a technical tool

Listening Session from the spæs Lab archive (over 60 multi-channel pieces):

spæs Lab ambisonic dome & Geithain RL900 4-channel system
Comparison and discussion: aesthetic framework for different artistic approaches to immersion

Lunch break

History & Dolby Atmos Funkhaus Berlin:

Guided tour through Funkhaus Berlin by Maxime Tarek Abi Aad
Urbiks Music visit: listening to productions, discuss processes and production facts in Dolby Atmos

Meet Up at spæs Lab Berlin

Lecture by Gerriet Kirshna Sharma:

Spatial Aesthetics in Sound–Applied

Lunch Break

Studio Visits:

msm-studio: Introduction by Stefan Bock with a listening session to Grammy Award winning productions in Dolby Atmos and discussion
Humboldt Forum: Listening Room
d&b presentation at Haus der Visionäre: Object-based 3D-audio for large venues, Soundscape Renderer

Meet Up at spæs Lab Berlin

Concepts & Phenomenology

Exchange of experiences and impressions of the studio visits; formats, beliefs, and phenomenology: What are attributes of shared perceptual spaces?
Discussion of spatial concepts and practical consequences: discussing questions of the instantaneous real as part and condition of the virtual as well as a result of this virtual: the concrete space, the concrete, instrument, the concrete electro-acoustic setup. What role will 3D-audio play in everyday life in the near future?

Monom Visit: Spatial Sound Instrument built by 4DSOUND

Lunch break

Hands-On Session:

24.1 Ambisonic loudspeaker dome
4-channel Geithain RL900 loudspeaker system
IKO
3-9-3
Binaural production environments

Meet Up at spæs Lab Berlin

Software

Introduction to 3D-Odio App: Apple Award App of the Year 2021
Introduction into XP for Live, Grapes, IEM Plugins
Introduction of spæs Lab-spatial audio tools catalog

Contiunation of Hands-On Session

Technical University Berlin: Departement of Audiocommunication / Electronic Studio

Brain Wave Lecture by Zap Bain: Spatial Audio Neurofeedback Performance
Wave Field Synthesis: Critical Listening Session
Conclusion

Dinner & Farewell: Tiergartenquelle Berlin

Dates:

Start: 12th May 2026
End: 15th May 2026

Participation Fee:

Daily Rate: 230 EUR
Total Course Fee: 920 EUR

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: 150 EUR
Final Payment: 770 EUR (due by 15th April 2026)

Registration Process:

This is an intensive course limited to 20 participants.
To apply for a spot, please follow these steps:

Send a short CV to the course lead Gerriet Krishna Sharma via email: sharma@gksh.net
You will then receive the payment details to pay the deposit and finalize your spot.

Important Notes:

Deposits are necessary to ensure the high quality of the program and minimize organizational risks for all participants.

Cancellations: The deposit cannot be refunded if the final payment is not completed by 15th April 2026.

Neither the deposit nor the final payment can be refunded if a participant does not show up for the Summer School.

Refunds: If the course cannot take place, your deposit will be refunded in full immediately.

This Summer School is an educational program organised and provided by Gerriet Krishna Sharma supported by spæs Lab Berlin.