Matt Prockup

Music, Machine Learning, Interactive Systems

I am currently a scientist at Pandora working on methods and tools for Music Information Retrieval at scale. I received my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. My research interests span a wide scope of topics including audio signal processing, machine learning, and human computer interaction. I am also an avid percussionist and composer, having performed in and composed for various ensembles large and small. I’ve also studied floral design and making wheel thrown ceramics.

Projects

MADE HERE
Recipes & Reflections from NYC’s Asian Communities

Working as part of Send Chinatown Love and a team of talented writers, photographers, artists, and designers we made a cookbook! It features recipes, photos and in-depth stories from 43 restaurants featuring 18+ Cuisines in 24 NYC neighborhoods. I helped edit many of the recipes and even wrote a piece on many of the bottles of soy sauce, vinegars, and cooking wines you may need for an asian pantry. Check it out here.

EasySampler

EasySampler is simple iPad performance tool for the playback of audio samples and music loops. Load custom audio files through iTunes File sharing and use them in the app. You can assign samples and loops to any button you choose.

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Flake N' Wake

Flake N’ Wake is a smart phone application that can be utilized to monitor your favorite resorts wherever you live in North America.  The app allows you to pick the resorts to monitor, set snow depths you want to be alerted to, select a time you want to be alerted and the app will do its magic.  You will also be alerted to local deals at shops, restaurants and bars. It is available for iOS and Android.


LiveNote: Orchestral Performance Companion

I am continuing further development on the iNotes Project in collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra. We have developed a system that helps users by guiding them through the performance using a handheld application (iPhone app) in real-time. Using audio features, we attempt to align the live performance audio with that of a previously annotated reference recording. The aligned position is transmitted to users’ handheld devices and pre-annotated information about the piece is displayed synchronously.  [website] 

The Science of Jazz

This unique performance allows attendees to experience the science behind the music, augmented with large-screen visuals and an interactive iPhone app illustrating the principles of frequency, harmony, and acoustics. In 2012, acclaimed keyboardist Marc Cary lead his Focus Trio along with featured soloist and Grammy-Award winning percussionist Will Calhoun and other special guests in a tour de force of virtuoso jazz.

The Hubos Music Video

Four of Drexel’s HUBO robots perform the Beatles’ “Come Together.” The HUBOs movements are directed by software in order to perform the gestures necessary to produce the appropriate notes and beats as dictated by a musical score. I created the musical arrangement for drum kit and three ”Hubophones”, novel percussion instruments designed and constructed for specifically for this performance.

The AppLab @ ExCITe

Open to all students across the university the APP Lab will serve as a resource for those interested in mobile app development, whether novice or advanced. The APP Lab will also sponsor periodic apps-related public events, University panels and demonstrations, student research and development projects throughout the year.

Remix Interactive

I worked with a class of high school students as a mentor to develop interactive mobile and web applications to accompany live music performance. [website]

interactive activities for "STEAM" EDUCATION

Through the lens of music tech-nology that we use every day, we can motivate and illustrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) concepts in K-12 curricula. [website]

Multi-touch Technology

I worked worked with a self-built multi-touch display, and focused creating applications and SDK's to enhance and streamline the user experience. I worked with pathologists at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to create a multi-touch medical image slide viewer. Additionally, we worked towards creating a simple SDK for allowing non-technical developers to incorporate multi-touch into Adobe FLASH applications.