The next Week of Patching is scheduled for July 6-12, 2026.
Week of Patching is a playful invitation to spend a week, in parallel with other people across the internet, engaging with a patching-based practice.
What is Patching?
The main definition of "patching" that I have in mind here describes creating signal chains by connecting node-based elements in a realtime audio and/or visual system. Examples could include:
- Creating patches on a modular synth or an array of guitar pedals or other hardware
- Creating virtual patches in a software-based system such as PureData, Max, TouchDesigner, Bespoke Synth, or VCV Rack
- Creating a signal flow between processing modules in a code-based system, such as SuperCollider or Hydra
However, if it's more in line with your practice, working with alternative definitions of the word "patching" is welcome and encouraged, such as:
- Patching bugs in a coding project
- Patching and mending holes in clothing and textiles
The suggested process may make less sense if you're not working with a realtime signal-based patch, but the whole point of this project is to encourage people to engage with and share what they are working on, so take what seems helpful and ignore the rest.
The Process
Each day, create a patch and then make a recording of its output.
At the end of the week, take pieces of all of those recordings and edit them together into a single composition. (It doesn't have to be long; for example, you could take 30 seconds of each patch in series to create a 3.5 minute composition.)
It is strongly encouraged to document each one of your patches and write a short accompanying text. Here are some examples and suggestions:
- Draw a flow chart, or any notation that helps you remember or replicate the patch
- Take a photo or screenshot of your patch
- Write about your approach to creating the patch, or something you discovered in the process
- Write a poem about what the sky looked like or how your body felt when you were making the patch
Ways of Sharing
You might choose to create a web page to share your patch log and recordings. If you do, send me the link and I'll add it to this page!
You might also share both the recordings and documentation on social media. My main social media is Mastodon (part of the Fediverse), a non-commercial social plaform comprised of smaller servers that act as interconnected nodes. If you're on there, you can use the hashtag #weekOfPatching combined with the day (#day1, #day2, etc.) I am also working on setting up a group, which would be an account you can tag and follow to see all posts.
If you're unfamiliar with the Fediverse and want to join, check out this guide or contact me.
If you plan to share your progress on another platform, it's encouraged to get others on there to join in too so you can create a sense of mutual momentum!
Enjoy
This event is meant to be a low-stress, open-ended invitation to create some things and engage with a creative practice each day, if possible, for one week. The first instance is planned for July 6-12, 2026. If you plan to participate, mark your calendar, and I look forward to seeing what you create!