Positive Ambisonics
2025 Residencies & Retreats
The +VE retreat offers a unique opportunity to advance artistic and practise-based research with experimentation and the creation of methods that emphasise the spatial aesthetics of sound through ambisonics.
I would like to invite artists whose work already does or could interact with sound and space.
Residents are encouraged to focus on the creative process and experience of being immersed in this unique environment and to contribute to an emerging body of shared knowledge which is central to the +VE residency concept. This can be by reflecting on, documenting, and sharing their experience publicly in some way
Most of all this is a place of experimentation as well as learning.
What's on Offer
You will be based near Tayvallich by The Sound of Jura on the west coast of Scotland in a one and a half acre woodland garden on the fringe of the Atlantic rainforest. There is mostly no human made sound. The silence is profound and very moving.
During your time here, you will have access to an eight speaker ambisonic studio to use when you please and flexible, day time support including mentoring, training, and technical advice about all aspects of spatial recording and editing to incorporate it in your practice.
With several different local habitats there are so many opportunities for field recording and photography. The birds seen locally include Osprey, Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles and in the garden are red squirrels and pine martens. At night you might hear deer as well as the tawny owls.
I'll take you to beautiful, local locations to learn about and make field recordings with an ambisonic microphone, hydrophones and a soil and bark probe contact microphone.
Any recordings you make can be taken away in B format ambisonic, binaural and stereo formats.
You're also encouraged to engage in deep listening. By focusing on sounds and silence in nature you will find new perspectives and inspiration for your work, whether in music, visual arts, or other creative fields.
This is the first year of residencies here so I'm offering a 25% discount on bookings made for any dates up to the 26th October 2025.
Bespoke Residencies
If the structured residences below aren't suitable for what you'd like to achieve, please apply here and tell me how you would like to use this space.
Fees
Immersive Audio Workshops
Four Days with Full Mentoring and Tuition (five nights)
for up to three people.
Includes:
-
Full access to the ambisonics studio.
-
Day time mentoring, training, and technical advice about all aspects
of spatial recording and editing.
-
Field recording trips.
-
Deep Listening.
-
Accommodation for up to three people.
-
Access to 1.5 acre woodland garden.
-
Transfers to and from Lochgilphead for the Glasgow coach if
required.
-
Introductory evening meal on day of arrival.
Introductory Price £800.00
(for any dates up to the 26th October 2025.)
Normal Price £1200.00
Deposit £100.00
(Balance payable four weeks before the start of your residency)
Pay deposit
email positiveambisonics@gmail.com
with any queries about booking
Four Days with Full Mentoring and Tuition + Two Self
Directed Days (seven nights) for up to three people.
Includes:
-
Full access to the ambisonics studio.
-
Day time mentoring, training, and technical advice about all aspects
of spatial recording and editing.
-
Field recording trips.
-
Deep Listening.
-
Accommodation for up to three people.
-
Access to 1.5 acre woodland garden.
-
Two days to enjoy the environment and facilities.
-
Transfers to and from Lochgilphead for the Glasgow coach if
required.
-
Introductory evening meal on day of arrival.
Introductory Price £998.00
(for any dates up to the 26th October 2025.)
Normal Price £1330.00
Deposit £100.00
(Balance payable four weeks before the start of your residency)
Longer stays available at request.
email positiveambisonics@gmail.com
with any queries about booking
