John Sullivan

Ph.D. researcher

McGill University

About

John Sullivan is a musician, music technology researcher and Ph.D. candidate at McGill University whose work focuses on the design of new instruments and technologies for music and multimedia performance. His current research includes projects in motion capture and movement analysis of live performance, development and testing of of haptic interfaces, and user-driven methodologies for the design and evaluation of digital musical instruments.

Under the name Johnny Venom, he has been a part of several indie rock groups from the northeastern US. He released several albums with various projects and has toured extensively in the US, Canada, and Europe.

Interests

Music Technology
Design
Cycling
Coffee

Education

Ph.D. in Music Technology, current
McGill University
MFA in Intermedia, 2015
University of Maine
BFA in Contemporary Music Performance, 2003
College of Santa Fe

Skills

Human-Computer Interaction

interface design and evaluation

User-Centered Design

human-centered and participatory design

Digital Lutherie

digital musical instrument design

Rapid Prototyping

computer-aided design, 3D printing, laser cutting

Creative Coding

audio and interactive media programming

Motion Capture

movement and performance gesture analysis

Experience

Researcher and Lecturer

McGill University

Sep 2015 – Present Montréal, Canada

Scientific research on music interaction, digital interface design and HCI
Lecturer for course on music and interactive media programming

Research and Teaching Assistant

University of Maine

Sep 2012 – Aug 2015 Maine, United States

Practice-based research on interactive media design
Rapid prototyping, hardware and electronics design
Audio and multimedia programming
Teaching support for courses on new media production and design

Owner

Johnny Venom Media

Jan 2011 – Present Montréal, Canada

Creative design and content creation for businesses and artistic projects
Web design
Audio production and editing
Video and multimedia production
Audiovisual installation design

Performing and recording artist

Jan 2000 – Dec 2015 Maine, New York

Professional bassist and multi-instrumentalist
Released several albums in various styles: indie, alternative rock, reggae, experimental
Toured in United States, Canada, and Europe
Session musician
Private instruction for bass and guitar