Lee Abramson | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1970-09-13)September 13, 1970 Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 20, 2016(2016-01-20) (aged 45) Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Known for | Use of adaptive technology in music |
Lee Abramson (September 13, 1970 – January 20, 2016) was an Americancomposer andmusician. He was the first person to write music using ModelTalker, a computerized speech production program.[1]
Abramson usedadaptive technology, live musicians and electronic technology to create complex musical expressions,[2] all with one finger. His music featured layers of electronic textures, synthesizers, piano, bass, and percussion.[3][4] His music was used as a subject for study in aMichigan State University class.[5] Because of his disability, which limited his ability to control a computer to the use of only one finger,[6] Abramson wrote music one note at a time usingsoftware such as Sibelius, LogicPro, ModelTalker to use computer recordings of his voice to "sing" on songs, Keystrokes from Assistiveware as an on-screen keyboard.
Abramson produced an educational series ofYouTube videos which explains the 5-step method of making music with ModelTalker, with a 6th video showing a real-time bounce of a Logic Pro project with ModelTalker samples "singing".[7]
Tucker Stilley[8] another musician with ALS, shared his custom KeyStrokes[9] keyboard layout forLogic Pro, Abramson'sdigital audio workstation without which he said, "Would have made what I do impossible".[10]
Prior to his physical illness, Abramson was the bassist for numerous small bands, including Violet Wine and Punchy.[11] His recent creations are classified as Rumi music, where he setRumi poetry to music.[3] Abramson has performed under severalpen name, including Ace NoFace, under which he wrote and produced the albumToxic Charm.[4] In addition, under Rumi Music, he produced a self-titled album,Rumi Music and later,Vow to Silence.
Abramson ran forPresident of the United States as anindependent candidate in the2012 election.[12][13][14] His candidacy was endorsed byThe Daily Swarm.[15] Abramson did not appear on any state ballots in that election.
Abramson attendedOkemos High School,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and theUniversity of Michigan.He took Music Marketing, Songwriting, Music Production atBerklee College of Music[16]
Abramson soldpork rinds on the internet from 1998 to 2000.[17]
Abramson was diagnosed withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis in February 2005.[18] He died on January 20, 2016, at the age of 45.[19][20]
