Caedence is a browser-based music collaboration and performance software that allows people to sync and customize virtually every aspect of performances across devices – in real time – to help them learn faster, play better, and create amazing performances with less time, money, and effort.
Now in open beta, Caedence began as a passion project, but with the help and support of the MIDI Association has grown a lot.
How It All Started
It was 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Caedence founder Jeff Bernett had just joined a new six-person cover band and taken on the role of de facto Musical Director. The group had enormous potential, but also very limited time to prepare three hours of material for performance. Already facing the usual uphill battle of charting songs and accommodating learning styles, Jeff’s challenge was further complicated by a band leader who insisted on using backing tracks – famous for making live performance incredibly unforgiving.
Jeff knew of a few existing solutions that could help. But nothing got to the heart of the issue his group was experiencing: the jarring and stifling disconnect between individual practice, band rehearsal, and live performances. This disconnect is known and felt by all musicians. So why wasn’t there anything in the market to address it? What solution could simplify the process of learning music, but also enhance the creative process and elevate live performances – all while being easily accessible and simple to use? Enter the idea for Caedence – a performance and collaboration software that would allow musicians to practice, rehearse, and perform in perfect sync.
Finding The MIDI Association
Energized about creating a solution that could revolutionize music performance, Jeff, along with partners Terrance Schubring and Anton Friant, swiftly created a working prototype. After successfully sending MIDI commands from Caedence to control virtual & hardware instruments, guitar effect pedals, and stage lighting, the team realized that they truly had something great on their hands. MIDI was the catalyst that transformed Caedence from a useful individual practice tool into a fully conceived live music performance and collaboration solution.
Jeff had previously joined the MIDI Association as an individual, all the while connecting with other members to learn as much as he could. His enthusiasm attracted Executive Board member Athan Billias, who reached out to learn more about what Jeff was working on. After connecting, it was immediately clear that Caedence and the MIDI Association had natural synergy. Caedence soon joined as a Corporate Member, and Athan generously took on an unofficial advisory role for the young startup.
A Transformative Collaboration
Joining the MIDI Association was a game-changer for Caedence – both for the software itself and the Caedence team. With access to the Association’s wealth of knowledge and resources, the Caedence team was able to fix product bugs and create features they hadn’t even considered before.
With the software in a good place, Caedence was ready for a closed beta release. In an effort to sign up beta testers, the team headed to the NAMM Show in 2023 as part of the MIDI Association cohort. Attendees were attracted to the Caedence booth – its strong visuals and interactive nature regularly drawing a crowd to the area. The team walked people through the features of the platform, demonstrating how it could help musicians learn faster, play better, and create more engaging performances.
And then an unexpected thing happened. A high school music teacher from Oregon with a modern band program approached the team and asked about using Caedence in the classroom. What followed was a series of compelling conversations – and the identification of a new market for Caedence.
Open Beta and Beyond
In July of 2024, Caedence reached a huge milestone. The software began its open beta, ready for a broader audience and the feedback that will come with it. Schools across the country are ready to leverage Caedence in the 2024-2025 school year. You can sign up for the open beta on the Caedence website.
For Minneapolis makers at the intersection of tech, art, music, and education
Conferences are costly. Networking is lame. Happy hours are fun, but often less than productive. So Caedence built something different.
Caedence is also hosting its first ever event called WAVEFRONT on August 1st in Minneapolis, an opportunity for local makers at the intersection of tech, art, music, and education to exchange ideas and encourage community amongst established and emerging talent alike.
WAVEFRONT is a bespoke meeting of innovators, educators, entrepreneurs and artists, hosted in an environment purpose-built to facilitate the exchange of ideas and encourage community – amongst established and emerging talent alike.
WAVEFRONT is sponsored by several MIDI Association companies.
If you would like to learn more about WAVEFRONT please visit wavefrontmn.com.