MIDI Association member Caedence has been named a finalist in the 41st NAMM TEC Awards in the Audio Apps & Hardware / Peripherals for Smartphones & Tablets category, alongside global brands like Apple, Fender and Steinberg. Caedence is a browser-based platform that synchronizes virtually every element of live performance – in-person, across devices, and in real time.
Honoring Excellence in Sound and Innovation
Hosted each year at The NAMM Show, the awards celebrate the creative and technical achievements that shape how music is made and experienced. The finalists for the 2026 TEC Awards were determined by a Finalist Panel composed of professionals and thought leaders from all areas of the audio and sound production industry. Being recognized as a finalist means the Finalist Panel has determined the people and products submitted represent superior accomplishment in their respective fields.
Source Code
In 2019, Caedence co-founders Jeff Bernett and Anton Friant realized they were still managing the same old rehearsal challenges since playing together in college, albeit from two very different perspectives. Jeff had to keep a rotating cast of players on beat as musical director for a touring cover band, while Anton was fighting anxiety and memorization fatigue.
Their lightbulb moment came from recognizing that these challenges were not unique, and that every player in any room could benefit from a shared, synced rehearsal and performance experience. Joining forces with partners Terrance Schubring and Jon Voth, the team built an online platform in which musicians can collaborate in real time, sync resources across devices, and focus on the overall performance rather than just the task of memorizing the material.
MIDI Merge
A partnership with the MIDI Association soon followed after catching the attention of MIDI Executive Board member Athan Billias and his shared vision for accessibility and innovation in live performance technology. When Caedence formally became a member, Athan and the MIDI Association became guiding influences, providing access to cutting-edge knowledge and resources that helped fix product bugs, create unexpected features, and set them up for a beta release.
This momentum led Caedence to The NAMM Show in 2022, where the team exhibited alongside the rest of the MIDI Association cohort. Caedence’s interactive booth regularly attracted large crowds. Musicians of all ages jammed along on and experienced firsthand how Caedence made playing together easier and more fun. Many music educators also joined in the demos and discovered how they could use Caedence in their classes.
Program Changes
Attending NAMM with the MIDI Association helped the Caedence team connect with a new and energetic market – education. Since then, Caedence has invested deeply in the academic community, joining the MIDI In Music Education (MIME) Special Interest Group and the Association for Popular Music Education (APME). Caedence is currently being used in music classrooms across the state of Minnesota including Minneapolis Public Schools.
MIDI in Action
In addition to its use in education, the Caedence platform offers features that benefit individual musicians, ensembles of all sizes, and studio professionals alike.
Caedence empowers artists to learn quickly, play better, and perform with confidence. Its browser-based format removes barriers to collaboration, allowing musicians to play together in real time across any laptop or tablet without complex setup or extra software. Within the platform, users can manage everything from song libraries and backing tracks, to lighting and visual control — all in one connected “Digital Collaboration Workstation” (DCW).
Built to adapt to each performer’s needs, Caedence acts as both a musical director and a virtual stage production crew. It supports seamless transition from individual practice to live performance – all while saving time, energy, and resources.
NAMM and Beyond
Being named a finalist in the NAMM TEC Awards is an honor that reflects Caedence’s growing impact and innovation. For such a young startup to be recognized alongside some of the biggest names in music technology is a testament to how the platform competes on the same stage as industry giants. It also speaks to the invaluable support the MIDI Association offers its members. Finally, it’s a meaningful step forward in its mission to make music creation more connected, accessible, and inspiring for everyone.
Voting for the 2026 NAMM TEC Awards is open until January 12, 2026, at tecawards.org.
Learn more about the Caedence platform and sign up for free at caedence.io.