Arbrasson Workshop with Daniel Fishkin

In this workshop, PW Alumni artists-in-residence Daniel Fishkin will provide a short history lesson and demonstration of the Arbrasson instrument, a unique wooden friction idiophone originating from France. This workshop will be followed by a tutorial on building your own Arbrasson using simple hand tools, such as a Ryoba saw and a Kanna.

Friction idiophones are distinct from string instruments. Instead of using a tool to manipulate a wire or strand, friction idiophones are played by rubbing them with your hand. While uncommon, their sonic character is always remarkable. The Livika from Papua New Guinea, for instance, is a carved log consisting of three “tongues” that are rubbed by moistened palms to produce a piercing, loud cry. 

Similar to a Livika, the Arbrasson was created by José Le Piez, a sculptor based in France, in 1992. Carving notches into polished logs, he crafts wild polyphonic sculptures that resonate when rubbed. Le Piez discovered the concept accidentally—he did not know the Livika. Yet his instruments extend the instrument, and feature more notes and a wider tonal range. In the summer of 2023, Fishkin met Le Piez in his studio in Bordeaux, where they began an international partnership as instrument builders, sharing designs and keeping the future of the Arbrasson burning bright.

Participant level: No prior technical experience is required.

Class cost: $250 ticket includes instruction and all necessary materials. Participants will receive access to wood and tools to create their very own Arbrasson to take home with them after the workshop.

Please note: Need-based discounted admission is available upon request. Please email daniel.fiction@gmail.com to request discounted admission.

Members receive 15% off all workshops by entering their discount code at checkout. If you need the code, please email us at members@pioneerworks.org.

This class is part of Continuing Education, our adult education program that provides an opportunity for participants to learn from our current and alumni Artists-in-Residence and intimately engage with their work through accessible entry points.