Designing Physical Interactions for Music

Schedule

• Four consecutive Tuesdays (June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20)
• 9AM-5PM PDT

Instructors

Sasha Leitman

Roger Linn

Course Website

http://sashaleitman.com/designing-physical-interactions-for-music-2021/

Designing Physical Interactions for Music participants will design and build working prototypes with the aim of developing these for performance and exhibits. Further issues to be explored will include modes and mappings in computer music, exercises in invention, and applications of sensors and electronics to real-time music. The workshop will be augmented by a survey of existing controllers and pieces of interactive music.

This workshop is intended for: Musicians or composers interested in exploring new possibilities in interactive music in a hands on and technical way; Anyone looking to gain valuable skills in basic analog and digital electronics, with a focus on invention; OR Makers, engineers, computer scientists, or product designers interested in exploring artistic outlets for their talents and collaborating with performers and composers.

Alongside physical interaction design, the workshop integrates programming, electronics, audio, and interactive music. Participants will learn how to use some of the basic tools of Maker community, including the Arduino platform, Teensy Microcontrollers, sensor technologies, communication with MIDI and Open Sound Control (OSC), and physical interface design.

The workshop will cover industry-standard resistive, force-sensitive, capacitative, optical, ultrasound, magnetic, and acceleration sensors. We will also teach participants how to make their own sensors with custom geometries constructed out of materials such as conductive fabric, copper tape, piezoelectrics and everyday objects.

Online Format:

The workshop will take place over four consecutive Tuesdays (June 29, July 6, 13, 2) 9am – 5pm Pacific Standard Time .

We will be using Zoom sessions to present lectures on the relevant technology AND help students one-on-one with their individual projects.

Sessions will be recorded and shared for those students who live in time zones that make full attendance difficult.

We will be posting a list of materials and tools that each student is encouraged to purchase or acquire, and we will provide links to recommended suppliers. Our focus will be on low-cost prototyping tools such as the Teensy microcontroller, but students will be given suggestions of sensors and related electronics that will be useful for their particular projects.