SIGNUP HERE, NOT ON EVENTBRITE: https://sva.edu/academics/continuing-education/visible-futures-lab/courses/synthesizer-design-25-cf-vlc-2236-a
Musical instrument development has moved into electronic and digital realms. This beginner-to-intermediate level course will introduce concepts in musical instrument design, computer music, programming, synthesizers and analog electronics. Students will be given knobs, sliders and buttons to customize and build their own hardware device, along with a Teensy (a state-of-the-art audio microcontroller platform). The instruments will be soldered by the students and the basics of microcontroller wiring will be covered. Using the Teensy allows students to test and program their projects using a laptop, and ultimately to use them independently of a computer. Students will program the instruments using Pure Data, a free and open-source visual programming language, which is employed for a wide array of musical applications. Students will be encouraged to experiment and push the boundaries of what is possible. By the end of the course, students will have created a custom-made musical instrument.