Course Summary for Automated Musical Instruments¶
Description¶
Robotic musical instruments build on a rich tradition of enhancing physical instruments with automation. In this project-oriented course we create and program novel electromechanical musical devices for live performance and installation. We review the history of player pianos, theater organs, and other historical automated instruments for inspiration. Students apply electrically powered solenoids, motors, and air valves to existing instruments to connect them to digital control. Students also develop novel machines to produce sound using physical processes. Using these collective results we assemble an idiosyncratic networked performance instrument and explore improvisation, composition, and algorithmic performance. Technical topics include electric actuators and interfacing, MIDI protocols and input devices, DMX and OSC networking, real-time Python, dataflow programming (Max and PureData), and elementary music and acoustics theory. This interdisciplinary course is part of IDeATe Physical Computing but is open to any student.
Course Profile¶
Key Topics¶
electromechanical actuation, musical acoustics, digital music protocols, real-time programming, elementary music theory, live performance.
Prerequisite Knowledge¶
No specific prior knowledge is needed to succeed, but students will be expected to integrate their previous experience with new skills in a collaborative setting. Relevant experience could include instrumental performance, music theory, computational thinking, digital signal processing, Python, Max/MSP, musical acoustics, or electromechanical design.
Course Relevance¶
The intersection of music and robotics is a rich ground for innovation, yet stems from historical practices. This hybrid meeting point will prepare students to lead advances in musical, animatronic, and entertainment research.
Course Goals¶
Upon completion of this course the students will be able to:
design and construct electrically-actuated physical sound-producing devices
program real-time event-driven systems in Python and dataflow languages (e.g. Max or PureData)
build networked performance systems using MIDI, OSC, and DMX protocols
improvise, compose, and perform music using novel hybrid instruments
collaborate with teams of musicians, artists, designers, engineers, and computer scientists to create performance technology
Assessment Structure¶
hands-on project demonstrations, project reports, in-class discussion
Learning Resources¶
course web site with exercises, reference designs, and resource material
Extra Time Commitments¶
Students will be required to participate in a final evening show, including setup, performance, and cleanup.