I am interested in new instruments and new interfaces for instruments. This is what I am creating with my thesis. I chose projects that were listed on the provided website, as well as some that I have come across while doing research for my thesis.
The Buchla System is a synthesizer with digital and analog inputs. It takes analog input from the knobs, which change the electrical voltage, thus changing the sound. I’m guessing the touch pads use capacitance sensing to manipulate the sounds produces by the analog controls.
The Buchla System is an innovation of Don Buchla, who sought to create new interfaces for musical instruments as early as the 1960s.
The Reactable is a tangible digital musical interface. The interface “allows the performers to control the system by manipulating tangible objects with their fingers.” Each object has a distinct shape, so I would assume the tabletop can detect the shape of the object via a camera or Kinect. It can recognize which objects is placed on it and how the object is turned, which manipulates the sound.
Sergi Jordà, Günter Geiger, Martin Kaltenbrunner and Marcos Alonso wanted to “[develop] the best computer-based musical instrument [they] could imagine, without being necessarily constrained by any predefined technology.”
The project John Paul George & Me is a line of wearable musical instruments for kids. The designs on the shirts are made with conductive ink. The shirts have a microcontroller that is attached to each of the conductive spots. The spots are programmed to sense touch, which send the signals via Bluetooth to an accompanying app, which trigger sounds to be played.
“Project “JOHN PAUL GEORGE & ME” is proposing an interactive implementation of smart materials and new wearable technologies. Furthermore it is an approach of transporting the idea of activated material and animated textiles.”
Capacitive-Touch Arduino Keyboard Piano
The Capacitive-Touch Arduino Keyboard Piano is an electronic piano that uses readily-available materials such as aluminum foil and cardboard to create a musical instrument. The aluminum foil senses touch, which triggers sounds to play from the piezo buzzer.
The concept is to “create your own touch-sensor piano keyboard in just a few minutes!”
RhythmSynthesis is a “tangible visual music instrument.” The play head rotates around the surface of the instrument. As objects are placed, the rhythm is created. The user can also control the volume and tempo. There must be a camera that recognizes the shapes and their position on the surface. As the objects are “scanned,” a specific sound is played.
The project combines music composition and visual design. It allows the users to see rhythm.
Excellent. You should also check out the proceedings from the NIME conference. There will be a great deal of work that will relate to your thesis!