Extended Instrument Composition and Performance
Brown University
Fridays 2:30-5:00
Curtis Bahn crb@rpi.edu
Resources for Instrument Builders
This project-based seminar will focus on the composition of extended instruments
for musical or multi-media performance. Our investigation will necessarily involve
a range of topics and disciplines including: composition for interactive and
improvisational performance, human/computer interaction, interface design, basic
electronics, sensors, micro-controllers, and MAX/MSP/jitter programming (www.cycling74.com).
This is an intimidating list of topics for most anyone, but one major objective
of the seminar is to provide musicians and artists with the tools necessary
to begin or expand work in this increasingly important genre with little or
no previous experience.
In the course of the semester, students will realize individual or collaborative
extended instrument designs and compose contexts for their performance. I will
also present my current projects and work alongside the class. Each of us will
be expected to operate with a degree of independence, and to share our research
developments with the class as we progress. The semester will be culminated
by a public presentation/performance of our work.