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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Work with electronics to create sounds and music
Apply code to control sound activation
Use electronic components as physical inputs and outputs
Build an instrument from found materials
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Keep a doc to document your process google docs for weekly updates
Use Arduino board and other electronic parts
Work with found objects and materials eg. pebbles, wood, card board, glass, etc
In-class activities, making, recording, documenting
Document process and final outcome as website
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
At the end of the semester you will submit your semester-long work which will include the following
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
to develop an understanding of physical computing applied in a contemporary music context
to apply technical, creative, communication and conceptual skills to various aspects of required outcomes
to demonstrate the ability to ideate, prototype, perform, document and share a musical instrument 1)
Create a musical instrument using custom-built electronics and found materials.
This course allows students to explore the artistic expression and technical requirements of sound design and media production, while introducing students to historical and contemporary works and artists who work directly with technology to create sound objects and installation works.
Principle Study develops a greater aesthetic awareness, as students are required to understand the physical and psychological aspects of sound and sound creation in its relationship to visual media and acoustic space. A refinement of the ability to use and create computer software for musical tasks in collaboration with video art, interactive art, and human computer interaction are some of the primary concerns of this course. Students are then required to use this knowledge in all aspects of the music creation process.
Electro-Sounds is an introductory class to coding and electronics. Students will develop an understanding of basic software and hardware programming as well as the prototyping of electronic circuits using basic electronic components: breadboards and the Arduino micro-controller to program electronic circuits.
In-class exercises will result in a series of sound objects and will lead to a final project, a musical instrument using custom built electronics and found materials. Students will learn various aspects of programming through practical experimentation and applications.
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Sample Projects from previous classes
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Sample Projects from previous classes
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Sample Projects from previous classes
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Weekly Schedule
Move down for a brief overview of the weekly session, week 2 to 14.
Explore
Ideate
Prototype
Perform
Document
Weekly Sessions 2 – 5
Intro
Introduction to classes and weekly sessions.
2
Intro to Arduino 1
Introduction to the Arduino environment and basic electronics.
3
No Class
Chinese New Year
4
Intro to Arduino 2
Recap and basic inputs (sensors) and outputs (actuators).
5
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
In class activity
Workshop
Workshop
Explore
Explore
Explore
Soundtrack sharing and Case study presentation
Weekly Sessions 6 – 9
Arduino applied
Students work on a series of activities to practice Arduino hardware and software development.
6
In class activity
Sounds and Materials
How can sounds be produced using found materials?
7
Workshop
No Class
Project Week
8
Project proposal
Presentation of project proposals. Refining project proposals and start project.
9
Presentation
in class project development
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Independent work on project proposal
Project and proposal briefing
Proposal draft check
Proposal presentation
Ideate
Ideate
Prototype
Weekly Sessions 10 – 13
Project Development 1
Working on proposed instrument.
10
In class project development
Project Development 2
Completion of individual instruments. Initial recording of instruments.
11
In class project development
Documentation
Photo and video documentation of outcomes. Presentation and submission briefing.
13
In class activity
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Project Development 3
Concluding Instrument recordings. Demonstration and sharing of website template.
12
In class project development
Prototype
Prototype
Document
Perform
project development concludes
progress check and feedback
Weekly Sessions 14
Presentation
Students to present their final project and outcomes including a demonstration of their musical instrument.
14
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Submission
Online-submission of your completed project as briefed
project presentation and demonstration
Let's look at some Examples and References first.
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
20/21
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
What to make of the examples listed above?
For each example, there is a link attached as caption that you can follow to get a better idea of the artist or project(s) featured in the image. From here you can further explore the artist's work and take notes on encounters that you find interesting or that catches your attention and curiosity.
These examples are not intended for copying, and you should not think that these very ambitious examples are a benchmark for this class. They are merely a source of inspiration and contextualization. A starting point for your explorations this semester.
Play
Make
Take apart
Learning by doing
Experiment
Into the Wild
Build
Yours
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Examples and References
And this is on you
And this is on you
Week 2
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 2
LittleBits Korg
Sound Textures
1
2
Exploring sound as material
LittleBits Korg
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 2
1
LittleBits Korg activity.
Use the Little Bits Korg kit to create a series of sound recordings while playing with and testing out the individual components like Oscillator, Delays, Envelopes, etc.
From the recorded samples compose a 1:30 mins soundtrack which you can complete till next week.
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
30
1 LittleBits Korg activity
Explore
Week 2
Sound Textures
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 2
2
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 2
Sharing
Sharing of recordings and experiences made during today's activities.
20
1
2
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 2
Homework Week 2
Watch
Make
From the recordings you have collected, produce 2 soundtracks from
1 raw sound recordings
2 manipulated sound recordings
Length for each soundtrack 1:30 mins
Study
Choose one artist or project from the examples and references shared and prepare a 3 minutes presentation using Google Slides. Focus on the following:
1 What do you like about the chosen artists work?
2 How does the artist approach their practice as a musician?
3 Elaborate on the quality and aesthetics of sounds and music in the artist's work.
Due Week 3
Week 3
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 3
Arduino
Circuits
1
2
Intro to Arduino 1
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 2
Sharing Homework
Watch
Make
From the recordings you have collected, produce 2 soundtracks from
1 raw sound recordings
2 manipulated sound recordings
Length for each soundtrack 1:30 mins
Study
Choose one artist or project from the examples and references shared and prepare a 3 minutes presentation using Google Slides. Focus on the following:
1 What do you like about the chosen artists work?
2 How does the artist approach their practice as a musician?
3 Elaborate on the quality and aesthetics of sounds and music in the artist's work.
Arduino
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Week 3
1
Arduino
Today's activity 1 is for getting to know the Arduino board and its software environment. Next, you will be introduced to the basic electronic components needed for your Arduino project, as well as some basic breadboard circuits.
Later, you'll start with the Blink example that comes with the Arduino software to make an LED blink. From there we will move on to creating basic input circuits.
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
45
Intro to Arduino 1
Week 3
Arduino
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Basic Arduino project components
Week 3
Arduino
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Basic Arduino project components
Week 3
Arduino
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Basic Arduino project components
Week 3
Arduino
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Basic Arduino project software
Week 3
Arduino
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Basic Arduino project software
Week 3
Arduino
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Basic Arduino project software
Week 3
Circuits
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Week 3
2
90
Circuits
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Some basic inputs using Arduino code and electronic components
Button connect and release the two blue wires to turn the red LED on and off.
Week 3
Circuits
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Some basic inputs using Arduino code and electronic components
Potentiometer turn the knob, the potentiometer, to dim the red LED.
Week 3
Circuits
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Some basic inputs using Arduino code and electronic components
Photocell / LDR Control the intensity of the LED by covering the Photocell.
Week 3
Circuits
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Intro to Arduino 1
Some basic inputs using Arduino code and electronic components
Capacitive when touching the green wire, print the measured value to the Serial Monitor.
Week 3
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 3
Homework Week 3
Ideate
Due Week 5
Week 5
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 5
Inputs
Outputs
1
2
Intro to Arduino 2
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 5
Ideate
Sharing Homework
Inputs
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
In our last session we looked at various inputs like a button, potentiometer or LDR. Any of these inputs can be used as either a digital Input–which has two values or states: on and off–or an analog input–which can provide a range of values depending on the fidelity of the input pin.
Accelerometer
Button
Capacitive
Distance
Light
Magnetic
Potentiometer
Switch
Common Input Sensors
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
Reading Inputs
In this first activity we will look at how to read and evaluate sensor input with code. Take a look at the Common Input Sensors list on the previous slide and familiarise yourself with at least 3 different sensors which you should use to read an input value from.
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
45
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
analogRead
digitalRead
if, else, else if
Serial.begin
Serial.println
Common Commands used
Serial Monitor
Serial Plotter
Outputs
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
In this class we want to experiment with simple actuators listed below. An actuator is a device that converts an electrical signal to a physical output. Physical outputs here refer to light, sound and movement.
Addressable LED
DC Motor
LED
Servo Motor
Solenoid
Speaker
Stepper Motor
Common Outputs Actuators
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
Triggering Outputs
In this second activity we will look at how to trigger outputs with code. here we can use and try any of the items listed in the previous slide.
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
45
digitalWrite
analogWrite
Common Commands used
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 5
Sharing
Sharing of input and output circuits.
20
1
2
Week 6
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 6
Sensing
Actuating
1
2
Arduino Applied
Sensing
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
What and how can we sense with the following common input sensors?
Find 3-5 inputs, then discuss, ideate and test in groups of 2 or 3.
Accelerometer
Button
Capacitive
Distance
Light
Magnetic
Potentiometer
Switch
Common Inputs / Sensors
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
Actuating
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
What can be triggered, moved with the following common output actuators?
Find 3-5 outputs, then discuss, ideate and test in groups of 2 or 3.
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
Addressable LED
DC Motor
LED
Servo Motor
Solenoid
Speaker
Stepper Motor
Common Outputs / Actuators
Proposal
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Based on the project proposal template which you can download from the shared-folder, prepare your first project proposal draft which we will review next week.
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 6
Homework Week 6
Documentation
Due Week 7
Proposal
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 7
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 6
Sensing
Coding
Actuating
Listening
1
2
Code, Sounds and Materials
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 5
Sharing Homework
Documentation
Proposal
Time slots
Sensing, Coding
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
From the different actuators that we have looked at so far, familiarise yourself with those outputs that are most relevant to your project. Choose from the list below, samples of the actual components are available in class.
If sensors and circuits are available or can be created in class, test and analyse the numbers that you can produce and make suggestions how these can translate into controlling an output, the actuator(s).
Common Inputs / Sensors
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
Accelerometer
Button
Capacitive
Distance
Light
Magnetic
Potentiometer
Switch
Actuating, Listening
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
From the different actuators that we have looked at so far, familiarise yourself with those outputs that are most relevant to your project. Choose from the list below, samples of the actual components are available in class.
If materials and circuits are available or can be created in class, test and Listen to the sounds you are able to produce based.
Addressable LED
DC Motor
LED
Servo Motor
Solenoid
Speaker
Stepper Motor
Common Outputs / Actuators
Intro to Arduino 2
Week 5
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Ideate
Week 6
Homework Week 7
Project
Due Week 9
Proposal
Week 9
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 9
Project Proposal Presentation
Start project development for proposed Sound Object.
Week 10
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 10
Sound Object: In class project development 1
Resolving technical obstacles and continue working on the sound object's implementation.
In class deveelopment
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Explore
Week 5
Sharing of Documents
Concurrently
Review of progress
Individual consultation
In class development
Plan next steps
Today
Documents
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Prototype
Week 10
Homework Week 10
Resolve
Due Week 11
Week 11
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 11
Sound Object: In class project development 2
Week 12
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 12
Sharing of and introduction to website template which will be used as the project documentation format. This website will include a project's process documentation, proposal and description, images and video demonstration, produced soundtracks.
Materials required for this website will be developed on a weekly basis over the course of this class.
Website Template
Sound Object: In class project development 3
Website Template
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
There are 4 sections that need to be covered.
The index page is the first page the user sees. Here add one of your good images as backdrop. When you scroll down, add short but concise description and artist information.
Index
Here add some process documentation including images and text. Follow the headlines and suggestions made in the Process section of the website template. Also, if you have filled out the .docx document located inside the template folder, you should be good.
Process
Images of your Sound Object. First start with Product and Detail shots, then while one scrolls down, add some work in progress images as well.
Gallery
Add a video of your Sound Object in action. In post production you can add your soundtrack to run with the video. Video and Audio do not have to work in sync.
Video
Website Template
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Tools
Use iMovie. Simple hard-cuts will do, no transition effects required.
Video Editing
Use Photoshop, but Preview does a good job as well when it comes to resizing or color correcting images.
Image Editing
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Perform
Week 12
Homework Week 12
Content
Due Week 13
Recordings
Website
Week 13
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 13
This week we will document your sound object. Although not everyone can work with the camera at the same time, you can work on reviewing and preparing materials for your website at the same time.
Also, you can use the time to make another recording of your sound object, which you will use to create your final soundtrack.
Sound Object: documentation and final soundtrack
B-MU
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
The final outcome of your sound object will be documented during this session. We will conduct a photo shoot for each object to be photographed in front of a white background.
Videos should be recorded that demonstrate the use and application of each sound object. These video snippets can be edited into a 60-90 seconds long demonstration video.
Concurrently you will work on adding content to your documentation website based on the template introduced in week 12
Photo-video shoot and website
Photos
Video
Web
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
B-MU
2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
B-MU
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 13
Homework Week 13
2 Soundtrack
Due Week 14
1 Recordings
3 Website
Index
Title images
Project Description
About the Artist
Process
Documentation in chronological order
Images, videos, writings and sound recordings
Gallery
Series of images that present your sound object from different angles see previous slides for reference.
Video
Video of your sound object with soundtrack, 60–90 seconds long.
3 Presentation
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Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Week 14
Project Presentation and Submission Preparation
Week 14
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2022
Principal Study, Electro Sounds 2
Submission
Archive
Selection of images (min 10) and videos (min 2), please compress. Also include your presentations in .pdf format and your final Arduino Code.
Journal
Your journal in .pdf format
Proposal
Your proposal in .pdf format
Soundtrack
Soundtracks in raw format and edited/composed format
Website
Include your website files based on template provided
Written Compilation
Your written compilation document in pdf format
Deadline 18 April 4pm