Ripple Resonance: Teaching Music And Technology 2025 

Project description

I worked as a TA for this semester-long program, helping undergrad students design experimental and DIY instruments with tools like physical computing, Ableton Live and ESP32. We later brought these instruments to a local elementary school and performed with the kids, creating a space where anyone—regardless of skill or formal training—could enjoy making music together.

Students and instructors gather around a laptop during an alternative-instrument workshop. A participant plays an illuminated instrument built with electronics and a small fog effect.

Class Description

This course aims to help students understand the close relationship between music and the development of contemporary technology, thereby cultivating their abilities in music technology research and creation. We will explore the application of music in areas such as human-computer interfaces, networks, artificial intelligence, immersive sound, and wearable devices.

Students collaborate around laptops and electronic instrument prototypes in the classroom. Two students demonstrate a wearable controller beside a laptop and projected software.
A student tests an instrument with suspended strings inside an illuminated frame. An instructor demonstrates a sensor above a student using a laptop.
Students wire and test an electronic instrument together around a classroom table. Two students assemble a circuit with wires and electronic components beside a laptop.

The students will create new alternative instruments using Arduino, TouchDesigner, Ableton, Playtron, and other tools.

Impact

For the final presentation of this course, we will perform together with the students at Xin-Hai Elementary School. They will use the new alter instruments we created and combined with XR technology that allows them to improvise and create their own music.

Children and adults explore alternative instruments during a classroom workshop. Children try a glowing handmade instrument with guidance from a workshop participant. Children experiment with electronic instruments together in front of a colorful projection. Participants gather around illuminated instruments during a collaborative performance.