Exertion instruments
Name
777957624-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
37.29 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
a8610b2701e7130f9dc3f6ef05df500b
Author(s)
Vawter, Noah (Noah Theodore)
Advisor(s)
Chris Csikszentmihalyi.
Alternative Title
Exertion music
Date Issued
2011
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This dissertation describes the research, development and reasoning behind a family of musical instruments called Exertion Instruments. They use inline electrical generators to run a synthesizer and an amplifier while eliminating the need for batteries. Efficient acoustic design minimizes the power requirements while optimized generator and ergonomic design maximize power generation. As such, they combine the convenience of acoustic instruments with the flexibility of electronic instruments. Also, through new generator designs, nuances of player charging movements become as important to expression as the overall intensity of their playing. The player treats the generator like a typical physical resonator such as a string, using musical instrument playing gestures. Yet they manipulate audio electronically, enabling practices like sampling, synthesis and modulation. During development, a modular approach using amateur-friendly materials was taken to empower future instrument builders to customize and improve the instrument. In addition to technical criteria based on measurements, Exertion Instruments are evaluated through player and builder experiences in a series of technical workshops and realworld performances.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 170-173).
Subjects
Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.
MIT Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Terms of Use
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copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
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