Student Research and Projects
Built from discarded propane cylinders, Propanophones combine the rich culture of Caribbean steel drums, DIY music, and upcycling into one instrument. These instruments are half tongue-drum and half hand pan in design, utilizing readily available construction tools and materials to make versatile steel percussion affordable. Tongue shapes can be customized, each with a unique acoustic profile. For fewer than $150, Propanophones can be designed with as many as 32 notes, covering up to two full octaves with space for chromatically borrowed notes, contrasting with commercially available steel drums which typically have fewer than 16 notes and cost thousands of dollars.
DUET by Kyle Smith is an interactive audio-visual interface that merges biosensing technology with musical collaboration. The project combines Arduino-based controls with open source biometric sensors to create an intuitive musical interface accessible to both novice and experienced musicians.
By TeAiris Majors: H.I.V.E. (Hyper Inclusive Virtuosic Experience) reimagines a video game controller as an accessible and intuitive music creation tool. Built in Unity, it integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live and Equator, empowering users to craft diverse instrumentals with ease.
Major’s Max Rig: This Max patch transforms Mira (wireless touch interface for Max) into an expressive DJ controller, featuring turntables, FX controls, samplers for chops and one-shots, and a crossfader for dynamic transitions. Designed for both creative exploration and technical performance, it bridges interactive design with the art of beat-making.