Open Studio Design Challenge

Auburn University

Duration: 4 Months

Semester: Fall 2023

Project Outline.

As part of an open studio, I was given the chance to pursue a challenge I've always been passionate about:

How can I make musical expression more intuitive and easy to create for those without formal musical training?  

In doing so, it was necessary to discover new applications of musical expression through various beat-creation technologies. 

Only 13% of adults worldwide ages 16 - 24 play a musical instrument. (ABRSM) 

For children, the number is closer to 69% (ABRSM) 

Given the data, there is still a massive percentage of the population who don't have a way to express their inner song.

Music beyond the norm.

Discovering new applications of musical expression through beat creation technologies.

Rapid ideation quickly led to the realization that a love for music begins early on in life...

Background.

MUSIC... It plays an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul – especially during child development.

Besides banging around on their parents’ pots and pans with wooden spoons...

Kids need a better way to express themselves musically in a format that is both simple and entertaining. 

Solution.

Musical Workstation for Kids

A simplistic soundboard mixer that acts as a “physical GarageBand” toy/interface.

Instead of digital software, this toy allows kids (ages 8-14+) to learn the basics of music-making.

Introducing the analog. beat. composer.

It’s not just about creating music; it’s about fostering creativity, boosting confidence, and instilling a lifelong love for music.

How it works:

By selecting buttons on a light-up grid, kids can visually create their own “beat patterns”.

The higher the user’s selection on the board (y-axis), the higher the note.

The lower the user’s selection on the board, the lower the note.

When they press play the toy loops their one-of-a-kind melody back through a speaker. 

Video Walkthough

Watch how anyone can quickly start to create their own unique beat in seconds when you simply power-on, pattern, and play.

Compose even further with Expandable Modules