For my project, I invented an instrument, or at least a sketchy layout for what it could be developed into. This instrument is different from a normal instrument in that it can control both image and sound. I've always been interested in combining visual imagery with music and I think the idea has a lot of potential. The project at this state is basically just a prototype, that I would like to improve on in the future, perhaps for the next project.
To play the instrument, the player holds keys in a piano-like fashion with the left hand to modify pitch, and holds other keys with the right hand to control sound emission. It is tuned to only play a single octave of a scale, but it could be modified to play any notes. There are also plenty of other possible controls that could be introduced to the program to improve playability such as tremelo, delay, or phase. Currently only one note can be played at a time, though it would also be possible to modify the program to play several at once. I would like to be able to play chords or even different 'instrument tones' with each hand.
As the sound is created by the player, video is also modified based on the buttons being pressed. As certain keys are hit, random numbers are set as video color balance values, thus causing the video to change colors with the music. This system is also one that I would like to develop further, to allow for more versatile control of the image.
The image is projected onto the plastic stage. The stage doesn't play a particularly significant role in the piece, as the instrument could really be projected onto any surface. I basically wanted to play around with refraction and transparency to make the projected image look as interesting as possible. The design is reminiscent of laser light shows at concerts and I hope it will help to enhance the aesthetics of the projections.
One idea I have for the future of this project is to create a game based around it, in the manner of DDR where a player could learn the instrument and play along with songs. It would be possible make a physical controller for the player to use as well.
