Advanced
Technology tools that require more advanced skills/knowledges, such as the Teensy or Lilypad boards, Arduino Sketch and the C/C++ coding language, may allow for more elaborate and intricate tinkering with music through technology. Below, we offer links to pertinent tools and tutorials.
It is important to note that these tools may, at first blush, appear to have high barriers to make use of them. Yet, the cultural/historical practices of making and engaging with these tools encourages a specific type of self-specialization and connection with experts via informal means such as message boards, blogs, and in maker spaces.
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Arduino IDE
Arduino is a prototyping board. Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) is a coding platform that uses C/C++. Through this IDE platform, you can create codes to many different things, from making an LED blink, coding a song, to creating a music controller.
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You can download Arduino IDE here. Use these resources to help you learn and explore:
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Teensy
The teensy is a complete USB-based microcontroller development system, in a very small footprint, capable of implementing many types of projects. Use Arduino IDE to code projects and upload them to the Teensy to create controllers that don't need a computer hook-up to run.
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You can learn about and order Teensy boards here. Use these resources to help you learn and explore:
- Teensy Projects (music and non-music)
- Teensy AND music projects on Instructables
- Jon Stapleton's website (see his prototyping survival gear post)
Lilypad
Lilypad is an microcontroller board (like Teensy) that is designed specifically for use with e-textiles and wearable projects. Like the Teensy, the Lilypad uses the Adruino IDE for coding purposes. When used along with conductive thread, a buzzer, and a battery, you can create flexible and wearable music controllers.
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You can learn about and order Lilypad related supplies here. The Adafruit Flora is a similar micrcontroller. Use these resources to help you learn and explore:
- Getting started with the Lilypad Arduino
- Sparkfun's Beginning Lilypad Projects
- Sew Electronic's "Programing Your Lilypad"
- Instructables E-Textile projects
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