Lean to Solder / ArduTouch music synthesizer workshop -- Music Generation for Newbies

Anyone can learn to solder!
And anyone can learn to make music, sound (and noise!) with computer chips!
All participants will easily learn all of this by making an ArduTouch music synthesizer from a kit.

Abstract:

ArduTouch is an open source Arduino-compatible music synthesizer kit with a built-in touch keyboard, and with built-in speaker/amplifier.

This workshop is for total newbies to learn to solder and make their own ArduTouch music synthesizer.

This workshop is for total newbies to learn the basics of how to make sound with computer chips.

The ArduTouch comes pre-programmed with a way cool synthesizer. And I will show you how to re-program it with other way cool (and totally different) synthesizers.

When:
Day 3 (December 29th, Friday): 1:00pm - 3:30pm

Full Description:

Learn to solder by making a way-cool, powerful music synthesizer, and
learn how to make cool music, sound, (and noise!) with computer chips
(The fancy word for making sound with a computer chip is Digital Signal Processing or DSP).

ArduTouch is an open hardware Arduino-compatible music synthesizer kit with a built-in Touch Keyboard, and with built-in speaker/amplifier. It is a really nice performing musical instrument.

This workshop is for total newbies to learn to solder.
This workshop is for total newbies to make their own ArduTouch music synthesizer and learn to make music, sound (and noise!) with computer chips. Attendees take their completed synthesiser home at the end of the workshop.

The ArduTouch comes pre-programmed with a way cool synthesizer. And I will show you how to re-program it with other way cool (and totally different) synthesizers.

For ages 10 - 100.

Taught by Mitch Altman.

Optional: Bring your laptop if you want to go home with the free Arduino software installed on it.
Arduino software runs on Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Materials costs
The workshop is free, but if you would like to partake in the hands-on aspects of the workshop, Mitch will have ArduTouch kits for €35.
Optional: USB-Serial Cable for re-programming ArduTouch (and many other projects): 5 €.

Workshop Itinerary

Intro to music synthesis

Basics of making sound with computer chips (Digital Signal Processing)

Basics of using an Arduino

Learn to solder. Don't let this scare you! I've taught tens of thousands of people to solder, most of whom have never made anything before in their lives. It is actually a very easy skill to learn. It is also very useful.

How to re-program your ArduTouch music synthesizer to make lots of cool music, sounds, (and noise!)

Summary

     What: Make an ArduTouch music synthesizer
     When: 1:30pm to 4:00pm, Day 3 (Thursday, August 17th)
     Where: Hardware Hacking Village (at the huge bus at Milliways -- see Map, below)
     Who: Anyone and everyone can have fun making the ArduTouch music synthesizer Ages 10 to 100
     Max #: 50 participants -- This workshop will fill up, so please do arrive early!
     Cost: €35 for materials -- (€40 if you also want a USB-Serial cable for re-programming the ArduTouch)

Instructor: Mitch Altman

website: ArduTouch music synthesizer kit

Buy a kit to guarantee a seat, or come by early! (And please do arrive early, regardless!)

Optional: Bring your laptop if you want to go home with the free Arduino software installed on it.
Arduino software runs on Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Links:

ArduTouch music synthesizer kit
Ardiuno website
ArduTouch Github page

Contact

Mitch Altman: <mitch AT CornfieldElectronics DOT com>
DECT: 2676 (CORN)