At MIT, musicians develop innovative instruments for fresh melodies
In the heart of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Music Technology Program stands out as a hub for exploring new sounds, tunes, and experiences. Ian Hattwick, a lecturer in music technology, is at the forefront of this innovative programme.
Hattwick emphasises the importance of communities made up of multidisciplinary people, stating that they facilitate the exchange of ideas and the generation of novel approaches to complex problems in art and technology. This ethos is evident in the students at the program, who develop novel music games, tools, and instruments alongside an understanding of the principles of user interface, user experience (UI/UX), and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
One such student, Thelonious Cooper '25, discovered his passion for creating his own instruments in the course 21M.080 (Intro to Music Technology). Cooper's research now focuses on high-performance, low-latency computing for real-time music tools, and he identifies the potential of new music tools to find new forms of creative expression.
Another student, Matthew Caren '25, found an intersection of computer science, mathematics, and jazz performance in music technology. The creations of Cooper and Caren, along with other students, during their studies at the MIT Music Technology Program remain undisclosed, but their impact is undoubtedly significant.
The day of play-testing in the program provides the most focused and concentrated amount of learning for students, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate their designs and receive feedback. This process, according to Hattwick, forms a generative feedback loop for artists: identifying creative interests, creating a tool, using the tool to create art, and developing a new creative understanding.
Evan Ingoldsby, an electrical engineering and computer science undergraduate at MIT, contributes to this creative process by building guitar pedals and audio circuits that manipulate signals through electronic components. His work, along with that of other students, is a testament to the program's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in music technology.
The Fabulous MIT Laptop Ensemble (FaMLE), directed by Hattwick, further encourages this multidisciplinary collaboration. The ensemble explores digital music, web audio, and live coding, providing a space for students to push the boundaries of what is possible in music technology.
Design in music technology happens within a context of culture, with designers extending, transforming, and being influenced by existing ideas. This is evident in the relationship between drummers and drum machines, which has inspired unique, challenging rhythms.
When creating the tools for art, designers embed their understanding and ideas about the things they are interested to explore. This is evident in the designs and creations coming out of the MIT Music Technology Program, each a testament to the program's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in music technology.
In conclusion, the MIT Music Technology Program is a vibrant and innovative space where students push the boundaries of what is possible in music technology. With a focus on exploring new sounds, tunes, and experiences, the program encourages students to develop novel approaches to complex problems, fostering a community of multidisciplinary thinkers and creators.
