Andrey Smirnov :: workshops

This intensive workshop offers hands-on introduction to interactive systems, based on the theremin-sensor technology developed by Andrey Smirnov and based on the same principle as the Theremin – the well known electronic musical instrument, invented by the Russian inventor Leon Theremin in 1919. It was furnished with special antennae to control sound by the free movement of hands in the space surrounding it.

Sensors are the small and sensitive devices useful for numerous applications including the motion tracking, measurement and monitoring of changes of electrical capacitances of any conductive medias, variations of air and water flows, mechanical vibrations etc.

Daily theoretical introductions, which accompany the workshop, give detailed technical overview of the sensor technology and construction, art and music applications, forgotten but very useful concepts and ideas, condensed historical content, mostly related to the almost forgotten historical facts.

As a starting point of the workshop participants will convert their laptops into the digital Theremins to develop further during the workshop different interactive audio/video installations, motion capturing systems, unusual gestural interfaces and unique musical instruments.

 

 

Participants will learn
= Methods of monitoring and measurement of small variations of electrical parameters;
= Methods and different approaches to motion tracking;
= Principles of operation and construction of the analog and digital theremins;
= Approaches to the development of gestural interfaces;
= Aplications of gestural interfaces in art, dance, video, sound performances and installations;
= Practical MAX/MSP and PD programming.

Minimal configuration
1. Laptop (OSX, Windows) with PD or MAX/MSP installed;
2. ARDUINO UNO (NG, Duemilanove);
3. breadboard;
4. personal headphones;
5. all appropriate cables.  

Requirements
Participants should bring their laptops with MAX/MSP installed and have some skills in soldering and MAX/MSP programming. As an option it would be good to bring own soldering equipment and Arduino UNO.

The sensors for testing, experimenting and performance as well as all appropriate software libraries will be provided by the instructor.

Learn More:

Download demo patches and libraries for MAX/MSP  

Dealind with the Theremin-Sensor 5V Kit