How do people, children included, want to interact with music? The design of any acoustic instrument is unavoidably linked to the sound it produces. Electronic instruments and computer-generated sounds are not attached to physical design in the same way. With devices such as microcontrollers, there are many ways for music makers of all ages to design controllers and sound-generating devices around their individual preferences. Certain microcontrollers are made for e-textile projects—electronic textiles or fabrics, also called wearables—where circuits are connected with conductive thread instead of wire. Designing instruments and controllers with e-textiles opens many educational and musical possibilities related to STEAM. To create a musical e-textile, one engages with design, prototyping, calculating, circuitry, programming the microcontroller, and aesthetics. Through this interactive experience, participants will engage with making music e-textiles and discuss the educational and musical implications.
