Circuit Bending and Hardware Hacking

Circuit Bending and Hardware Hacking is a theoretical and practical course examining electronics and its application to sound and music. In particular, the course approaches the creation, manipulation and use of electronics in music and sound using a performative and exploratory approach. Topics covered include: the background and history of electronics, electronic theory and design, soldering, breadboarding, circuit and hardware manipulation, noise, processing, controls, connectors, sound generation and modulation, and signal flow. The topics will be covered through a series of workshops that include theoretical presentations, practical demonstrations, individual and group work, portfolio development and instrument creation. Further, students will complete reading and listening that reinforce concepts, provide new insights and techniques; and perform practical exercises that promote investigative learning and research. The course has the following learning objectives: extend artistic and technical outcomes in the sonic arts including sound design, composition, performance and instrument development; develop techniques for exploratory and performative research; enhance problem solving skills; provide a reflexive active skill set that can re-imagine past and current technologies and adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape, its practices and processes.