Textile, Music, and Physical Interaction

Description:

This 5-day hands-on intensive workshop explores the intersection of fashion, textiles, and electronic music through physical interaction and embedded systems. Participants will experiment with conductive materials, sensors, sound, and fabric to design and build wearable instruments and sew garment-based interactive sound sculptures. The workshop approaches the body as a dynamic interface for sound, where touch, movement, and physical gestures can shape musical expression and interactive sonic environments.

Through a combination of lectures, technical workshops, experimentation, and studio- based making, participants will learn how to integrate textiles, electronics, and digital sound tools. The workshop introduces foundational concepts in electroacoustic composition, digital signal processing, and physical computing, while also covering practical skills such as sewing, soldering, working with sensors, and incorporating conductive materials into fabric structures. Participants will explore how sound can be generated, manipulated, and controlled through wearable systems that merge technology with the body.

Designed for participants with little or no prior experience in electronics, programming, sewing, or electronic music.The workshop guides students through a structured creative process of learning, experimentation, design, prototyping, and building. Along the way, participants will develop familiarity with the Bela microcontroller, conductive sensing, Digital Audio Workstations, introductory sound design tools, basic sewing techniques, and reading patterns, while experimenting with different approaches to interaction and performance.The workshop provides access to tools such as sewing machines, soldering irons, and fabrication equipment, introduced through workshops and tutorials throughout the week. Participants will work with open-source softwares that is free and easily accessible. A laptop is required.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have designed and built their own wearable electronic instrument or garment-based interactive sound piece. The workshop will culminate in a final exhibition/performance showcase, where participants present their works and explore the performative possibilities of wearable sound systems. Participants will also have the opportunity to document their projects for their professional portfolios.

No formal prerequisites are required. Participants should have basic familiarity with computers and an interest in music and sewing. No prior experience in textiles, sewing, pattern-making, soldering, physical computing, or programming is expected. Before the workshop begins, registered participants will receive a set of short online tutorials created by the instructors, introducing foundational concepts such as digital audio workstations and basic sewing techniques. These materials are meant as an introduction prior to the first day of the program; the in-person workshop itself will cover these topics in greater depth through hands-on work. Students will also receive a list of free software to download in advance.

Contact Kayla ([email protected]) or Kimia ([email protected]) with any questions.

Materials Included (valued at $85)

Participants will receive a materials kit that includes:

• Assorted conductive materials (conductive yarn, fibers, copper tape, etc.)

• Soldering supplies and prototyping materials

• Trill Craft

• Wires and connectors

• Prototyping boards and small electronic components

• Sewing material, selected fabric and notions for building wearable prototypes

• Basic sewing patterns

Not Included*

• Bela Microcontroller*

This workshop uses the Bela microcontroller platform for building and programming wearable sound instruments.

*Participants have the option to purchase the Bela microcontroller prior to the workshop. Doing so allows them to keep the instruments they build during the workshop. For those who do not purchase the hardware in advance, the Bela will be provided for use during the workshop; however, they must be returned at the end of the workshop.

9AM-5PM PDT

Kimia Koochakzadeh-Yazdi and Kayla Yazdi [Fashion x Electronics]

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Host or Publisher CCRMA Summer Workshops