Textile, Music, and Physical Interaction

9AM-5PM PDT

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

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.

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.

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Host or Publisher CCRMA Summer Workshops