Musical Instruments

From prehistoric bone flutes to modern day electronics, throughout human history musical instruments have been at the center of music making. This course introduces the study of musical instruments and examines how instruments shape and are shaped by music and culture. We will explore topics such as instrument making and repair, interface design, performance techniques, identity/expression, embodiment, instrument collections and museums, and the impact of instrument materials on the natural environment. We will study a wide range of examples from cultures around the world – including Japanese shamisen, Indian tabla, electric guitars, Shona mbira, analog synthesizers, and more – to examine the different ways that people craft, play, hear, and interpret instruments. Through seminar discussions, hands-on activities, and an independent project, you will learn how musical instruments can offer deeper insight into the ways we listen to, play, and study