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Project 133

Challenge Question

How might we help musicians practice in spaces where they cannot make much noise, and do so collaboratively, to address inequities in learning spaces?

Partner: Franz Newland

Project Summary

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When we create and play music, we need spaces and places to make mistakes - a forum to practice in. Electronic instruments have helped many people living in small apartments and other communal spaces to be able to practice their instruments without bothering the people they share spaces with and electronic keyboards, drums and even stringed instruments are available, many at an affordable price. However, for brass and woodwind players, there are only a few options available.

The research team for this project has two directions to consider: could we expand the options for brass and woodwind players at all, for example by creating an electronic flute, oboe, or brass instrument and/or could we find a way to help students collaborate by creating a real-time way to share the electronic music they play and facilitate online real-time electronic ensembles?

The research team for this project may be composed of individuals with interests or specializations in music, music production, composition, digital design, application design, sound design, industrial design, software engineering and electrical engineering.

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Sustainable Development Goals

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Organizational Profile

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Franz is an Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Director for Space Engineering at York University. He has taught the Engineering capstone at York for the past 4 years and has been looking for ways for students to work across the campus on projects that matter, to tackle all facets of them and to learn from each other. He is a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of Ontario, registered as a Chartered Engineer in the UK, an associate fellow of the AIAA and a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Partner Website

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Learn more about the kind of work the project partner does by browsing their website.

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Key Words

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  • Music
  • Engineering
  • Design