Yes, you read that right: The Stanford Laptop Orchestra nixes traditional instruments in favor of MacBooks and modified IKEA salad bowl speakers. Founded in the spring of 2008 at Stanford University’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics, 20 laptops manipulate sound in an unusual way.
As PSFK notes, “Each key of the computer represents a different note, and tilting the laptop changes the sound. Manipulating the trackpad also alters the music, acting like a violin bow.” So at the right venue, passersby can stroll around the members of the Stanford Laptop Orchestra and experience a different blend of sounds every few steps.
As you can see from the gallery, the Stanford Laptop Ensemble creates their own six-channel speakers, carved out of IKEA salad bowls. All told, the speakers provide 120 channels of sound.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Computer Music
- The development of computer-centric musical experiences offers opportunities for innovative sound creation and unique performance mediums.
- Alternative Instrumentation
- The exploration of non-traditional methods of creating sound could lead to new, unique audio experiences for consumers.
- Interactive Music
- The use of technology to create interactive music could provide consumers with an immersive and engaging musical experience.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Music Production
- The music production industry could benefit from the adoption of new technologies and alternative mediums for sound creation.
- Technology
- Technology companies could capitalize on the growing demand for interactive and computer-centric musical experiences.
- Retail
- Retailers could incorporate computer-centric musical experiences into their in-store environments to create an engaging and unique shopping experience for consumers.
