This project is a near-futuristic look at a portable and modular virtual instrument, dubbed as the SRFC (pronounced ‘surface’), which would allow users to collaborate, create, and perform music on any flat surface in virtually any location.

As a musician myself, I often find inspiration striking at moments where I have limited access to an instrument or method to collaborate with others. Even with today’s mobile device capabilities, I have found the form factor, performance, and audio quality to be limiting. I believe the current progression of visual, audio, and data transmission technology (such as Bluetooth) will eventually lead to advancements that would allow for real-time interaction with such a device to be very possible in the near future.

The media used to create this project includes an animation of a custom illustrated, graphical user interface (GUI) combined with live-action video to simulate the use of this instrument. This conceptual instrument consists of two “laser sensor and projection devices” that, when placed across from one another, project the GUI onto the surface and tracks the user’s movements across the interface.

I began the design process by looking at my own musical needs and also by interviewing professionals in the music industry. These professionals included performing artists, producers, and recording engineers. The feedback gained from these interviews allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of needs within the musical artist community. This understanding has also helped me to develop an overall concept and design that is truly functional and not simply novel. The SRFC would allow multiple instruments and audio effects to be utilized through various performance layouts (such as a traditional keyboard layout, drum pads, or fretted string instruments) and could be synced with multiple headphones, speakers, or additional SRFC units.

For many musicians, their instruments of choice have not changed much over the decades (or centuries.) Additionally, for digital music production and performance, there is an apparent disconnect between the artists and those who develop the technology. That disconnect creates a scenario where musicians ‘respond’ to new technology or advancements in how music is created or performed as it is presented to them. I hope that design work such as this would create opportunities for musicians and music professionals to continue considering ways in which collaboration is valued and opportunities to expand our experiences are sought after.