Active Control and the ElectroMagnetically-Prepared Piano

Our Artistic Research Residency focuses on the expansion and artistic implementation of an existing augmented instrument: the ElectroMagnetically-Prepared Piano. This augmented acoustic piano is achieved by placing a group of electromagnets over the strings of a grand piano. An audio signal is sent to the electromagnets, causing the strings to vibrate in response. Our current project adds an active control feedback system, resulting in a more flexible hybrid acoustic/electronic system. Through the use of active control we gain the ability to bend individual partials of the vibrating piano string in real time, significantly altering the resulting sound.