Adventurous Electronics: Circuit Bending Workshop

Musician, inventor, self-taught electrical engineer and co-mayor of Casperland in Troy, Peter Edwards is spreading the word on circuit bending by teaching a two-day workshop class at the Arts Center of the Capital Region on Saturday and Sunday, February 5-6.

“Making Music through Electronics Hacking and Circuit Bending” will teach you the experimental process of short-circuiting and re-wiring audio electronics for the purpose of discovering unintended, often bizarre functionalities. The process is fun and inventive, often leading to new forms of musical expression and interaction.

Each student will received a soldering iron and a set of basic circuit bending tools to keep, and during the class they will transform one item they bring with them into a unique musical instrument.

The class will take place over the course of a single weekend – 11am-5pm on Saturday, February 5 and 12noon-4pm on Sunday, February 6 – at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy. Registration is $130 for non-ACCR members plus a $50 studio fee.

Meanwhile, you can see (and hear) some of instructor Peter Edwards’ work on exhibition at Skidmore College’s Tang Museum in Saratoga Springs. As part of the museum’s Elevator Music series, Edwards’ sound and light-based sculpture “Spector” is on exhibit through Sunday, February 27 – in the museum’s elevator, of course.