Music, even when performed collectively, can often feel like an individual experience. Spin-phony is an interactive musical installation that transforms traditional performances into a playful and collaborative experience. Designed for three musicians and one conductor, the installation features a rotating turntable fitted with three instruments and one 'conductors' station. This setup disrupts the usual sense of ownership over an instrument and encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones.
Each instrument is guided by LED prompts. On the keyboard, the lights indicate the notes to play, while on the drum and maracas, they flash the tempo. Here, the conductor is not a passive observer but an agent of surprise who shapes the flow of the performance in real time. The conductor controls the speed of LED prompts on each instrument through a potentiometer and triggers the rotation of the table using an ultrasonic sensor driven motor. Musicians are challenged to stay alert and collaborate fluidly as roles shift. The rotation challenges the musicians to quickly adapt to whichever instrument lands in front of them, whilst the changing tempo adds a level of increased difficulty.
Utilising 3D printing, a rotating display table was developed with custom gears and a NEMA17 stepper motor for smooth motion. The turntable supports the larger tabletop, housing instruments, sensors, and wiring that can be threaded through to the main power source. Precise gear meshing, motor alignment, and optimised gear ratios were implemented to enhance performance and reliability.
Spin-phony invites performers and audiences to experience music as a shared activity. It focuses less on being perfect and more on responsive play, creative improvisation, and shared rhythm.
