For the in-class activity, I was in a group of three, and we wanted to try to incorporate one of each of our interests into one idea. Our signature idea was playing piano backwards while riding a bike as a theater show. The way we described it, however, is very vague because for it to be feasible, either the bike or the piano would have to be replaced with a similar counterpart since a true piano is stationary and a bike is supposed to move. Either the bike would have to be a stationary exercise bike, or the piano would have to be a portable keyboard that can be attached to the back of a bike.
I believe we wanted a moving bike with a keyboard attached to the back of it, but that idea seems very impractical because there would be issues of balance and safety if we wanted a standard five-octave keyboard (61 keys) in the design. We wanted the piano to be played backwards because one of my interests is playing the piano in unique, non-traditional ways like playing blindfolded, playing with my arms crossed, playing backwards (with my hands behind my back), or playing with my back on the piano bench and my head underneath the piano. However, it just doesn't seem feasible or safe for the keyboard to be played in any of these ways while riding a bike. On the other hand, if the keyboard were placed on the front of the bike, it would be much more safe and balanced as well as feasible. Surprisingly, I've found out that someone actually makes a living off this idea: http://www.pianopeddler.com/
This is a really cool idea, and you did a great job picking apart the different possible problems that could have arisen from a given implementation. However, I think there are ways you could make this idea even more creative! What if you were to have a bicycle that was maybe more like a small, motorized vehicle, and you could give it certain musical cues to make it turn, stop, go faster, etc?
ReplyDeleteYou have a really nice idea. It is good that you researched your topic and actually put in effort to find such photos and the story of piano peddler. You also examined the problems associated with the idea and probably you will figure out the solution too.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can consider a tricycle or recumbent bike to add stability so you can play while moving.
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ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with this idea and that someone has already designed such "musical" instrument. It's difficult to add something new, but what do you thing about a microphone, so you can ride a bike, play music and sing?
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