In this workshop, participants use the micro:bit, computers, and optionally extra electronics to develop their own musical instruments, controlled in new and creative ways.
Part 1: Sound from the micro:bit
Learn to use pxt-synth, a MakeCode extension that lets the micro:bit play drums, chords, and advanced tones. The session ends with a group performance.
Part 2: Controlling the music
Discover how the micro:bit’s sensors—such as motion, microphone, and buttons—can be used to control pxt-synth and earlier projects like the drum robots.
Part 3: Presentation and wrap-up
At the end of the day, participants present their creations. Results are documented with photos and videos, and the workshop leader provides both technical and artistic feedback.
Part 1: Sound from the micro:bit
The first part of the workshop focuses on learning to use an add-on package for MakeCode called pxt-synth. Developed in collaboration with NOTAM, the Micro:bit Foundation, and Microsoft, this MakeCode extension allows you to play drum sounds and more advanced, varied, and nuanced tones directly from the micro:bit. It also enables playing multiple notes and sounds simultaneously to create chords and songs. You can change the sounds while they are playing to add movement to the soundscape.
During this first session—lasting 2–3 hours—participants are introduced to pxt-synth and create their own music, which is then performed for everyone at the end of the session.
Part 2: Input
In the second part of the workshop, we shift our focus to how the music will be controlled. The micro:bit has a built-in motion sensor, microphone, buttons, compass, and more. Participants can also connect other electronics such as joysticks, knobs, or touch sensors to their micro:bit to create new and creative interfaces for controlling music and sound.
Participants receive an introduction to using these sensors and how their data can control the sounds and melodies they created with pxt-synth, as well as the drum robots or other micro:bit orchestra projects they may have made earlier.
Part 3: Summary
At the end of the day, participants present their results—everything from air drum kits that control drum robots, to recreations of famous songs on the pxt-synth, to robots where the room’s light level controls the tempo or the compass direction controls the key. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always fun to play with.
The workshop leader gives feedback on what has been made, both from a technical perspective and from a more artistic and philosophical point of view. The creations are documented as thoroughly as possible with photos and videos, and then we tidy up together.
A bit about Captain Credible
Captain Credible likes to create things that can be used to create things with. From self-playing circuit boards and cowbell robots to helmet instruments and tealight synths—everything is built and used in the pursuit of art and music. With extensive experience as a performing artist, maker, and teacher, you can expect that he’s built something strange that you can try making something strange with!
