OPEN CALL: SMC26 Winter School
Experimental Electronic Musical Instrument Design
As part of the Sound and Music Computing (SMC) Conference 2026, hosted by Music Biennale Zagreb (MBZ), this three-day Winter School brings together artists, musicians, designers, makers, researchers and students interested in exploring the intersection of sound, technology, and performance. Running alongside one of the leading international conferences in the field of sound and music computing, the Winter School offers participants an opportunity to develop practical skills, exchange ideas with an interdisciplinary community and present their work within the wider conference programme.
Running from 2 to 4 November 2026, the Winter School will be led by Leo Fogadić and collaborators, and will take place at the Radiona makerspace in Zagreb.
The Winter School is dedicated to the design and construction of innovative electronic musical instruments and sound interfaces. Through hands-on work, participants can explore different areas, combining electronics, sensors, microcontrollers and physical materials:
- Digital Musical Instruments (DMI) are electronic or computer-based musical instruments whose sound production and gestural interfaces are shaped by digital computation and circuitry. The field of DMI design spans disciplines including human-computer interaction (HCI), sonification, haptics, cognitive science, music technology, and acoustics.
- New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of music technology, human-computer interaction, and performance arts, dedicated to the design, development, and evaluation of innovative digital tools and interfaces. Key concepts in NIME include real-time interaction, gesture mapping, and the integration of physical computing with digital signal processing.
- Augmented Instruments are traditional acoustic or electric musical instruments enhanced with sensors, actuators, or digital interfaces, demonstrating the desire to expand the sound possibilities of already existing musical instruments. These modifications allow musicians to control extra electronic sound synthesis, digitl audio effects, or visual elements using their natural playing techniques and physical gestures. (NOTE: Participants are expected to bring their own musical instrument)
The focus is on developing instruments that are not only functional but expressive, playable, and performance-ready emphasizing practical work, experimentation, rapid prototyping and collaborative learning.
Participants will have access to a range of electronic components and prototyping materials, including a selection of microcontrollers, buttons, potentiometers, rotary encoders, force-sensitive resistors (FSRs), piezo sensors, accelerometers, capacitive touch sensors, distance sensors, LEDs, and basic electronic components. Additional sensors and materials may be available. Participants are also welcome to suggest any additional components/materials and bring their own sensors, instruments, or electronic hardware if they have a specific project in mind.
During the Winter School, participants will:
- explore what makes a musical instrument expressive and playable
- learn the fundamentals of working with electronics, sensors, actuators and microcontrollers
- gain hands-on experience in prototyping and fabrication
- develop an electronics instrument from concept to a functional prototype
Programme structure:
Day 1: Introductory lecture, concept development and project planning
Day 2: Instrument construction, prototyping and development
Day 3: Finalization, rehearsals and presentation
The Winter School concludes with a showcase, where participants present and perform with the instruments they have developed over the course of the workshop.
Application and participation details:
Applicants are invited to submit a CV and fill out the registration form. Previous experience in building musical instruments is not required.
The participation fee is*:
Early bird: 100€ (until 31 July 2026)
Standard: 120€ (until 15 October 2026)
*The participation fee includes 1 lunch per workshop day.
To register, please complete the registration form and submit the participation fee via the Entrio link: https://www.entrio.hr/event/smc-winter-school-33538
Registration will close once the available spots have been filled.
Technical requirements:
Participants are encouraged to bring and work on their own laptops. MBZ or Radiona may provide several computers if necessary.
The program welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including music, sound art, media art, design, engineering, electronics, creative coding, and performance, as well as anyone with a strong interest in experimental instrument design. Previous experience in building musical instruments is not required, although curiosity about sound, technology, and making is encouraged.