Hey there, music lovers! Get ready to groove to the beat of innovation at the Guthman Musical Instrument Competition, hosted annually by the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Music. This ain’t your grandma’s music showcase—no sir! It’s a one-of-a-kind event that shines a spotlight on the coolest, most cutting-edge musical inventions of tomorrow.
Imagine a world where anyone with a spark of creativity can dream up the next guitar or violin. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening, folks! According to Jason Freeman, the head honcho over at the music school, the sky’s the limit when it comes to crafting musical marvels in today’s tech-savvy age. And let me tell you, it’s a real game-changer!
Picture this: Ten talented finalists from across the globe, all vying for a chance to snag a sweet $10,000 prize. It’s like the Olympics of music innovation, and trust me, the competition is fierce! These folks aren’t just strumming a few chords or hitting a drum—oh no. They’re bringing out the big guns with inventions that’ll blow your mind!
From a magical doodle-to-melody contraption for kiddos, to a rubber cord wizardry that lets you tweak your vocals on the fly, the lineup is nothing short of mind-blowing. And the best part? These gizmos aren’t just flashy—they’re designed to grow with you, like a musical BFF that gets better with age. As Freeman puts it, “It’s all about that deep connection. The more you play, the more it rewards you.” Now that’s what I call music to our ears!
Keep scrolling to check out 5 finalists and winners!
VocalCords — First Place Winner
Alright, folks, drumroll, please! Taking the crown in first place is none other than VocalCords—a nifty little invention that’s shaking up the music scene. Imagine this: a manual instrument that lets you tweak your vocals on the fly, all thanks to three trusty rubber cords. It’s like having a magic wand for your voice!
But here’s the kicker: With VocalCords, you’re not just singing into the wind. Oh no! You’re diving headfirst into a world where your hands become the maestro, shaping your voice into melodies that’ll make your heart sing. It’s a whole new way to connect with music, and creator Max Addae from the good ol’ U.S. of A. is leading the charge.
In Max’s own words, VocalCords isn’t just about hitting the high notes—it’s about empowering vocalists of all stripes to unleash their creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a shower-singing newbie, this little gem is your ticket to exploring new sounds and expressing yourself like never before. So, grab those cords and let your voice be heard! 🎤
Babel Table — Second Place Winner
Hold onto your hats, folks, ’cause we’ve got a real gem coming in hot for second place! Say hello to Jean-François Laporte, all the way from the Great White North, eh? He’s the mastermind behind The Babel Table—a creation that’s guaranteed to blow your socks off!
Now, picture this: a table that’s not just for setting your coffee mug on, but for creating a symphony of sounds that’ll tickle your ears and ignite your imagination. How does it work, you ask? Well, it’s all about those latex membranes and a dash of compressed air, baby! With just the flick of a switch, you can go from deep, percussive beats to bright chirps that’ll make you feel like you’re in the heart of the jungle.
But here’s the real kicker: The Babel Table isn’t just any old piece of furniture. Oh no! It’s a magical portal into a world of wonder, designed to captivate kids and adults alike. Originally dreamed up for a children’s project, this table is all about sparking curiosity and bringing characters to life. So, whether you’re young or just young at heart, get ready to embark on a musical journey like no other with The Babel Table! 🎶
Thales — Third Place Winner
Get ready to be wowed by the genius of Italian inventor Nicola Privato! He’s the mastermind behind Thales—think handheld controllers that look like hockey pucks, but with a magical twist. These babies are packed with sensors that’ll make your head spin—accelerometers, gyroscopes, you name it!
But here’s where it gets really cool: With Thales, you’re not just playing music, you’re creating it with every move you make. Picture this: waving your controllers over magnetic fields to conjure up melodies that’ll make your heart sing! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, composers can even design special music scores on magnet-infused surfaces just for Thales.
But don’t take our word for it—head over to the video and skip to 3:07 for a mind-blowing demonstration! According to Privato himself, Thales is all about keeping things cheap and easy, so artists like you can unleash your creativity and make it your own. So go ahead, grab your Thales and let the music magic begin! 🎶
Sonograf — People’s Choice Award Winner
Hold onto your hats, folks, ’cause we’ve got a real winner on our hands! Meet the Sonograf, straight outta Spain and created by the brilliant minds at Playmodes. This bad boy didn’t just win the People’s Choice Award—it stole the show!
Now, picture this: a magical instrument that’s like a mashup of your favorite art class and music lesson rolled into one. It’s all about letting kids unleash their creativity and dive into the world of visual art and music in the coolest way possible.
Here’s how it works: You bust out your crayons or glue stick and whip up a masterpiece on paper. Then, like magic, the Sonograf takes your artwork and transforms it into sweet, sweet music! It’s like painting with sound, baby!
According to the folks at Playmodes, they wanted to give kiddos a super fun way to get creative with music, whether they’re doodling or collaging up a storm. So, next time you’re itching to make some tunes, grab your markers and let the Sonograf take you on a musical adventure! 🎨🎶
BodyMouth
Hold onto your seats, folks, ’cause we’re about to dive into the wild and wacky world of BodyMouth—a creation that’s turning heads and making waves! Picture this: a magical instrument that’s like a dance party for your vocal cords. It’s all about pairing your sweet moves with even sweeter sounds, so you can let loose and sing or speak like never before!
But here’s the best part: BodyMouth isn’t just any old invention—it’s a labor of love from the dynamic duo of Kat Mustatea and Yonatan Rozin, two artists who live for pushing boundaries and shaking things up.
Now, hold onto your hats and get ready to be blown away as BodyMouth takes center stage in a live performance. Head over to the video and skip to 1:28 for a sneak peek at this jaw-dropping creation in action! Trust us, you won’t want to miss it! 🎤💃
