The bitKlavier serves dual purposes, functioning as both a tool and an instrument. As a tool, it explores the relationship between musicians and machines, devises new tuning systems, and builds changeable, flexible digital instruments. As an instrument, it aids in composing at the interface between musician and machine and facilitates musical play and pedagogy. Designed and developed by Dan Trueman, professor and chair of the Department of Music at Princeton University, with the help of skilled designers and coders Mike Mulshine, Davis Polito, and Matt Wang, the bitKlavier combines a conventional keyboard interface with bespoke software. This innovative creation has led to multiple journal articles and a significant repertoire of new music, including two albums of music set to be released in July 2024, featuring performances by Cristina Altamura and Adam Sliwinski. Positioned at the intersection of engineering and the arts, the bitKlavier exemplifies creative coding practice.
bitKlavier is produced by creativeX with additional support from the American Council of Learned Societies and Princeton University’s Department of Music, Center for the Digital Humanities, and Council on Science and Technology.
