Please join us for a casual group class that explores the “prepared piano”, a special process of preparing a solo acoustic piano with various metal, rubber and plastic materials on and in between the strings of the piano that creates new sonic possibilities for the instrument.

Intended for those interested in crafting, woodworking, construction, engineering, art installation, music and the piano, experimental art, or simply those that would like to passively observe, this event is open to all. Hands-on experimentation with the preparations and the instrument are welcome and encouraged. Attendees may work alone, in pairs or in groups, as desired. Attendees will also have plenty of time to ask specific questions, as desired.

Created by Shi-An Costello and hosted by Experimental Sound Studio, the workshop runs monthly, and offers the resource of a different invited guest each month to provide guidance and experiential knowledge in piano performance and technology to participants, if desired. Participants are welcome to try new ideas out, ask questions, or talk out new ideas communally and with the guest expert.

This second session will explore deep, focused listening practices as it relates to the subtleties of the prepared piano, featuring guest expert Nomi Epstein. Nomi’s acclaimed experimental music group, a•pe•ri•od•ic, will be performing with Bonnie Han Jones at Constellation the following evening on March 2nd. The piano will be altered during the course of the workshop, using various objects made of metal, wood, rubber, and plastic. Attendees are welcome to explore other ideas outside of the provided setups as well.

The workshop event will run app. 90 minutes.
Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, $5.00 minimum. RSVP is required.
Doors open at 1:30pm. Event starts promptly at 2:00pm.

Participants under the age of 21 are welcome; Parent or guardian accompaniment is recommended.

This series is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.