Evolving Tooka: From Experiment To Instrument

Abstract

The Tooka was created as an exploration of two personinstruments. We have worked with two Tooka performers toenhance the original experimental device to make a musicalinstrument played and enjoyed by them. The main additions tothe device include: an additional button that behaves as amusic capture button, a bend sensor, an additional thumbactuated pressure sensor for vibrato, additional musicalmapping strategies, and new interfacing hardware. Thesedevelopments a rose through exper iences andrecommendations from the musicians playing it. In addition tothe changes to the Tooka, this paper describes the learningprocess and experiences of the musicians performing with theTooka.