From Knobs to Noise: Making Instruments in p5.js and ProControls

What happens when you stop thinking like a programmer and start thinking like an instrument designer?

In this hands-on workshop, participants will build their own playable musical instruments using p5.js, p5.sound, and ProControls. Starting with a simple sound generator, we'll transform code into an expressive instrument by adding knobs, faders, buttons, envelopes, sequencers, and visual feedback. Along the way, we'll explore how musicians interact with sound and how thoughtful interface design can turn a collection of controls into something that invites experimentation, performance, and play.

Whether you're interested in synthesizers, drum machines, generative music systems, interactive art, or live performance, this workshop will provide a foundation for creating instruments that are uniquely your own. By the end of the session, you'll have a custom browser-based instrument that you can perform with, share online, or continue developing into a larger musical project.

No soldering. No specialized hardware. Just code, sound, and a browser transformed into an instrument.

Second of two workshops:

Part I: Introducing ProControls for P5.JS (Mon June 8 3pm to 4:30)

Part II : From Knobs to Noise: Making Instruments in p5.js and ProControls (Wed June 17, 12pm to 2pm)