Geocussion

Geocussion is an innovative musical interface that creates music by changing the shape of sand. When players physically deform the sand surface, terrain information is read in real-time and converted to acoustic parameters. The height of sand mountains, depth of valleys, and terrain complexity are directly reflected in musical expression. Unlike traditional instrument performance, where music is expressed through predetermined control systems, Geocussion makes free sculptural acts themselves musical expression, allowing performers' creativity to be more directly reflected in music. Using Intel RealSense depth sensors to measure sand surface shapes in real-time 3D, Pure Data acoustic synthesis converts elevation, gradient, surface roughness, and shape complexity into acoustic parameters.