The new Code-a-Key Backpack! Bringing the Makey Makey and the BBC micro:bit together for more invention fun!

Interactive Sheet Music with Makey Makey App

Imagine playing a piece of sheet music by actually touching the notes on the scale! Try out our new app (in beta) and this project to make your own tappable, playable interactive sheet music! 

Interactive Piano and Scale

 

Inspired by Instructables

We were blown away by this Instructable by Lina Maria: Teaching Music, a MUSIC SHEET That Actually SOUNDS!

Check out this Instructable: 

Teaching Music, a MUSIC SHEET That Actually SOUNDS!

To make an interactive sheet music, first download this printable piano and musical scale.

 

Printable Makey Makey Piano and Scale

 

 

Then grab the brass fasteners and conductive tape from your Craft + Code Kit and let's make this paper interactive!

 

@makeymakeykit Create interactive sheet music with #MakeyMakey and the #player2 backpack! (Testing out an idea for a #sheetmusic style app!) #Music #MusicEducation #MusicEducationForKids ♬ original sound - Makey Makey

 Place brass fasteners through each musical note.

Place fasteners through musical notes

 Then fold brass fasteners down on the back side of the paper and place conductive tape from the fastener to the top edge of the paper.

Place tape for each note

Place a fastener through for each piano key. You can do this before the tape and make sure the tape touches the brass fastener for each note on the scale and the piano. 

Place fasteners on piano keys

Or you can use an exacto knife on the front of the paper to cut a small slit through the paper and tape. Then push a brass fastener though the piano note and through the tape. On the back side of the paper, fold down the brass fastener legs onto the tape to ensure a connection!

Place fastener legs down on conductive tape

Alligator clip arrow inputs and SPACE key on front of Makey Makey to each corresponding piano key.

Alligator clip to tape

Attach the Player 2 Backpack from the Backpack Bundle to plug and play the next six piano keys.

Attach Player 2 BackpackNow that the Player 2 Backpack is attached, you can alligator clips the inputs WASDFG to your musical scale.

Player 2 BackpackMake sure the clips touch the conductive tape. This connects the brass fasteners on the piano key and the musical scale to that key press!

Attach alligator clips to WASDF

Now you are ready to create a four bar musical masterpiece and play it with paper! Open up the Makey Makey Interactive Sheet Music App and start inventing music!

Test out interactive piano and scale

Interactive Sheet Music App

To use our Interactive Sheet Music App, use your mouse to place notes on the scale and use your interactive Makey Makey Piano and Scale to test out your four measure invention!

Creating Your own Sheet Music

Print out a blank Interactive Sheet Music template.

Place conductive tape from one of our booster kits on the back of printed scale for each note.

On the front side, attach alligator clips to each musical note and connect to Makey Makey. Draw where you want to place musical notes.

On the front of the sheet music. Push brass fasteners through for each note you want to play. 

Make sure to press the fasteners on the back so the fastener makes contact with the tape. (Also make sure it only touches each note you want to play.)

Hold EARTH and touch each note to play the song!

 

Extensions

Can you create your own four bar musical masterpiece on our Sheet Music app? Write your own song and then you can generate a link by pressing the link icon!

     

      

    Time Investment
    30-45 min
    Grades:
    3-12 

    Supplies

    • Makey Makey
    • Conductive Tape
    • Brass Fasteners
    • Player 2 Backpack

    Welcome

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