In a world where conventional music is often bound by rules, traditions, and structured instruments, the Sound-Making Objects project seeks to transcend these limitations by reimagining the very notion of what it means to create sound. Drawing on found materials, such as repurposed waste, the project transforms everyday objects into instruments that are not constrained by the expectations of traditional music. This is an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of sound, offering participants the freedom to express their innermost emotions and experiences through a truly experimental, unbound medium.

At its core, the project challenges the hierarchical distinctions between artist and audience, between musician and non-musician. It posits that music—and the act of creation—is not the exclusive domain of trained professionals, but a deeply human activity that anyone can engage in. By using objects readily available in our surroundings, it democratizes music-making and reconnects us with the primal act of sound creation.

Key Philosophies:

1. Sound as a Universal Language

At the heart of this project is the idea that everyone is inherently capable of creating sound, which serves as a universal mode of expression. Traditional music often requires training and expertise, but here, there is no prerequisite skill. The only requirement is a willingness to engage with the object and an openness to explore the sounds it can produce. In this sense, sound-making becomes an accessible form of communication, one that transcends barriers of language, age, or cultural background.

2. Deconstruction of the Instrument

The project deliberately blurs the line between what is typically considered a musical instrument and what is simply an object. Here, an instrument is any object capable of producing sound—whether it’s a discarded tin can, a plastic bottle, or a metal pipe. This deconstruction of the traditional instrument serves to remind us that music can emerge from anything, anywhere. In embracing this fluidity, we are invited to reconsider our relationship with sound, music, and the material world around us.

3. Liberation from Tuning and Conventions

Unlike traditional instruments, which often need to be tuned to specific frequencies, the sound-making objects in this project require no such adjustments. This freedom from tuning further liberates participants from the structures of conventional music theory, allowing for the creation of sound based on instinct and experimentation. There is no “correct” note or chord—only the sound that emerges naturally from the interaction between object and participant.

4. Intergenerational Participation and Intuition

One of the most powerful aspects of the project is its invitation for all ages to participate. Children and adults alike are encouraged to engage with the objects and create sounds based on their intuition. This approach taps into the innate human impulse to explore and express oneself through sound, an impulse that exists from early childhood but is often diminished by formalized education and societal expectations. By allowing participants to freely create without judgment, the project reawakens this sense of play and discovery.

5. Bringing Life Experience to Sound

The sounds we create are, in a way, a reflection of who we are and the lives we’ve led. Each participant brings their unique life experiences, emotions, and perspectives to the sound-making process. Whether it’s a burst of joy, a moment of contemplation, or an expression of frustration, the sounds produced carry personal meaning. In this sense, the project becomes a mirror of the participants’ inner worlds, channeling their individual journeys through the act of creating sound.

6. Emergent Structure Through Exploration

Rather than imposing a predefined structure, the project encourages participants to explore the sonic possibilities of each object. As they do, the form and structure of the soundscape emerge organically. This approach reflects the fluid nature of the creative process—one that is driven not by rigid rules but by curiosity and discovery. The resulting compositions are dynamic, often unpredictable, and shaped by the interaction between the object, the space, and the participants themselves.

7. Collective Listening and Respect

In a group setting, the act of listening becomes central to the experience. Participants must tune in not only to the sounds they are producing but also to the sounds of others around them. This fosters a deeper sense of awareness, respect, and collaboration, as each individual’s contribution becomes part of a larger, collective soundscape. It is in this space of attentive listening and mutual respect that true collaboration can flourish, highlighting the importance of community in the creative process.

8. Humility and Honesty in Creation

The process of creating sound with unconventional objects requires a certain level of humility. There is no room for ego when engaging with such raw materials. Participants are encouraged to approach the process with honesty, embracing imperfections and unexpected results. This philosophy reminds us that creativity is not about perfection, but about authenticity—about expressing ourselves in the most truthful way possible.