About the Workshop

Discover the world of electroacoustic sound sculpture by building your own Springzinger—a unique, amplified instrument made from springs, percussive elements, and a contact microphone. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll assemble and explore your own sound sculpture, learning how vibration, resonance, and amplification transform ordinary materials into expressive musical tools. Whether played with fingers, brushes, sticks, or hands, your creation will unlock new sonic possibilities. No prior experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and an open ear!

This workshop is designed for ages 12 and up. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Child/adult pairs only require one ticket to attend (if taking home one instrument). Space is limited, and first-come, first-serve!

What to Expect at This Workshop

We’ll begin with a short introduction to electroacoustic instruments with demonstrations of some of my own instruments.

The majority of the workshop will be spent assembling and decorating the Springzinger kits. This will include gluing the box together, attaching the springs and other percussive elements, adding the electronic components, decorating with art supplies and testing each unit to make sure it is functioning properly.

Once the kits are complete we will spend the remainder of time learning the various ways in which your springzinger can create interesting rhythms and sounds. If time allows, we’ll try playing our instruments together in a series of simple rhythm games.

What to Bring and Wear

Closed toed shoes
Hair ties, if applicable

All other supplies will be provided.

Introducing Our Instructor: Jason A. Mullinax

"I am a percussionist, music producer, videographer, instrument builder, and educator with nearly 40 years of performance experience. A lifelong explorer of sound, I create electroacoustic instruments from reclaimed materials, transforming found objects into dynamic, textural sound sources.

"I have composed soundtracks for documentary films, produced original music, and performed extensively across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Now residing in Carrboro, NC, I continue to craft unique instruments, teach workshops and private lessons, and experiment with the sonic possibilities hidden in everyday objects."

To learn more about Jason and his work, visit www.youtube.com/@MusicDiscoveryLab and www.musicdiscoverylab.com.

Music Discovery Lab: Build and Play Your Own Sound Sculpture

By Hillsborough Arts Council

Music Discovery Lab: Build and Play Your Own Sound Sculpture

with Jason Mullinax of Music Discovery Lab & the Hillsborough Arts Council