From Mud To Music: 6-Week Series for Making and Enjoying Ceramic Musical Instruments

Following the research and inspiration in Barry Hall’s book, From Mud To Music, we will learn about different types of ceramic musical instruments and their origins, we will even listen to recordings of their sounds. Each student will choose an instrument to build and then focus on its full creation for the duration of the 6 week series. 

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this course will provide the appropriate guidance for your project. Both wheel throwing and hand building techniques will be taught/supported. For example, some instruments may require a combination of parts to be made using different techniques. Other items may seem simple in their construction but intricate in their decoration.

Instrument choices range from hanging bells to flutes to drums to a xylophone. Constructing and fine tuning a ceramic instrument takes patience and this intensive workshop is the perfect place to deep-dive into crafting a functional heirloom. 

In addition to the weekly class meetings, there will be additional open studio times for students to come work on their projects.

The final class will be dedicated to finishing and playing our instruments in a free-form musical circle on the lawn.