University In The Brewery

Engineering Harmonicas for Fiddle Tunes

14th July, 2004

Engineering problem solving approaches are generally associated with areas such as telecommunications, electrical power, mining and materials. However standard engineering procedures can address a wide range of problems. In this talk Dr Tony Eyers, from the Telecommunications and Information Technology Research Institute in the Informatics Faculty, will outline an engineering solution to a musical problem: namely playing fiddle tunes on diatonic harmonicas.

Fiddle tunes lie at the heart of Western folk music, and are played on many instruments. However these tunes are rarely attempted on harmonica, as they are generally considered too hard. The solution has been to re-engineer the harmonica, to produce a tuning system and playing style better suited to fiddle tunes. Thus this presentation will give some insight to how engineering techniques can be applied to novel problems and how Tony has applied his professional training to solve a problem of interest in his personal life. This may thus give some insight to people going down the innovation path.

Where: Five Islands Brewery, Eastern end of the WIN Entertainment Centre (Cnr Harbour and Crown Streets) Wollongong 2500.

When: 5:30 until 6:30 pm, Wednesday 14 July 2004.

Cost: FREE .

For further information call Stacey McKenzie on 4221 5202 or email staceymc@uow.edu.au.

Last reviewed: 16 February, 2007