-
Coconut Kalimba
A $5 coconut-shell kalimba from a Samuels Library fundraiser, valued for its deep, earthy tones and handmade character despite tuning challenges. It now serves as a bassy, experimental companion to a more practical 17-key kalimba. Read More
-
Toysmith Harmonica
A lightweight Toysmith harmonica joined my pocket-sized clown instruments after I misplaced my original. More playful than precise, its translucent plastic body and free-reed tones invite casual, private improvisation—even if the notes wander off-key. Read More
-
Roland Digital Piano (FP-30X)
The Roland FP-30X is an 88-key weighted digital piano chosen for realistic feel, MIDI connectivity, and high-quality sound. It bridges traditional piano technique with modern learning software, turning a living room into a flexible practice studio. Read More
-
Irish Tin Whistles
A pair of Irish tin whistles became my pocket-sized clown instrument, inspired by Celtic melodies and Lord of the Rings. Durable enough for life with Gwinn, they introduced me to octave-shifting breath control and playful, wandering tunes. Read More
-
Dog Whistle
A five-pack of colorful dog whistles doubles as both canine communication and an unusual aerophone in my instrument collection. Stocked in my dog-themed Little Free Library, they explore ultrasonic sound while reliably catching my dogs’ attention. Read More
-
Teenage Engineering: OP-1 Portable Synthesizer
March 2022 – Present. Purchased and utilized a Teenage Engineering OP-1 portable electronic music workstation. Experimented with synthesis, sampling, sequencing, and tape-based workflows for creative focus and stress relief. Released experimental tracks exploring voice sampling, rhythmic structure, and playful sound design during independent music exploration. Read More
-
Kalimba: 17 Keys
A simple kalimba became a portable soundscape, replacing a paper music box with something more alive. Played in quiet parks beside wandering dogs and flowing water, its gentle tones turned small moments into meditative, wandering melodies. Read More
-
Amahi Ukulele
An Amahi ash-wood ukulele became a camping companion for Teddy and me, tied to healing, gentle YouTube moments, and favorite pop-culture melodies. From Ryan and Gatsby to IZ and Adam Sandler, its bright strings carried comfort, memory, and quiet joy. Read More
-
The Blues King Harmonica
A $6.49 Johnson Blues King harmonica began as a playful experiment to make Teddy howl, but became a pocket-sized sound toy instead. Its breath-driven reeds, tactile vibrations, and simple design make it inviting, accessible, and gently chaotic. Read More
-
Laguna Electric Guitar: LE122
A Laguna electric guitar became my gateway into gamified music learning, from early note-recognition software to Rocksmith’s adaptive practice system. Chasing real musicianship over plastic controllers, I explored punk and new-wave songs while navigating gear, software, and sore wrists. Read More