Imaginary Instrument Hackathon - College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD)

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Events

Date and Time

Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

10:30 — 6:00 pm ET

Location

Center for Design, Ryder Hall

Admission

Free

Register

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Celebrating the publication of The Museum of Imaginary Musical Instruments, the Imaginary Instrument Hackathon is a one-day event dedicated to exploring sound, invention and the limits of the possible.

Bring your concept for an instrument that doesn’t exist and spend a day building it out with access to hands-on materials — prototype supplies, 3D printers, laser cutters, and more — plus mentorship from the CAMD Makerspaces team and Music faculty’s Deirdre Loughridge and Victor Zappi. Lunch provided.

Space Limited. Register to reserve a spot and connect with other makers and musicians in advance.

More information

Can’t make the hackathon? You can still invent an instrument and submit it to the Imaginary Instrument Awards. $200 prizes for Northeastern students in three categories. Deadline September 25. All submissions exhibited in the Imaginary Instrument Showcase, opening September 29 in Ryder Hall.