Ongoing Production of a “Growing Instrument” Using Mycelium-Based Materials

Taisei Goto, and Kazuhiro Jo

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

This study explores “growing instruments” made from fungal mycelium, highlighting their natural unpredictability and role as musical instruments. Mycelium’s growth and interactions with the environment create unique features not found in traditional instruments. Positioned within non-human-centric approaches in design and art, the research emphasizes the mutual creation and interconnectedness of diverse actors. By shaping mycelium into tubes and adding recorder heads, playable flute-like instruments were created. However, their condition and playability were highly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. The study emphasizes embracing uncertainty and suggests that these imperfections can offer new insights into musical instrument design.

Citation

Taisei Goto, and Kazuhiro Jo. 2025. Ongoing Production of a “Growing Instrument” Using Mycelium-Based Materials. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15698892 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@article{nime2025_51,
 abstract = {This study explores “growing instruments” made from fungal mycelium, highlighting their natural unpredictability and role as musical instruments. Mycelium’s growth and interactions with the environment create unique features not found in traditional instruments. Positioned within non-human-centric approaches in design and art, the research emphasizes the mutual creation and interconnectedness of diverse actors. By shaping mycelium into tubes and adding recorder heads, playable flute-like instruments were created. However, their condition and playability were highly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. The study emphasizes embracing uncertainty and suggests that these imperfections can offer new insights into musical instrument design.},
 address = {Canberra, Australia},
 articleno = {51},
 author = {Taisei Goto and Kazuhiro Jo},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.15698892},
 editor = {Doga Cavdir and Florent Berthaut},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 numpages = {4},
 pages = {369--372},
 title = {Ongoing Production of a “Growing Instrument” Using Mycelium-Based Materials},
 track = {Paper},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2025/nime2025_51.pdf},
 year = {2025}
}