The Radiodrum is a musical instrument played in three dimensional space using two drumsticks. It was developed at Bell Labs in the 1980s, originally to be a three dimensional substitute for the computer mouse. Currently it is used as a musical instrument similar to a MIDI controller in the sense that all the noise produced from it is programmed. The radiodrum works in a similar way to the theremin, which uses magnetic capacitance to locate the position of the drumsticks. The radiodrum was designed by Bob Boie, Max Mathews and Andrew Schloss. The radiodrum has been rigged to visual effects, and even acoustic instruments like the piano.
In addition to works by Andrew Schloss, the instrument has been used extensively by composer David A. Jaffe, with Schloss as soloist, in works including:
- "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," a 70-minute concerto for radiodrum-controlled Yamaha Disklavier piano and an orchestra of plucked strings and percussion instruments
- "Racing Against Time," for radiodrum-controlled computer physical models (electronic sound), with 2 violins, 2 saxophones and piano
- "The Space Between Us," for radiodrum-controlled Trimpin percussion instruments and eight strings distributed around the concert hall
- "Underground Economy," an Afro-Cuban improvisational work for radiodrum-controlled electronics, violin and piano