Gavin Brehm

2020-2021 Luce Scholar

Gavin Brehm is a multi-disciplinary designer, musician, and researcher. He will graduate in June 2020 from Northwestern University with a triple major in music performance, cognitive neuroscience, and human-centered product design and development. Currently a member of the Multisensory Lab, Gavin conducts research on audio-tactile perception and human-computer interaction, and works with applying generative artificial intelligence and emerging manufacturing technologies to traditional musical instrument design. Outside Northwestern, Gavin has worked with Steven Haulenbeek Studio, Impossible Objects 3D Printing, and Conn-Selmer Music.

While in high school, he founded a company to build custom brass instrument components for local musicians. Gavin maintains an active performing schedule as a trumpet player in the Chicago area. Often using performances as a testing ground for his instrument designs, he can be seen playing in works ranging from film score to musical theatre: Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, Ein Heldenleben, and The Pines of Rome, to cite a few recent examples. Gavin grew up Minneapolis where he spent his childhood exploring the lakes and forests of central Minnesota. An avid cook and fermenter in his free time, he can be found concocting anything and everything under the sun for his friends and family.

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