Experience the Jurassic Symphony: Discover Instruments That Make Dinosaurs ‘Sing’!

The roar of a T. rex might be iconic, but no one can say for sure what dinosaurs actually sounded like. This mystery has intrigued scientists for years. Courtney Brown, a professor at Southern Methodist University, is diving into this question in a unique way: through music.

For over a decade, Brown has crafted musical instruments inspired by the skulls of hadrosaurs—those duck-billed dinosaurs that lived about 70 million years ago. Trained as both a sound artist and a computer engineer, she blends paleontology and art to bridge the gap between ancient and modern times.

Discovering Dinosaur Sounds

Brown’s project, called Dinosaur Choir, took shape during a road trip in 2011. While visiting a museum in New Mexico, she heard the sound of a Parasaurolophus, a hadrosaur with a long head crest. This experience stirred her imagination. “I thought dinosaurs might be singers, just like me,” she shared. That moment sparked her journey to recreate the sounds of these creatures.

In her quest, Brown began her doctorate at Arizona State University and started building her first instrument. Using CT scans of a teenage Corythosaurus skull, she 3D-printed its head crest and airways. Paleontologists believe these crests allowed hadrosaurs to produce deep sounds, whether for alerting of danger or attracting mates.

By 2013, her first model was complete. This instrument operates like a trumpet, with air vibrations creating haunting sounds. Over the years, Brown refined her designs and even earned recognition in international competitions.

Embracing Innovation

A significant breakthrough came in 2021 when Brown received a Fulbright grant to research at the University of Alberta. There, she collaborated with Cezary Gajewski, an associate professor of design studies. They faced a unique challenge: adapting their instruments so that people could play them without direct blowing, a pandemic-friendly idea. They equipped the instruments with sensors to translate breath and voice into sound, much like a guitar pickup. This innovation allows users to create music simply by using their voices or breath.

A 2023 study suggested that some non-bird dinosaurs may have had vocal organs similar to those of modern birds, supporting Brown’s goal of making the sounds of the past come alive. The latest instrument changes can simulate various vocalizations, broadening the musical possibilities.

The Future of Dinosaur Choir

In March, Brown demonstrated Dinosaur Choir at a competition in Georgia, where it earned third place. The attention it gathered at a music conference in Australia showed that interest in her work is growing. Inspired players often approach her with curiosity wherever she goes.

Brown plans to make 3D printing plans available to enthusiasts, though the cost of materials can be a barrier. For those without access to a printer, she offers the Dinosaur Choir software, needing just a microphone and camera to begin creating sounds.

Looking ahead, Brown aims to explore other dinosaurs, like the nodosaur, known for its unique nasal structure. With CT scans from local fossils, she hopes to bring this ancient creature’s sounds to life, too.

Brown envisions a future where Dinosaur Choir instruments play alongside traditional orchestras. She has already performed with musicians, blending their sounds with those of long-extinct creatures. The goal? To foster a deep connection with something ancient, allowing people to feel as if they are experiencing dinosaur sounds firsthand.

In a world increasingly focused on technology and innovation, Brown’s work highlights an amazing intersection of art, science, and history. It reminds us that exploring the past can lead to creative breakthroughs today. For more information on the science behind paleontology or sound synthesis, check out The National Park Service or Smithsonian Magazine.

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