musicBottles implements a tangible interface that uses bottles as controllers for on/off of music. The system consists of a custom table and three corked bottles that “contain” sounds. When a bottle is placed on the top level of the table and the cork is removed, the corresponding sound starts to play. The interface gives players option to control music in a simple and interactive way.

Another work done by the same group — Tangible Media Group in MIT Media Lab —  is called Audiopad. Although they are both musical applications using tangible tale as a media to help control, this work is far more complex.

It is an interactive instrument for electronic musicians. Its small components including samples, loops, microphones.

I have seen an even larger application aiming to produce electronic music using tangible ways. And it has been commercialized. Here is the video.