Update

While I dont yet have a solid idea of what I want to do with the arduino, I do know what I want to use, which is MAX/MSP.

I found some really great information about how to combine the arduino and max msp. The greate thing about this is that I may be able to create a more visual experience with the micro controller and max masp.

http://www.mdhosale.com/md_arduino/ Is a great example of how to combine max msp and arduino.