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Syncphonia: understanding the value of participatory design in developing music technology to support musical ensembles that use notation

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 21:40 authored by Ed HughesEd Hughes, Alice EldridgeAlice Eldridge, Chris KieferChris Kiefer
The benefits of ensemble performance are well recognized; notation supports group performance, but cuts in music education and changing musical cultures mean that notation is increasingly perceived as a barrier to entry. In an extended participatory design (PD) project, we co-designed and developed a software system for networked notation called Syncphonia with the aim of enhancing access to and experience of notation-based ensemble performance. In previous work, our formal evaluation and informal observations and feedback revealed a wide range of benefits. In this article, we are concerned with articulating the knowledge generated and insights gained through this extended PD process. To do so, we employ a framework for systematic reflection that has been designed to support investigation into the tacit knowledge generated in participatory design. Through this method, we focus inward and share three insights into the value of networked notation in contemporary musical cultures; we also look outward and articulate five approaches to PD with musical ensembles that might benefit others adopting this rich research method. A pluralistic and inclusive vision of notation is espoused and speculation is submitted that a dynamic, networked notation might ameliorate the boundaries between composing, improvising and performing to the benefit of all three.

Funding

NETEM: Supporting Musical Ensembles with Synchronised Digital Scores; G2041; AHRC-ARTS & HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL; AH/P008712/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Journal of Music, Technology and Education

ISSN

1752-7066

Publisher

Intellect Publishers

Issue

1

Volume

13

Page range

57-77

Department affiliated with

  • Music Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-09-25

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-08-02

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-09-25

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