RMA Colloquia: Dr Jenn Kirby
RMA Colloquia: Dr Jenn Kirby
RMA Research Colloquia in Music: ARC Public
Date: Wednesday 22 February 2023
Time: 17:15
Venue: Studio 1, Advanced Research Centre
Category: Public lectures, Academic events, Student events
Speaker: Dr Jenn Kirby
Website: www.gla.ac.uk/subjects/music/events/rmaresearchcolloquiainmusic/
Music hosts a series of colloquia on behalf of the Royal Musical Association featuring national and international guest speakers, along with staff and postgraduate students. All sessions take place in the ARC — Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre, 11 Chapel Lane, G11 6EW (see map). All sessions are free and open to the public, a warm welcome is extended to all.
Wed 22nd February, ARC Studio 1
Join Dr Jenn Kirby (Goldsmiths, University of London)
The Body in Electronic Music Performance: a movement-led approach to instrument design
Movement and interaction in electronic music performance do not have the same restrictions or conventions to that of the performance of instrumental music. The designer of the electronic musical instrument considers what kind of interaction is possible and appropriate. However, the starting point need not be sound. In much of my work in designing instruments and performance systems, movement is my starting point. I begin by playing an imaginary instrument. Through the use of sensors and controllers I can capture and interpret the data of that movement. With this data, I consider what sonic gestures might corresponds to the data and visual gesture. This approach has led me to be more respectful of the performing body. Rather than restricting the body to produce certain data, the system can be adapted by reconfiguring gestures to correspond to more comfortable and intuitive movement for individual bodies. This results in a more embodied performance experience which aims to increase performer agency and strengthen audience reception.
This discussion will be supported with demonstrations.