Overview
Here we outline a collaboration between HSLU M and T&A supporting the acquisition of funding, specifically an SNF Starting Grant, for Dr. Sabrina Köchli, currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow within an SNF project on music and Parkinson‘s running at HSLU M (2022-2026).
At two world-leading music conservatoires, ‘performance laboratories’ are being developed to help musicians better prepare for auditions and performances, and to investigate how performance situations can be simulated (i.e., The Performance Lab at the Royal College of Music in London, UK, and LIVELab at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada). These laboratories focus on visual and social aspects (e.g., spotlights, backstage settings and virtual audiences) and incorporate technology and real-time audience feedback into performance experience. To align with these renowned music institutions, and within the founding awarded from the Interdisciplinary Network Lucerne (IDN), we have started exploring how advanced feedback acoustics can be applied in here at HSLU. The feasibility of the SP-Lab was investigated with a simple, and temporary audio system using available hardware. Technical block diagrams were developed, detailing the system components and audio signal flow. The technical principle was validated through a psychoacoustic experiment involving N = 6 musicians.
In this context, this preliminary work focused on exploring how we can contribute to improving performance success and health of our music students, extending ultimately to other higher music education institutes. Teachers and students, as key stakeholders, participated in two consultation workshops with constructive dialogue and questionnaires regarding the future development of the institute. The results clearly state that there is a high demand for spaces that offer the opportunity to prepare for exams and performances in different (acoustic) environmental conditions. Teachers expressed concern that the current lack of such spaces negatively impacts the ability of music students to adequately prepare for auditions and performances, thereby reducing their competitive edge and increasing instances of music performance anxiety. Based on this, we will continue to work with the teaching staff and students to develop the use of new technologies to increase the range of resources available in a sustainable way, to support musicians to have long and healthy careers.
