A newly published study by Ghent University researchers is shaking up the music world by examining how mixed reality tech impacts musical collaboration. Musicians can now jam together in real-time using 3D avatars, creating a virtual drum circle experience that tests their ability to perform polyrhythmic patterns.
The Experiment Breakdown
Researchers evaluated performance through statistical and regression analyses, focusing on two key areas:
- Visual connections: Musicians played without seeing each other, as avatars, and in real life.
- Auditory context: The effects of a metronome and accompanying music on performance.
Key Takeaways
- Performance: Polyrhythmic auditory cues improved individual performance and sense of control.
- Visual Impact: Seeing each other, even as avatars, boosted the participants’ shared decision-making and feelings of unity.
- Coordination: Visual connections enhanced bodily coordination and coregulation, allowing musicians to better predict and adapt to each other’s actions.
Big Picture
This study not only highlights how mixed reality can enhance musical performance but also underscores its potential applications in broader human behavior and cognitive studies. As tech evolves, so does our understanding of collaboration and coordination in both virtual and real-world settings.
Michael Vincent is the Founder and General Manager Ludwig Van. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 20 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.
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