Challis, B., 2017.

Interfaces for Music

This chapter focuses on what good interface design might entail within a context of accessible music interaction by identifying a set of music performance considerations to consider within the design process. It presents some opening thoughts on the breadth of music performance. The music being performed might be composed or arranged and though offering room for expressive interpretation will often be following cultural rules and codes that dictate genre and style. There may well be certain obvious actions that require some level of energy exchange that already map well within existing musical conventions, and these may be particularly meaningful within specific instrumental contexts. From the music performer's perspective, there are equally exciting opportunities to be realized. Digital musical instruments (DMIs) offer access to a vast array of sounds and musical textures, ranging from the emulation of acoustic instruments and historic electronic instruments through to the generation of new and unusual synthesized sounds.