Transformative musical futures

Building tomorrow’s virtual performances together

Abstract

Abstract (Trendsetter Presentation)

This presentation will provide an overview of the work being conducted around the use of virtual simulation technology to assist performance preparation. Our research addresses challenges in music performance training, including performance anxiety and limited access to realistic performance conditions.

By investigating immersive performance technologies during the COVID-19 lockdowns, our research demonstrated the potential to simulate the psychological and physiological markers of performance anxiety while facilitating remote teaching of performance psychology skills. Building on this work, we have now developed a VR application that simulates a concert hall environment. This virtual performance application offers a realistic environment for students to experience challenging scenarios with the aim to develop their resilience and confidence in a safe, controlled setting.

Our recent research with music students from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music provides valuable insights into the performer experience. This participant feedback has enabled iterative improvements to the VR application’s realism and effectiveness within a design-based research framework. Key areas of development have focussed on realistic hall environment and lighting, enhancing audio with reverb and environmental sounds, the incorporation of performance distractions, and simulating the backstage to onstage transition.

Students have reported that the virtual environment successfully induces performance-related nervousness while indicating a strong interest in using the application to further their performance training. Future developments include exploring more creative aspects of the virtual space, incorporating gamification, mixed reality experiences, biometric capture and generative AI feedback. Our virtual performance research aims to improve performance preparation by re-imagining how the next generation of musicians train, create, and engage with audiences.