Towards a Model for Instrumental Mapping in Expert Musical Interaction

This paper reviews models of the ways in which performer instrumental actions can be linked to sound synthesis parameters. We analyse available literature on both acoustical instrument simulation and mapping of input devices to sound synthesis in general human-computer interaction. We further demonstrate why a more complex mapping strategy is required to maximise human performance possibilities in expert manipulation situations by showing clear measurements of user performance improvement over time. We finally discuss a general model for instrumental mapping, by separating the mapping layer into two independent parts. This model allows the expressive use of different input devices within the same architecture, or conversely, the use of different synthesis algorithms, by only changing one part of the mapping layer.