The Medium is the Message: Composing Instruments and Performing Mappings

Many performers of novel musical instruments find it diffi- cult to engage audiences beyond those in the field. Previous research points to a failure to balance complexity with usability, and a loss of transparency due to the detachment of the controller and sound generator. The issue is often exacerbated by an audience�s lack of prior exposure to the instrument and its workings. However, we argue that there is a conflict underlying many novel musical instruments in that they are intended to be both a tool for creative expression and a creative work of art in themselves, resulting in incompatible requirements. By considering the instrument, the composition and the performance together as a whole with careful consideration of the rate of learning demanded of the audience, we propose that a lack of transparency can become an asset rather than a hindrance. Our approach calls for not only controller and sound generator to be designed in sympathy with each other, but composition, performance and physical form too. Identifying three design principles, we illustrate this approach with the Serendiptichord, a wearable instrument for dancers created by the authors.