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A Smart Mirror for Music Conducting Exercises

Published:23 October 2017Publication History

ABSTRACT

Music conductors are at a disadvantage compared to musicians playing an instrument, in that they don't receive immediate feedback during individual practice. Since the orchestra is not always readily available, beginner conductors practice in front of a mirror and are left to judge their own performance, which can be a pretty difficult and subjective task.

In this paper we present a low-cost computer-based system that, in addition to the mirror image, provides users with real time feedback about musical conducting performance. The system uses a Microsoft Kinect to track upper body joint coordinates, and a Myo armband to provide more exact arm positioning data. Using these devices, we are able to detect common mistakes such as swaying, rocking, excessive hinge movement, mirroring, and incorrect palm position, as well as measure tempo and classify the articulation type as staccato or legato.

The system has been well received by conducting students and their instructor, as it is very easy to set up and use, and it allows them to practice by themselves, without an orchestra.

References

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          cover image ACM Conferences
          Thematic Workshops '17: Proceedings of the on Thematic Workshops of ACM Multimedia 2017
          October 2017
          558 pages
          ISBN:9781450354165
          DOI:10.1145/3126686

          Copyright © 2017 ACM

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          Publication History

          • Published: 23 October 2017

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