i-Maestro Gesture & Posture Support: 3D Motion Visualisation

i-Maestro Gesture and Posture Support:
3D Motion Data Visualisation of Performance

Musicians often use mirrors to study themselves practicing. More recently we have seen the increased use of video recording in music education as a practice and teaching tool. For the purpose of analysing a performance these tools are not ideal since they offer a limited 2D perspective view of the performance. Using 3D Motion capture technology it is possible to overcome this limitation by visualising the instrument and the performer in a 3D environment. Visualisation such as this can serve as a "3D augmented mirror" to help students improve their technique and develop self awareness. It assists teachers to identify and explain problems to students.

By analysing and processing 3D motion capture data it is possible to obtain comprehensive information about a performance. For example, in the case of a string player, we can analyse the different characteristics of bow movements and the relationships between the bow, the instrument and the body. This information can be extremely useful for both student and teacher. It can be used in real time to provide instantaneous feedback about the performance and may also be used to make recordings for in-depth study after the performance has taken place.

Learning to play an instrument is a physical activity. If a student develops a bad posture early on this can be potentially damaging later in his/her musical career. Using i-Maestro technology, students may be able to develop awareness of their posture and avoid these problems.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• i-Maestro
• gesture
• visualisation
• 3D
• motion
• capture
• mocap
• AMIR
• violin
• string
• instrument
• performance
• playing
• technology