Michael Ang

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NIME – Principles for Designing Computer Music Controllers

School January 31st, 2006

I just finished Perry Cook’s paper Principles for Designing Computer Music Controllers. The principles that really struck me were “smart instruments are often not smart” and “make a piece, not an instrument or a controller”.

A performance instrument should have a clear mapping between the performer’s gestures and the sound (or result) produced. The mapping doesn’t have to be static, but it at least has to be predictable. This is based on the idea that the performer is the one creating the work using the instrument/system as a tool. The mapping must allow the performer’s intent to be expressed in the final work or else the performer becomes less creator and more casual participant. You can still have an interactive instrument (where the rules or mappings change) but if the instrument is mostly deterministic in the short term it allows for greater expression. If an instrument has a reliable mapping, the performer can focus on their musical expression instead of the instrument.

Here are the full set of principles:

Some Human/Artistic Principles
1) Programmability is a curse
2) Smart instruments are often not smart
3) Copying an instrument is dumb, leveraging expert technique is smart
4) Some players have spare bandwidth, some do not
5) Make a piece, not an instrument or controller
6) Instant music, subtlety later

Some Technological Principles
7) MIDI = Miracle, Industry Designed, (In)adequate
8) Batteries, Die (a command, not an observation)
9) Wires are not that bad (compared to wireless)

Some Other Principles
10) New algorithms suggest new controllers
11) New controllers suggest new algorithms
12) Existing instruments suggest new controllers
13) Everyday objects suggest amusing controllers

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