ABSTRACT

The practice of Telematic Music Performance (TMP), a subset of Network Music Performance (NMP), enables geographically remote musicians to engage in real-time musical interplay, typically occurring over a Wide Area Network (WAN: the Internet). However, the transmission of data between remote collaborators introduces millisecond latencies that obstruct the nuance of traditional human-to-human musical intercourse, and consequentially, the music generated by TMP often lacks rudimentary degrees of syncopation. Reducing network latency has been a critical focal point for research in this field, wherein effective networks support low-latency, multi-modal data transmission to enhance sensations of immersion and telepresence for participants; the sense of sharing the ‘same space’ as their collaborator. The author has previously established Telemidi as an effective approach; a TMP system exchanging only MIDI performance data as a primary Latency Accepting Solution (LAS); used to trigger a series of loop-based rhythmic devices upon which a range of improvised, and performative musical actions may occur. This current research undertakes a broad exploration of literature to identify optimal TMP operations and system designs, before implementing a practice-led methodology to iteratively refine and innovate the Telemidi TMP system; to reduce latency, minimise its influence, and to enhance a performer’s musical actions. By synchronising activity between distributed, and near-identical Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), this research explores approaches to enable remote collaborators to co-create stable, and progressive Pulse-Based Music (PBM). MIDI data also facilitates detailed metric analysis of performative actions, and provides opportunities to generate reactive, multi-media content as a result of music performance actions. This immersive media output may be experienced by audiences using VR headwear. A successful implementation of this process holds the potential for a wide array of applications including music performance, music education, online gaming, remote medical therapeutics and virtual wellness services.