Design Challenge 5
 
Embodiment of a Live Music Algorithm :
posted by Tim Blackwell

Summary

Nature-inspired algorithms for autonomous music generation have been developed which have been used in performances.  This software has many of the abilities of a live improvising musician, it can create, suggest and respond to those around it. However, it only has presence as software. In this design challenge we are interested in embodiment. How do we embue the software with a meaningful physical presence. 

If we assume that this will have a positive effect on the experience of the listener and off the performer, possibly increasing the space of possible interactions for example, the question comes:    

How do we design the embodiment of live music making software?  

Should such an embodiment be given the same status as a human making machine?    

If so, how can we achieve this?    

How does embodiment effect the performances of other interacting musicians?   

Does any of this investigation provide us with a handle on how we might embody software simulation in the real world in  general?  

 How do we develop a "sense of presence" with a machine?