The 'ECHO' project explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), biosensors, and piano performance practice at an embodied level. The objective is to address the role of the body and its perceptual system in the “counterpoint” between human and machine interaction and its ontology, which is an urgent challenge for the advancement of AI applications in music performance practice.
This investigation is an extension of Giusy Caruso's previous research ('T*ActILE' and 'Encounters') and the CREATIE research group project 'AI-Musicking'. The aim is to study the real-time feedback and adaptive learning experiences of biosensors in monitoring muscle tension during piano performance. The embodied dataset will be integrated into an AI model to improve piano technique, reduce the risk of injuries, and create novel interactive performances. The method entails a series of artistic and scientific experiments conducted in cooperation with Royal Conservatoire Antwerp researchers and piano students, as well as external labs: IDlab-University Antwerp, VUB-Brussels, and LWT3 Milano.
The insights gained will contribute to personalized piano education methodologies for students and advanced pianists and new creations.
