Musical Responses to Haptic Technologies

This Research & Knowledge Exchange Doctoral Project brief summarises our priority areas of research interest under the heading of: Musical Responses to Haptic Technologies (MRHT).

We welcome all research degree applications aligned with and in response to this brief.

Lead photo credit: Adrian Bossey

Whilst there are 9.8 million people who are Deaf or disabled in the UK, their ability to engage with the live music industry as performers has been criticised. Live music performances increasingly incorporate ICT and haptic augmentation may offer potential to increase inclusion of performers who are Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent. Haptic technologies may also offer inspiration to composers and musicians to create new works which respond artistically to the sense of touch. 

The MRHT project is designed to explore the extent to which haptic technologies can stimulate a creative response from musicians and composers and increase the programming of performers who are Deaf, disabled or neurodiverse in live music events in order to drive inclusion.  Key potential research questions include: 

• What could the role of haptic technology be in relation to live music performances? 
• Can haptic technologies support the programming of performers who are Deaf, disabled or neurodiverse at live music events? 
• Can music be composed or musical performances devised in response to haptic technologies? 

In addition to written reflection, this project could incorporate practice-based responses to these questions (EG new compositions, performances or soundscapes) and/or include research with commercial partners. 

Projects deriving from this brief are expected to sit within the Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy and the following department.

All successful research degree project proposals must emphasise a clear alignment between the project idea and our Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy.