The T-Stick Music Creation Project: An approach to building a creative community around a DMI

Abstract

To tackle digital musical instrument (DMI) longevity and the problem of the second performer, we proposed the T-Stick Music Creation Project, a series of musical commissions along with workshops, mentorship, and technical support, meant to foment composition and performance using the T-Stick and provide an opportunity to improve technical and pedagogical support for the instrument. Based on the project's outcomes, we describe three main contributions: our approach; the artistic works produced; and analysis of these works demonstrating the T-Stick as actuator, modulator, and data provider.

Sustainable Internet of Musical Things: Strategies to Account for Environmental and Social Sustainability in Network-Based Interactive Music Systems

“…The case of the T-Stick [75] is particularly relevant in this sense, as its longevity has been explicitly addressed for several years. By looking at this case, we can identify two main approaches 1) building research and cultural activities that promote and give continuity to the practices linked to the use of the instrument [49], and 2) updating the instrument and contrasting obsolescence [67,93]. Concerning continuity of practice, the T-Stick developers used it for new studies [135] and created ad-hoc commissions and workshops to help composers to adopt the instrument [49].…”

“…By looking at this case, we can identify two main approaches 1) building research and cultural activities that promote and give continuity to the practices linked to the use of the instrument [49], and 2) updating the instrument and contrasting obsolescence [67,93]. Concerning continuity of practice, the T-Stick developers used it for new studies [135] and created ad-hoc commissions and workshops to help composers to adopt the instrument [49]. Indeed, it is important here to stress that the early disposal of an instrument is not only dependent on technical aspects but often also derived from a lack of context to actually use it.…”

Studying Performances with Digital Musical Instruments: A Case Study of Ritual, a Piece for Solo Karlax

“…Yet, contrary to those, there are few in-person opportunities to make music with DMIs in groups, perhaps except for the control of live loops in club settings. Building communities of practice is crucial to creating the conditions for widespread DMI performance (de Laubier & Goudard, 2006;Fukuda et al, 2021).…”

Instruments that are more than instruments (and other stories)

“…Insofar as multimedia instruments are concerned, certain endeavours go as far as to seek bootstrap micro-communities pivoting on open-ended making. For instance,Fukuda et al (2021) indent to set out a longer-term community around their 'T-Stick' instrument and by means of commissions, workshops, mentorships, and long-run technical support. In doing so, they discover more aspects and uses for their instrument.…”