Electronic wind instruments for mobility-restricted musicians

Abstract

One of the earliest applications of analog music synthesizers was the simulation of orchestral instruments. Electronic wind instrument sounds were played through piano-like keyboards or interfaces with breath controllers that mimicked physical wind instruments. Synthesizers are also often the best alternative for artists with disabilities to play a musical instrument. This talk focuses on methods and experiences the authors were involved with to design electronic alternatives to wind instruments for people who lost control of their arms. The Jamboxx is a USB controller that was specifically designed as a head-only interface using a breath controller to simulate airflow but also operates as a suck/puff device to activate menus and buttons, a slider to manipulate pitch, and a tilt-sensor to control expression parameters. The Jamboxx also addressed musicians seeking a harmonica-type interface to augment their guitar performance. The AUMI instrument is a touchless device based on camera tracking. This talk will address different sound synthesis methods to achieve realistic wind instruments, the ability to integrate these instruments with other off-the-shelf products (e.g., VST plugins), and special requirements for artists with special needs to play these instruments without too much fatigue. [Work supported by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.]