From Vibrotactile Sensation to Semiotics. Mediations for The Experience of Music

Abstract

An essential modality in apprehending the environment, the perception of vibrations can provide innovative solutions in the renewal of complex instrumental practices, socially shared and adapted to different perceptual conditions (sighted, blind, hearing, non-hearing public) . This article presents the results of an exploratory experiment conducted on the perception of vibrotactile stimuli transmitted through a vibrating device. The originality of this study lies in that it aims to articulate a subjective approach to sensory experience with the scientific and technological advances identified in the fields of vibroacoustics, electroacoustics and music. Vibrotactile perception has been explored with a view to its application to the interpretation of a complex instrumental practice, musical play. This artistic practice is exemplary in nature and can be generalized in certain aspects to any demanding daily activity, in an individual or collective situation.