Examination of a MIDI wind controller for use in wind performance research

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Publication Title

Music Performance Research

Abstract

MIDI wind controllers (MWCs) have existed for over 20 years, but their use as a tool in wind instrument research has received little attention. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the validity and practicality of using an MWC in wind performance research. Validity was examined by determining the consistency between performances on an MWC and on a clarinet or saxophone. Practicality was assessed by determining the duration of practice time by single reed players on an MWC. Following a pilot study involving four clarinettists and two saxophonists, nine participants practised and performed warm‐ups, scales, and a melodic excerpt on an MWC for four days. Performances were analysed for warm‐up time, practice time, pitch accuracy, and duration. Warm‐up and practice times were reasonable relative to total study session durations. Results indicated MWCs are a practical and valid proxy in research for saxophonists. For clarinettists without saxophone experience, appropriate musical tasks are limited to playing passages in the key of C. Areas of research that could benefit from the use of MWCs are dynamics, micro‐timing, and musicmotor learning.

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