*Using technology for visual and real-time performance feedback and learning* ![[tr-ee-mUFSyu.png|200]] https://tr.ee/mUFSyu --- **Dr. Thad Anderson** [University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts](https://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu/) Associate Professor & Coordinator of Percussion Studies [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) [www.thadanderson.com](https://www.thadanderson.com) [linktr.ee/thadanderson](https://linktr.ee/thadanderson) --- > [!info] > Whether we are aware of it or not, as musicians and performers, we are in a constant mode of real-time feedback, self-assessment, and decision making. This session will focus on ways to become more aware of this internal dialogue and how to improve upon this essential performance skillset in the practice room. --- ## Introduction As performers, we are in a constant mode of real-time analysis and self-assessment. This internal commentary is used to make adjustments and enhancements during performance for a more successful and musical playing experience. At times, negative or unrelated thoughts make their way into our stream of consciousness. This often leads to performance errors or lack of musical control (sound quality, stability of pulse, etc…). On the other hand, much of our performance mindset is made up of positive cues and reminders that are rehearsed and tweaked in the practice room. The more that we are aware of this process, the more we learn to rely on and trust this instinctual commentary that helps us to make adjustments during successful performance outings. It can be difficult to understand or explain this process to younger musicians, particularly if they have not spent a great deal of time on stage in front of an audience. Audio and video recording technology is a common and useful way to help students to understand principles of sound production and pulse control. These techniques allow for insight after a performance, but they don’t offer visual data that can help us learn what went well and what didn’t go as planned. This session will explore practice methods and exercises that use analytical data to help solve two of the most crucial skill sets that are at the forefront of every performance: sound quality and pulse. If we can learn to utilize this analytical method in the practice room, it can make for a comfortable and confident performing experience when in front of an audience. --- ## Analytics Before we delve into the process, let’s first get a glimpse of how it might work outside of the performance field. This mode of real-time perception and personal commentary is a form of analytics. Analytics is the process of obtaining optimal or realistic information based on existing data. To put it simply, it is the science of analysis. Analytics is a part of our every day lives. If you are a web developer, you are constantly reviewing data to help boost traffic to your website for a better user experience. If you drive a smart or hybrid vehicle, your dashboard provides you with real-time information such as fuel efficiency or if you are using an electric motor versus the combustion engine. This provides a more engaging driving experience and the real-time feedback provides useful data to enhance all-around performance. A key concept here is optimization. Once we have data or feedback, it is in our best interest to do something with that information. Optimization is the process of selecting the best element(s) from a set of alternatives. If a musician knows how to make a proper adjustment for better tone quality, for example, this will enhance the overall performance. We all know how beneficial recording practice sessions or run-throughs can be; we are able to step out from behind the instrument and hear ourselves as if we are audience members. These exercises offer the same benefits with the added bonus of a visual reference and actual data. Many performers (like myself) are visual learners and can benefit from experiencing visual feedback in addition to listening. ![[analytics.png]] > [!info] > The process of obtaining optimal information based on existing data As a non-music example, the following image is an example of a Google Analytics dashboard where you can gain insights into website traffic, sources, and other crucial information to better optimize the user experience. ![[google_anlytics.png]] ### Optimization - Selecting the best element(s) from a set of alternatives. - Assists with guiding decision making. ### Real-Time Analysis As performers, what we do with this information is crucial to our success on stage. We are in a constant mode of real-time decision making in order to “select the best elements from a set of alternative.” Examples of these elements or musical decisions might include: - Was I too loud? - Is my left hand even with my right? - Am a creating a characteristic tone? - Are my sixteenth notes choppy? - Is that the best sticking choice? - Am I playing with the other musicians? --- ## AI-nalytics What does ChatGPT have to say about analytics in music performance? Let’s ask! > **Prompt: _How can analytics be used in music performance?_** Analytics can be used in music performance in several ways to enhance the quality of the performance, assess various aspects of musicality, and provide insights for improvement. Here are some ways analytics can be applied to music performance: 1. **Technical Assessment**: Analytics can be used to evaluate the technical proficiency of musicians. For instance, software can analyze the accuracy of pitch, timing, and dynamics. This can be particularly helpful for instrumentalists and vocalists to identify areas for improvement in their playing or singing. 2. **Tonal Analysis**: Analyzing the tonal quality of a performance can help musicians ensure that they are producing the desired tone and sound. Software can assess the richness and purity of tone and help performers achieve consistency. 3. **Rhythm and Timing**: Analyzing rhythm and timing is crucial, especially in ensemble performances. Analytics can help identify deviations from the intended tempo, rhythmic errors, and synchronization issues among musicians. 4. **Dynamic Expression**: Analytics can assess the dynamic expression within a musical performance. Musicians can use this information to ensure that they are effectively conveying the emotional content of a piece through changes in volume and intensity. 5. **Intonation Analysis**: For ensembles and orchestras, intonation (tuning) is critical. Analytics can identify instances of sharp or flat notes and help performers adjust their intonation to play in tune. 6. **Score Alignment**: Technology can be used to align a performance with the original musical score. This helps in understanding where deviations occur and how to interpret and correct them. 7. **Performance Metrics**: Musicians and conductors can use analytics to track performance metrics over time. This can include tracking a musician's progress in mastering a piece, monitoring improvement, and setting goals for future performances. 8. **Audience Engagement**: In live performances, audience response can be analyzed through social media interactions, audience surveys, or sound level measurements. This feedback can help musicians gauge the audience's emotional connection and response to the music. 9. **Biomechanical Analysis**: For instrumentalists, particularly those playing physically demanding instruments, biomechanical analytics can help assess posture, technique, and physical strain to prevent injuries and improve efficiency. 10. **Machine Learning and AI**: Advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, can be used to identify patterns and correlations in musical performance data, offering insights into optimal performance techniques, composition, and audience preferences. 11. **Historical and Comparative Analysis**: Musicians can use analytics to compare their performance to historical or reference recordings. This can provide a deeper understanding of the interpretation of a piece and how it has evolved over time. 12. **Rehearsal Enhancement**: Analytics can be used during rehearsals to provide real-time feedback to musicians and conductors, helping them address issues as they arise and refine their performance. By incorporating analytics into music performance, musicians and educators can gain valuable insights, refine their skills, and enhance the overall quality of their performances. Additionally, this data-driven approach can help bridge the gap between artistry and technology, contributing to a deeper understanding of music and performance. --- ## Equipment Before we learn details about the exercises, let’s first outline some of the equipment and software options that are suggested to make the most of using these practice methods: **Computer:** - Either Apple Macintosh or standard PC desktop or laptop - It is also possible to use a tablet or smartphone **Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software:** - Consumer level: [Audacity](https://www.audacityteam.org) (freeware), GarageBand, or similar - Professional level: Pro Tools ([Intro](https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/intro) is free), [Ableton Live](https://www.ableton.com/en/live/) (free trial), Logic X Pro (Mac only), or similar **Audio Interface:** - If using an external microphone, you will need an audio interface to connect the XLR cable to your computer. - Such as the [Universal Audio Volt 276](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Volt276--universal-audio-volt-276-usb-c-audio-interface) (USB-C) or [Universal Audio Apollo Solo](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ApolloSTBHE--universal-audio-apollo-solo-heritage-edition-thunderbolt-3-audio-interface-with-uad-dsp) (Thunderbolt 3) **Microphone:** - Built-in computer microphone (not ideal due to control and placement) - External USB microphone - Such at the [Blue Yeti](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/YetiBlk--blue-microphones-yeti-multi-pattern-usb-condenser-microphone-blackout), or similar - Standard condenser microphone connected via XLR and an audio interface - The [Audio Technica AT2020](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020--audio-technica-at2020-cardioid-condenser-microphone) is inexpensive large diaphragm condenser microphone Though it is certainly possible to utilize these exercises using Audacity and a built-in computer microphone (the most economical option), it is ideal to have DAW software that can support a click track and a headphone output for monitoring the metronome during performance. This will allow the user to take full advantage of these exercises’ capabilities. The most common setup I use with these exercises includes an Apple MacBook Pro laptop, Pro Tools, and a AT2020 large diaphragm condenser microphone. Finally, I would like to discuss **Transient Patterns** before getting into our exercises. A transient is a short duration signal that occurs in the audio waveform and is characterized by a sudden change in amplitude. Transient patterns are typically associated with the initial attack phase of a sound, such as the striking of a drum or the plucking of a guitar string. Transients are visual representations of sound and therefore can be interpreted into basic rhythm. Here is an example of a transient pattern: ![[transient-tatterns.jpg]] --- ## Exercises The following exercises have been created to provide examples of how to make use of these ideas in your practice. Most importantly, adapt these ideas to your own needs as you best see fit. ### Exercise #1: evenness of hand-to-hand sound quality and pulse control ![[01 Stick Control Excerpt.pdf]] Excerpt from [_Stick Control_ by George Lawerence Stone](https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/stick-control-for-the-snare-drummer/snare-drum-books): ### Exercise #2: rhythmic tendencies and pulse control ![[02 Pulse Control Exercise.pdf]] ### Exercise #3: create a round; displacement of rhythmic recording ![[03 Syncopation Excerpt.pdf]] Excerpt from [_Syncopation_ by Ted Reed](https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/Reed-Syncopation/general-drumset-methods): _An in-depth explanation of this exercise is included in the article linked below._ ### Exercise #4: two-heights ![[04 Wrist and Finger Control Excerpt.pdf]] Excerpt from [_Wrist and Finger Control_ by Charley Wilcoxon](https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/wilcoxon-wrist-finger-stroke-control/snare-drum-books): ### Exercise #?: MAKE UP YOUR OWN! Seriously, apply these concepts to your own exercise or musical excerpt. Find creative ways to use recording and software technology to **optimize** your technical and musical playing abilities. --- ## Article I wrote an article version of this session and topic for the _Percussive Arts Society Educators' Companion_, which can be downloaded at the below link or read below: [PAS Educators' Companion, Vol. III, Spring 2016](http://www.pas.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/pas-ed-companion-volume-iii-spring-2016.pdf?sfvrsn=2) ![[Percussion Analytics by Thad Anderson, PAS Educators Companion, Vol. III, 2016.pdf]] The full series of the PAS Educators' Companion volumes are available [here](http://www.pas.org/resources/education/the-educators-companion). --- ## Wrap-Up There are additional exercises that I use to work on fundamentals, but these are a few that will help you begin to heighten your awareness for this type of analysis and optimization. The ability to see and hear tendencies in real time and to make the proper adjustment is an invaluable way to understand how our mental awareness works while on stage in front of an audience. It also helps us to better appreciate the fine technical details and skills that are required to develop a mature musician into a great performer. I would encourage you to explore using technology for analytical data to help improve specific components of your own playing that need attention. Use the exercises and books presented here, or simply make up your own exercises. This is the best way to learn about tendencies, good or bad, and how to make the proper adjustment. --- In 2016 I gave the clinic at the Music For All Summer Symposium at Ball State University. Below is a short video documentary from the session with the high school students: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MOpescD5Kuo?si=m-yd25vrugdpZmcH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>