Exploring Musical Creation Through Brain-Body Digital Musical Instruments

Yue Wang, and Meiling Wu

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

Brain-Body Digital Musical Instruments (BBDMI) merge physiological signals with real-time sound processing, enabling performers to use Electromyographic (EMG) data for musical expression. This study explores the creative and technical potential of BBDMI, focusing on signal acquisition, calibration, and mapping for use in composition and performance. Demonstrations with flute, piano showcase its ability to enhance expressivity through gestural control. While key advancements include improved signal stability and refined mapping, challenges such as connectivity issues and notation limitations remain. This research highlights BBDMI’s promise as a transformative tool in contemporary music.

Citation

Yue Wang, and Meiling Wu. 2025. Exploring Musical Creation Through Brain-Body Digital Musical Instruments. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15698878 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@article{nime2025_46,
 abstract = {Brain-Body Digital Musical Instruments (BBDMI) merge physiological signals with real-time sound processing, enabling performers to use Electromyographic (EMG) data for musical expression. This study explores the creative and technical potential of BBDMI, focusing on signal acquisition, calibration, and mapping for use in composition and performance. Demonstrations with flute, piano showcase its ability to enhance expressivity through gestural control. While key advancements include improved signal stability and refined mapping, challenges such as connectivity issues and notation limitations remain. This research highlights BBDMI’s promise as a transformative tool in contemporary music.},
 address = {Canberra, Australia},
 articleno = {46},
 author = {Yue Wang and Meiling Wu},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.15698878},
 editor = {Doga Cavdir and Florent Berthaut},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 numpages = {6},
 pages = {337--342},
 title = {Exploring Musical Creation Through Brain-Body Digital Musical Instruments},
 track = {Paper},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2025/nime2025_46.pdf},
 year = {2025}
}