Juraj Kojs

Computer models and compositional applications of plastic corrugated tubes

A flexible plastic corrugated tube known as the Hummer was a popular sonic toy in the early 1970s. It produces pleasing sonorities when whirled in the air. In this article, we propose a physically informed model of a singing corrugated tube. The model was used in the composition Garden of the Dragon, which is also described in this paper.

Cyberinstruments via Physical Modeling Synthesis: Compositional Applications

ABSTRACT This paper details compositional approaches in music for cyberinstruments by means of physical modeling synthesis. Although the focus is on compositions written with the models simulated by the digital waveguides, modal synthesis and mass-spring-damper algorithms, music written with other modeling techniques is also reviewed.

Virtual reality musical instruments: State of the art, design principles, and future directions

The rapid development and availability of low-cost technologies have created a wide interest in virtual reality. In the field of computer music, the term “virtual musical instruments” has been used for a long time to describe software simulations, extensions of existing musical instruments, and ways to control them with new interfaces for musical expression. Virtual reality musical instruments (VRMIs) that include a simulated visual component delivered via a head-mounted display or other forms of immersive visualization have not yet received much attention. In this article, we present a field overview of VRMIs from the viewpoint of the performer. We propose nine design guidelines, describe evaluation methods, analyze case studies, and consider future challenges.

Notating Action-Based Music

ABSTRACT The author discusses the notation of action-based music, in which physical gestures and their characteristics, such as shape, direction and speed (as opposed to psychoacoustic properties such as pitch, timbre and rhythm), play the dominant role in preserving and transferring information. Grounded in ecological perception and enactive cognition, the article shows how such an approach mediates a direct relationship between composition and performance, details some action-based music notation principles and offers practical examples. A discussion of tablature, graphic scores and text scores contextualizes the method historically.

Virtual reality musical instruments: Guidelines for multisensory interaction design

The rapid development and availability of low cost technologies has created a wide interest in virtual reality (VR), but how to design and evaluate multisensory interactions in VR remains as a challenge. In this paper, we focus on virtual reality musical instruments, present an overview of our design and evaluation guidelines, and examine historical case studies. Our main contribution is to inform the design and evaluation of the future VRMIs and consider the challenges.

Augmenting sonic reality. Cyberinstruments designed with digital waveguides

Abstract This article discusses how cyberinstruments created with digital waveguides—a technique for physical modelling synthesis, enable the augmentation of musical reality. These facilitate efficient replication of musical instruments and allow the extension of the properties of the replicas beyond the limitations of the physical world. The article examines how different composers have manipulated cyberinstruments designed with waveguide synthesis to stretch the sonic identities of physical instruments.