Augmented Cello Model: Via Distance Sensor, Conduction, and IMU
Author
Levinson, Alexander Emmanuel
Term
4. Term
Education
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-05-26
Abstract
Some musical instruments are played without physical touch. Although they are rare, examples like the theremin and the laser harp have gained attention. This thesis explores how ideas from these instruments can be applied to the cello. It examines how professional theremin and laser harp players control volume (loudness) and pitch (how high or low a note is) without touching the instrument. These principles are adapted to an augmented cello by attaching sensors to the player and the instrument, with the aim of extending or sometimes replacing standard cello techniques. The study uses autobiographical design (Neustaedter & Sengers, 2012): the author, a cellist, plays the augmented cello and reflects on the experience. Its effectiveness is also explored through trials with three cellists. Their feedback is compared with the author’s reflections and with insights from the professional theremin and laser harp performers. The shared patterns that emerge support the chosen approach and point to the potential for expanding touchless instrument design.
Nogle musikinstrumenter spilles uden fysisk berøring. Selvom de er sjældne, har eksempler som theremin og laserharpe fået opmærksomhed. Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan idéer fra disse instrumenter kan overføres til cello. Det ser på, hvordan professionelle theremin- og laserharpespillere styrer lydstyrke (volumen) og tonehøjde (hvor høj eller lav en tone er) uden at røre instrumentet. Disse principper tilpasses en udvidet cello ved at montere sensorer på både musikeren og instrumentet med henblik på at udvide eller til tider erstatte almindelige celloteknikker. Studiet bruger autobiografisk design (Neustaedter & Sengers, 2012): forfatteren, som er cellist, spiller den udvidede cello og reflekterer over oplevelsen. Effektiviteten vurderes også gennem forsøg med tre cellister. Deres feedback sammenlignes med forfatterens refleksioner og med indsigter fra de professionelle theremin- og laserharpespillere. De fælles mønstre, der fremkom, støtter den valgte tilgang og peger på potentialet for at udvide berøringsfri instrumentdesign.
[This abstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords