The DigiScore project investigates the transformation of the music score through computational technologies, specifically its effect upon creativity, musicianship, accessibility and innovation. This is because digital scores utilising computational technology and digital media are emerging worldwide as the next evolutionary stage in the concept of the music score. On one end of the scale iPad hosting scrolling images of traditional notation can follow musicians as they play. On the other end of the scale of innovation, AI, robotics and gaming technologies are being utilised to complete the music score in the moment and interact with the human musicians in the completion of the composition. Overall, they are generating new music experiences, innovative compositional approaches, novel performance opportunities, and broader accessibility for a vast number of musicians and music cultures around the world. Yet there has been no scientific study of digital scores; nor their effect upon creativity and musicianship. This is remarkable for two reasons:
- First, because digital scores are generating new music experiences, innovative compositional approaches, novel performance opportunities, and broader accessibility for a vast number of musicians and music cultures around the world.
- Second, because many topics immediately adjacent or informing digital scores have been theorised thereby liberating these subjects and innovating creative practices, e.g. digital media art, digital performance, electro-acoustic music.
The core aims of the project are to:
(1) determine scientific knowledge of how digital scores stimulate new creative opportunities and experiences within a range of music practices,
(2) develop a theoretical framework for digital scores as an important transdisciplinary area of research,
(3) build a scientific study of inclusive digital musicianship through the transformative potential of the digital score.