Towards the influence of space & environment on a musical performance

Resumo

Within Environmental Psychology, our surroundings have been widely acknowledged to influence human behaviour. However, research has yet to establish an adequate scholarly discourse surrounding the impact of one’s environment on musical performance, highlighting a large gap in current understanding. In this paper, I outline the methodology and early findings of an ongoing Ph.D. research project. The project investigates performance behaviour in three environments: firstly, the physical environment; secondly, a simulated representation of the environment within a recording studio, and, thirdly, the environment and acoustical characteristics of the studio itself. The method used expands upon previous research by Sato (2011), Brereton (2011), and Ueno (2010) into the effects of room acoustics on musical performance.

The study has indicated that performances are affected by the emotional influences of an environment in addition to its acoustical characteristics. This research offers composers, performers, and studio engineers a greater understanding of the interrelationship between performer and environment, encouraging the use of physical and simulated spaces as a performance tool. Increased attention to the role of space upon performance meets the need for a better understanding within environmental psychology of how environments are experienced and perceived aurally.