An Integrated Approach to Computer-based Musical Instrument Design

In recent years a large number of new computer-based musical instruments have been created. While a number of these have implemented a degree of non-audio feedback as a performance aid (which generally takes the form of either haptics or visuals), the majority have tended to focus specifically (and perhaps understandably) on the audio output, and have neglected other forms of feedback. This paper will examine recent developments in computer-based instruments and propose that an ‘integrated’ approach, which combines audio, visual and haptic feedback, may be more beneficial in the construction of new musical instruments. Further, a preliminary design of such an instrument will be stated based on this approach.