Using Wearable Sensors to Study Musical Experience: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Music Technology
• Wearable Computing

Background:

• Wearable technologies, such as inertial and pressure sensors, have seen increased application in music research.
• These technologies are utilized across various music domains, including performance and education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on wearable technologies in music.
• To categorize existing research and identify trends, applications, and limitations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method.
• Initial search yielded 359 records; 23 were selected after screening.
• Studies were categorized into performance-oriented systems, physiological parameter measurement, gesture recognition, and sensory mapping.

Main Results:

• Wearable systems significantly impact musical contexts, enabling novel applications.
• Examples include the design of multi-sensory instruments and systems for monitoring music learning parameters.
• Identified applications span performance enhancement, physiological monitoring, gesture recognition, and sensory mapping in music.

Conclusions:

• Wearable technology offers diverse applications and impacts in music performance and education.
• Key limitations include issues with technological comfort and usability.
• Future research should address these limitations and explore further integration of wearables in music.