Learn how to master body motion in music creation
Bart Moens
bart.moens@ugent.be
Joren Six
joren.six@ugent.be
MuTechLab Workshop
October 3, 2025
Bart Moens
Postdoctoral Researcher
- IPEM, Ghent University
- XRHIL Core Facility
- Music Technology Expert
Joren Six
Postdoctoral Researcher
- Former IPEM member, Ghent University
- Now at Ghent Centre for Digital Humanities (GhentCDH)
- Music Technology Expert
Timeline
- 09.30 - 10.00 Background, concept and demo
- 10.10 - 12.00 Hands-On
- 12.00 - 12.30 Discussion
IPEM
Research on embodied music cognition
Focus: relationship between movement and music
IPEM Research
Studying music through embodied interaction
"The body in action"
Using XR technologies for immersive musical experiences
Improving Musical Interfaces
One key research area at IPEM:
Extending and improving musical interfaces
Traditional MIDI Controllers
Improving Musical Interfaces
Some IPEM projects
The Music Paint Machine
Interactive musical painting interface
Body movement creates music and visuals
SoundBikes
Cycling synchronized with music
Participatory music-making installation
Movement entrainment research
D-Jogger
Music player adapting to running rhythm
Alignment of music and movement
Entrainment strategies
One Person Choir
Gestural control for singers
Real-time voice harmonization
Embodied music interface
Today's Session
Easy-to-use wearable for music interaction
M5Stack IMU sensors
Low-cost solution for body motion
Concept
Measure sensor values
↓
Convert to MIDI controls
↓
Integrate in your practice
Focus
- Orientation - Pitch, yaw, roll
- Taps - Motion detection
Demo: Orientation Control
Demo: Tap Detection
Integration with DAW
Works with any MIDI-compatible software
Demo DAW integration
Device Operation
Hands-On Session
Try the sensors yourself
Experiment with mappings
Create your own interactions
Discussion
Questions & Ideas
Potential applications
Future directions
References
- Maes et al. (2011): The One-Person Choir
- Maes et al. (2018): The SoundBike
- Moens & Leman (2015): D-Jogger alignment strategies