Abstract:

Presented here is a custom-built sensor system for the measurement of violin bowing parameters. An improvement on previous designs, the system includes a set of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and force sensors, installed on a carbon fiber violin bow. In addition, another set of inertial sensors, as well as an electric field position sensor, are mounted on the test violin. When taken together, the data from the violin and bow are combined to achieve estimates (relative to the violin) of the three primary bowing parameters: force, speed, and bow-bridge distance. Because the system is relatively compact and lightweight, it is suitable for operation in realistic performance environments outside the laboratory setting. As such, it is possible to obtain detailed physical gesture data from real performances. The potential of the system is explored in several early studies to investigate the interaction of bowing parameters in common strokes. Distinctions between novices and experts, as well as differences between technique and style among experts, are discussed.