Research in the creative and performing arts includes many activities from testing and adoption of new technologies, to the creation and dissemination of new art, and studies on the impact and relevance of art to our lives, our communities, and our economy.

Some recent and current research projects involving our faculty, staff, and students include:

"Telejazz" Live Concert Recordings of Musicians in Different Cities Performing Together

Using software developed by Chris Chafe and the CCRMA lab at Stanford University, as well as the CANARIE high bandwidth internet connection, musicians in Banff and at Humber performed ‘together’ live in front of an audience and for a 32 channel multitrack recording. The purpose is to study the feasibility of using high-bandwidth networks for musical collaboration, to develop pedagogical approaches to using the new technology, and to study how playing music over networks can impact composition, arranging, performing, and learning.

Humber investigators: Steve Bellamy, Sylvain Bedard
Funder: The Banff Centre (2009)
Partners: Stanford University (Lead researcher - C. Chafe; CCRMA); The Banff Centre (T. Leonard; Music & Sound Program);
Humber Contact: Steve Bellamy (steve.bellamy@humber.ca)



photo credit: Al Kay

Open Orchestra Project – Virtual Rehearsal System for Musicians
McGill University is the lead research institution and Humber is one of four national partners

Developed at McGill University, the Open Orchestra system is a workstation composed of a ‘wrap-around’ set of 3 high definition images and special-perspective audio recordings that can be accessed remotely over the CANARIE CANET4 high-bandwidth network. A musician can access a database of special recordings which allows him or her to rehearse along with a seasoned band, while seeing and hearing the ensemble from the same perspective that they would if they were sitting within the ensemble. The purpose is to study the effects of such a system on music rehearsal and pedagogy, as well as to determine possible future applications.

Humber investigators: Denny Christianson and Steve Bellamy
Funder: CANARIE
Partners: McGill University (lead), UVIC, National Arts Centre, National Youth Orchestra
Humber Contact: Steve Bellamy (Admin and Technical contact) Denny Christianson (Music and Pedagogy contact)



photo credit: Steve Bellamy, Sylvain Bedard