The Comprehensive Application of Vmus.net for Musical Performance Studies

Abstract

There are two main difficulties in applying empirical approaches such as MIR (Music Information Retrieval) methods in music research. The first is the complexity of the related software and the other is the integration between empirical findings and musicological context. To solve these problems, an easy-to-use online application Vmus.net is introduced with three typical examples combining visualization methods such as IOI deviation and dynamic curve, tempo-dynamic curve, and performance worm with sensible musical and historical considerations. Compared with similar desktop software, Vmus.net is a relatively compact tool still under construction with a growing number of users and datasets. It is presumed that simplifying the analytical process and providing printer-friendly charts for direct quoting might help to persuade more researchers to deeply embed the relevant technology in their musicological investigations1.