Royal College of Music Performance Laboratory
Lead Research Organisation:
Royal College of Music
Department Name: Research
Abstract
We are requesting support from the Creative Research Capability Fund to enable a major upgrade and expansion of the Royal College of Music's pioneering Performance Simulator facility into a comprehensive dual-strand Performance Laboratory. Launched in 2011, the Performance Simulator uses video simulation techniques to enable musicians to practise performing in real-world, dynamic performance conditions. The Simulator provides the foundations for world-leading research undertaken by the RCM's Centre for Performance Science and has been used as a training and development space by stakeholders across the creative and cultural economy.
In its current form, however, the Performance Simulator has been pushed to its limit in terms of capacity and technology. Its shortcomings - in size, accessibility and technological set-up - are now restricting growth for new research and further expansion for use by those working in parallel public performance domains. We envisage a programme of upgrade and expansion that will unleash the facility's full potential for industry use and research collaboration, both within and beyond the performing arts, and which will play a key role in developing our profile in commercialisation and IP.
Specifically, we are seeking [1] To create a new, much larger Performance Laboratory facility in the RCM's Performance Studio, a 110-capacity black-box fully-accessible studio space housed in the College's newly-completed extension; [2] To upgrade the existing Performance Simulator space to a parallel Performance Laboratory allowing for simultaneous operation with small and large performance groups; [3] To review, develop and install in both Laboratory spaces new simulation and performance capture software; and [4] To test and implement the expanded dual-site Performance Laboratory facility.
These advances will allow the RCM to expand its role in training musicians to meet the ever-changing demands of the UK's creative and cultural economy, foster pioneering research cutting across psychology, physiology, perception, kinematics, pedagogy and technology-enhanced experiential learning, and engage with performers from across the arts, business, sport, medicine, education and creative practices to reconsider how they prepare for and perform in their professions, all contributing to more productive and sustainable performance ecosystems.
In its current form, however, the Performance Simulator has been pushed to its limit in terms of capacity and technology. Its shortcomings - in size, accessibility and technological set-up - are now restricting growth for new research and further expansion for use by those working in parallel public performance domains. We envisage a programme of upgrade and expansion that will unleash the facility's full potential for industry use and research collaboration, both within and beyond the performing arts, and which will play a key role in developing our profile in commercialisation and IP.
Specifically, we are seeking [1] To create a new, much larger Performance Laboratory facility in the RCM's Performance Studio, a 110-capacity black-box fully-accessible studio space housed in the College's newly-completed extension; [2] To upgrade the existing Performance Simulator space to a parallel Performance Laboratory allowing for simultaneous operation with small and large performance groups; [3] To review, develop and install in both Laboratory spaces new simulation and performance capture software; and [4] To test and implement the expanded dual-site Performance Laboratory facility.
These advances will allow the RCM to expand its role in training musicians to meet the ever-changing demands of the UK's creative and cultural economy, foster pioneering research cutting across psychology, physiology, perception, kinematics, pedagogy and technology-enhanced experiential learning, and engage with performers from across the arts, business, sport, medicine, education and creative practices to reconsider how they prepare for and perform in their professions, all contributing to more productive and sustainable performance ecosystems.
Publications
| Title | Jump & Twist |
| Description | In a collaboration with the Natural History Museum, an RCM composition created to accompany a photograph from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in the Performance Laboratory, making use of its distinctive visual and acoustic features. |
| Type Of Art | Composition/Score |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Sold-out performances at the RCM and NHM. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIZ0aK7AWjs |
| Title | Leaving the Nest |
| Description | In a collaboration with the Natural History Museum, an RCM composition created to accompany a photograph from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in the Performance Laboratory, making use of its distinctive visual and acoustic features. |
| Type Of Art | Composition/Score |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Sold out performances at the RCM and NHM. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecaaAX-GAtw |
| Title | Steinway SpirioCast Concert |
| Description | Sparked by the purchase of a Steinway Spirio piano as part of the Performance Laboratory project, the Royal College of Music collaborated with Steinway & Sons to host Europe's first-ever Spiriocast event organised by an institution, bringing the RCM performance into concert halls and to audiences across the world. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Spirio pianos recreated the performance in real time in showrooms in dozens of cities worldwide. Future collaboration has been planned with Steinway. |
| URL | https://www.rcm.ac.uk/about/news/all/2025-03-04spiriocast.aspx |
| Title | Two Manatees |
| Description | In a collaboration with the Natural History Museum, an RCM composition created to accompany a photograph from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in the Performance Laboratory, making use of its distinctive visual and acoustic features. |
| Type Of Art | Composition/Score |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Sold out performances at the RCM and NHM. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNre8S8PR3c |
| Description | We have designed, constructed, and launched a pair of world-leading Performance Laboratories within the Royal College of Music (RCM). Based on three-dimensional visual and acoustic scans of three of the RCM's distinctive performance venues, we recreated virtual performance spaces using the industry-leading Unreal Engine videogaming platform. We recorded the movements of a performance capture artist and voices of several actors to drive the behaviours of realistic audiences and interview/audition panels that are placed within these spaces, all controlled by a custom-built interface that lets us simulate real-world performance settings. In our large, flagship Laboratory space, this software output is projected onto three walls creating an immersive performance area. A newly-installed Meyer Constellation system allows us simultaneously to change and simulate the acoustic of the space to match the visual element (or be used in isolation), while a Steinway Spirio R concert grand piano can be used to record and play back performances given on the instrument. The visual simulations have been recreated in our smaller Laboratory space, suited for individual performance training, which also benefits from a state-of-the-art motion capture system for performance measurement. Eye tracking and physiological measurement hardware can be used across both spaces. |
| Exploitation Route | The public launch of the Performance Laboratory in January 2024 has generated considerable interest in its use for performance training, research, and commercial hire. The facilities have been incorporated into performance training at the Royal College of Music (RCM), with integration across the RCM's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Moreover, they have been hired commercially for performance training in fields beyond music, including sport and public speaking. |
| Sectors | Creative Economy Education Leisure Activities including Sports Recreation and Tourism Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
| URL | https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/projects/performancelaboratory/ |
| Description | The Royal College of Music Performance Laboratory has been demonstrated to key partners including the Football Association and United Nations Development Programme to foster ongoing partnerships and to develop new training programmes. The facilities have been used to introduce young musicians and general audiences to the concepts of performance under pressure and the effects of acoustics on performers and audiences. Results of the project have been communicated to the Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology as an example of how investments within the arts and humanities sector can foster world-leading innovation and technology development. The spaces have been used for commercial hire, training international cohorts of businesspeople in public communication skills. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Education,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic Policy & public services |
| Description | Commercial Communications Training |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Testimonials from clients have cited immediate successes of participants in delivering successful investment pitches and improved communication within their MBA students or organisations. |
| URL | https://www.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/blogs/student-blog/full-time-mba-students-practise-pitchi... |
| Description | CreaTech Report Feature |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://royalanniversarytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CreaTech-Report.pdf |
| Description | Integration into RCM academic modules |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Use of the simulator has allowed for more efficient training and development of musicians' public engagement skills, evidenced in the quality their presentations. |
| Description | RCM Performance Laboratory Uplift |
| Amount | £8,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Royal College of Music (RCM) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2023 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | RCM Performance Laboratory Uplift |
| Amount | £27,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Royal College of Music (RCM) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2023 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | RCM Performance Laboratory Uplift |
| Amount | £10,732 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Royal College of Music (RCM) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2023 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | RCM Performance Laboratory Uplift |
| Amount | £7,828 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Royal College of Music (RCM) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | RCM Performance Laboratory Uplift |
| Amount | £40,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2023 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | Royal College of Music Performance VR |
| Amount | £40,955 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | AH/Y005775/1 |
| Organisation | Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2024 |
| Title | Performance Laboratory |
| Description | The RCM Performance Laboratory allows for the study of stage performance in ecologically valid environments. By simulating the physical, visual, acoustic, and social elements of performance, the Laboratory is unique in being able to recreate the physiological and psychological conditions of performance such that they can be studied in real-time. This is further enhanced by a suite of performance capture tools including eye tracking, motion capture, physiological measurements, and audio/video recording. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | In the 12 months since its official launch the Performance Laboratory the unique methodologies it allows have been incorporated into numerous faculty and student studies and incorporated into several research funding bids. |
| URL | https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/projects/performancelaboratory/ |
| Title | Royal College of Music Performance Simulation Software |
| Description | A suite of software, based around the Unreal Engine, that allows for the real time simulation and control (via a custom interface) of virtual audiences and audition panels in realistic settings based on real-world or hypothetical venues. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Impact | The software is facilitating the training of performers across domains in academic and commercialised settings, as well as driving research into ecologically valid performance practice within a controlled laboratory setting. |
| Title | Royal College of Music Performance Simulation VR Software |
| Description | A prototype VR version of the RCM simulation software, based in the Oculus platform, which allows for the real time simulation and control (via a custom interface) of a virtual audience in an RCM venue. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The prototype software is being used to demonstrate and test the potential of VR/AR-enhanced practice and training in a wider variety of locations and at lower costs than allowed by the physical Performance Laboratory simulations. |
| Description | ABRSM Chief Examiners Exchange |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratories and discussion of performance and assessment-enhancing technologies within the context of international music examinations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | AHRC Infrastructure Team Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Hosted the AHRC Infrastructure team for a demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies and discussion about the intersections of arts, science, and innovation. Led to further discussion and visits. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | AV Magazine News Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Feature of the Performance Laboratory in AV Magazine, leading to further inquiries |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.avinteractive.com/territories-news/uki/inside-the-royal-college-of-musics-new-performanc... |
| Description | Association of Brass Band Adjudicators Keynote |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Following a visit to the Performance Laboratory, invited for a Keynote presentation at the annual meeting of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators to discuss scientific and technological approaches to enhancing music assessment and training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Association of University Directors of Estates Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A presentation of the Performance Laboratory technologies to the annual meeting of the Association of University Directors of Estates, held at the Royal College of Music. Discussion on the challenges and opportunities of facilities to spark innovation in research, teaching, and artistic outputs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | BBC Click Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Feature of the Performance Laboratory on BBC Click, broadcast live and preserved on BBC Reels and YouTube channel. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/reel/video/p0kjgpgq/how-a-performance-lab-is-putting-musicians-to-the-test |
| Description | BBC Persian Click Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Following popularity of Performance Laboratory feature on BBC, session was refilmed and dubbed for BBC Persia. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doQpsq2-5w0 |
| Description | Colburn School Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Laboratory technology to leadership from the Colburn School of Los Angeles, leading to discussion of technology-enhanced performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Football Association Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit by FA and Premier League coaching staff for exchange on training including demonstrations of the Performance Laboratory, led to further exchanges and visits |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Football Association Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Exchange with head training staff from the Football Association and Premier League concerning technology-enhanced performance training |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | German Football Association Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Performance Laboratory technologies were featured in a workshop for club owners and executives from the German Football Association at the invitation of the English Football Association, discussing shared challenges and opportunities in technology-enhanced performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Guildhall School of Music and Drama Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Performance Laboratory and related technologies were demonstrated to the Directorate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, leading to follow-up visits and plans for further collaboration. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Hong Kong Performing Arts Academy Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A demonstration of the Performance Laboratory and VR technology to visiting leaders from the Hong Kong Performing Arts Academy as part of their visit to the Royal College of Music, leading to discussion and inquiry about technology-enhanced performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Imperial College Centres of Excellence Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Performance Laboratory was featured in a cross-institution demonstration within the Imperial College London Centres for Excellent programme and online workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Japanese Ambassador Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The Performance Laboratory was demonstrated to Ambassador Hayashi and his colleagues, leading to a later visit by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/240509amb.html |
| Description | Keynote to the London College of Music Examinations (LCME) Examiner Training Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Included development of the Performance Laboratory and VR work in an invited keynote to the London College of Music Examinations (LCME) training day, leading to further invitations from attendees to their organisations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Launch of RCM Performance Laboratory |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Approximately 80 invited guests (potential collaborators, donors, commercial clients, etc.) attended a private event launching the Performance Laboratory. Included introductions from the college's Director and representation from the AHRC, live demonstrations, and networking. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | LiveDesign News Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Feature in LiveDesign digital magazine on the Performance Laboratory, leading to further inquiries |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.livedesignonline.com/projection/royal-college-musics-new-performance-simulator-makes-stu... |
| Description | London College of Music Examinations Engagement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technology to leadership from the London College of Music Examinations to discuss the potential of technology-enhanced training of examiners and students in their organisation, led to further engagement. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | London Music Fund Visits |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Demonstrations of the Performance Laboratory technologies to young musicians within the London Music Fund. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Malta Football Association Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory facilities to head coaches, trainers, and staff from the Malta Football Association in discussion of shared opportunities and challenges in technology-enhanced performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Manhattan School of Music Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies and discussion of technology-enhanced teaching with programmes leadership from the Manhattan School of Music. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Media Launch in National Newspaper |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An exclusive interview was secured with Richard Morrison of The Times as part of the public debut of the completed RCM Performance Laboratory. An article was published on 23 January 2024 praising the new facility and leading to numerous follow-on pieces in other publications and high-profile inquiries for commercial development and media. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/royal-college-of-music-stage-fright-ctrxrtht0 |
| Description | Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies to leadership from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, with discussion of how the approaches might be adapted in their contexts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | PAMA Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Ahead of the Performing Arts Medicine Association annual symposium, international delegates attended demonstrations of the Performance Laboratory and took part in discussions of how such technologies might be used to enhance the prevention and treatment of performance-related injury and improve methods of performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Performance Laboratory Press Release |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A Royal College of Music press launch of the unveiled Performance Laboratory, sparking significant press coverage. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.rcm.ac.uk/about/news/all/2024-01-22performancelaboratory.aspx |
| Description | RCM Festival of Percussion |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration and discussion of the Performance Laboratory technologies to festivalgoers at the RCM Festival of Percussion. Led to several follow-up inquiries and contacts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | RCM Legacy Demonstration |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | A demonstration of the performance Laboratory and VR technologies to high-level charitable donors to and supporters of the Royal College of Music, sparking further sport. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | RCM Music and Ideas Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of the Performance Laboratory in the RCM's public music research lecture series. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | RCM Open House |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies to prospective undergraduate and graduate students considering study at the Royal College of Music, sparking discussion of how the technologies would be integrated into and enhance their training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | RCM Wind and Brass Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Discussions and demonstrations of the Performance Laboratory technologies to guests at the Royal College of Music's Wind and Brass Festival. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Rode Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of Performance Laboratory technology to CEO/owner of significant music technology company (Rode). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Royal College of Music Festival of Conducting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The 2024 RCM Festival of Conducting on Sunday 18 February 2024 marked the public debut of the new RCM Performance Laboratory. Two workshops of approximately 60 attendees each (musicians, conductors, general public) observed the performance of a specially composed work taking advantage of the acoustic simulations of the room and enhanced by a visually simulated concert audience, then observed conductors using the space to rehearse the orchestra and its ability to adapt to the different acoustics. Animated discussion focussed on new avenues for creation, rehearsal, and performance by composers, conductors, and musicians. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.rcm.ac.uk/included/eventimages/programmes/Festival%20of%20Conducting%20Programme%202024.... |
| Description | Royal Opera House Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of the Performance Laboratory technologies to a group of leadership and technical staff from the Royal Opera House, considering future collaborations and the potential of the technologies in performing arts organisations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Salzburg Mozarteum Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies to leaders from the Salzburg Mozarteum as they consider development of their own facilities, sparked discussion of technology-enhanced performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Shadow Culture Secretary Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies to the Labor Shadow Culture Secretary and colleagues as part of her visit to the Royal College of Music, discussing the intersection of arts, science, and innovation and the potential to train communication skills in political domains. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/royalcollegeofmusic/posts/thangam-debbonaire-mp-shadow-secretary-of-state-f... |
| Description | Sibelius Academy Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Performance Laboratory and VR technologies were demonstrated to a group staff and students from the Sibelius Academy, followed by discussion of their applications in performance training settings. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Snap Inc Exchange |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Exchanges with Snap Inc. executives at the Royal College of Music Performance Laboratory and at their London headquarters to enhance research into VR applications and discuss possibilities for tech-enhanced learning. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | State Visit of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | As part of the 2024 State Visit to the UK, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan (accompanied by Palace and Embassy officials) visited the Performance Laboratory for a demonstration of the technologies and how they are used in performance training. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.rcm.ac.uk/about/news/all/2024-06-26hismajestytheemperorsvisittothercm.aspx |
| Description | Steinway & Sons RCM Spirio Film 1 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Film produced and hosted by Steinway & Sons featuring the purchase of the Spirio piano as part of the Performance Laboratory development featuring project researchers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz47vIcZNIM |
| Description | Steinway & Sons RCM Spirio Film 2 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A second film produced and hosted by Steinway & Sons featuring how the Spirio piano technology is being used within the Performance Laboratory project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh7AuXktoKM&t=34s |
| Description | TPI Magazine News Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Press feature on the Performance Laboratory in TPI Magazine, leading to further inquiries |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.tpimagazine.com/ammonite-studios-uniting-creative-and-technical-realisation/ |
| Description | The Stage News Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Feature of the Performance Laboratory in The Stage, leading to further inquiries |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/pioneering-studio-to-simulate-audience-disruption-at-royal-college-o... |
| Description | UK Parliamentary Engagement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | A delegation of UK Parliamentary Clerks and staff received a demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies and discussed their potential applications to performance in political settings. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | UKRI Action Figures |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Following on engagement with the Performance Laboratories, George Waddell featured in the UKRI's online 'action figure' series referencing the use of simulation and VR technologies in performance science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.instagram.com/weareukri/p/DGnWidgIZtI/?img_index=1 |
| Description | UKRI Chairman Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration of the Performance Laboratory technologies to the UKRI Chairman and colleagues, sparking discussion of the research and commercial potential of projects bridging arts, sciences, and technology within specialist institutions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | UKRI Stories Film |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A short film featuring the Performance Laboratory and its technologies was produced and released by the UKRI on their YouTube channel. This was accompanied by a series of social media posts on Instagram and other channels. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhhEp5Q31tg&t=1s |
| Description | UKRI Strategy Directorate Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Demonstration and discussion of the performance laboratory technologies with the UKRI Strategy Directorate as part of their Away Day hosted at the Royal College of Music. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | United Nations Development Programme Programme Development Mission |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Hosted a workshop including leadership and staff within the United Nations Development Programme, including UNDP country leads (Resident Representatives) for Uganda, Kenya, and Bangladesh. Discussed the potential of technology-enhanced, multidisciplinary training for performance and leadership including benefits for the UNDP, which has led to continued development of future parnternships. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Universities UK Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of the Performance Laboratories to leadership of Universities UK, discussing the potential of arts and technology in specialist institutions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |