Agential Taxonomies in Musical Practice

This post explores how different theoretical frameworks can help us understand the relationships between performers, instruments, and their environment.

Understanding the Visualization

The 3D visualization on the home page maps these relationships along three primary axes:

1. Agency: How much autonomy do we attribute to instruments?
2. Materiality: How do physical properties influence musical interaction?
3. Environment: How do contextual factors shape musical practice?

Applications

These taxonomies help us:

• Design more responsive instruments
• Understand performer-instrument relationships
• Consider environmental factors in musical practice