Hans Lindetorp

Hans Lindetorp's doctoral studies aim at exploring and generating knowledge about processes and techniques for producing music for interactive media.

Inadequate tools for music production for interactive media

Composers of music for games are often stuck with tools, which are very limiting and tricky-to-use. This makes the complex task to compose, produce and integrate music for games, out of reach for most traditional composers. The result is that a lot of knowledge and experience from composing music for film cannot be applied in music for games.

Since the first day Hans encountered this dilemma, ha has been intrigued and challenged to solve it. He has worked on both technical solutions and pedagogical strategies at KMH where Hans is responsible for all courses related to music in interactive environments.

There are lots of interesting, independent initiatives around the world to solve parts of this challenge both in the industry and the research area but there is an important area between music, technology and pedagogy that is still unexplored or undocumented.

Purpose of the dissertation work

Hans goal is to map out current technologies and strategies used to produce and integrate music for interactive media and compare his results with the ideas and needs asked for by composers and music producers.

He will also develop prototypes with the aim to answer needs not yet met and cooperate with different artist generating new forms of art not yet experienced. Through these prototypes and new art Hans will examine the need for music integration solutions that have not yet been asked for.

Main contribution

In the research Hans will examine and evaluate the differences between current available technologies and requested features and possibilities.

He will also discuss and suggest methodologies and approaches used to teach adaptive music as well as suggesting new features and structures for future development of music integration tools.

Method

Hans will survey currently used tools for integrating music into games and focus on their features to meet the ideas of the composer and the requirements for music.

He will make deep interviews and have focus groups with composers and producers in the film and game industry.

Hans will also use my current Interactive Music Framework (based on Web Audio API) to build test benches and environments to try out and evaluate ideas that the studies bring to surface.

Intended outcome

The result will add to the knowledge in the area of adaptive music and contribute to the field of music in interactive media and virtual reality. Students – from music production, composition and performance – will have great possibilities to participate in the study.

KMH in general and “Music and Media Production” in particular, will benefit from the outcome through new methodologies, articles, projects and technologies. The industry will benefit by getting a greater understanding of the challenges for a traditional composer to enter the world of adaptive music as well as getting suggestions for new features, structures and approaches for possible new products.

About the PhD student

Hans has been teaching Music and Media Production at KMH since 1996.

Since 1993 he has also worked as a freelance musician, organizer and chapel master, as well as developer of digital tools for music education.

There is more to find about Hans research in his research blogg External link. and on his Facebook-page External link..