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Smartwatch-Based Audio–Gestural Insights in Violin Bow Stroke Analyses Cover

Smartwatch-Based Audio–Gestural Insights in Violin Bow Stroke Analyses

Open Access
|Sep 2025

Abstract

Following the exposition of quantitative, identifiable idiosyncrasy in violin performance – via neural network classification – we demonstrate that smartwatch-based synchronous audio-gesture logging facilitates interpretable practice feedback in violin performance. The novelty of our approach is twofold: we exploit convenient multimodal data capture using a consumer smartwatch, recording wrist-movement and audio data in parallel. Further, we prioritise the delivery of performance insights at their most interpretable, quantifying tonal and temporal performance trends. Using such accessible hardware to observe meaningful, approachable performance insights, the feasibility of our approach is maximised for use in real-world teaching and learning environments. Presented analyses draw upon a primary dataset compiled from nine violinists executing defined performance exercises. Recordings segmented via note onset detection are subject to subsequent analyses. Trends identified include a cross-participant tendency to ‘rush’ up-bows versus down-bows, along with lesser temporal and tonal consistency when bowing Spiccato versus Legato.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/tismir.216 | Journal eISSN: 2514-3298
Language: English
Submitted on: Aug 19, 2024
Accepted on: Aug 1, 2025
Published on: Sep 4, 2025
Published by: Ubiquity Press
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

© 2025 William Wilson, Niccolò Granieri, Samuel Smith, Carlo Harvey, Islah Ali-MacLachlan, published by Ubiquity Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.