How a performance lab is putting musicians to the test | BBC News

Summary

In this engaging script, Josephine Shaw prepares to perform 'Sweeter Than Roses' for an unusual audience in a high-tech performance lab. The lab simulates real-world stage conditions, including audience reactions and acoustics, to help performers conquer nerves and master their craft. With tools like heart rate monitors and eye-tracking glasses, the lab offers a comprehensive training environment for aspiring artists, from handling sparse crowds to audition simulations with customizable judges.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The script describes a performance setting where Josephine Shaw is preparing to perform 'Sweeter than Roses' to an unusual audience.
• 🎼 Josephine has been singing since childhood, and her parents encouraged her to take singing lessons to channel her passion.
• 💪 The script mentions the common struggle with nerves and the importance of managing them during performances.
• 🏫 The Royal College of Music in London is conducting research on the difference between practicing and performing, focusing on the stress response.
• 👀 The college uses a performance laboratory to simulate the experience of performing on stage, including the anticipation and anxiety that comes with it.
• 🎮 The performance lab utilizes Unreal Engine, a video game software, to create a realistic and controllable environment for practice.
• 🔊 The lab features 64 speakers to simulate different acoustics, helping performers adapt to various performance spaces.
• 👥 The audience in the lab is composed of individual video game characters, which can react differently to test the performer's focus.
• 📊 The college uses heart rate and breathing monitors, as well as eye-tracking glasses, to measure performers' stress levels and distractions.
• 🎭 The lab is not only for musical performances but can also simulate public speaking and business presentations.
• 🎨 The judges in the simulated audition panel can be customized to mimic the personalities of known figures like Sharon Osborne or Simon Cowell.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 10,000 hours of practice mentioned in the script?

The 10,000 hours of practice is a concept that suggests it takes approximately this amount of time to achieve mastery in a field. It is mentioned in the script to emphasize Josephine Shaw's dedication and journey towards becoming an expert in singing.

How did Josephine Shaw's parents initially react to her singing as a child?

Josephine Shaw's parents found her singing as a child to be a bit annoying due to the weird noises she made. They decided to channel this into something useful by enrolling her in singing lessons.

What is the role of adrenaline in managing stage nerves?

Adrenaline can help performers by providing the energy needed for the performance, but it's also important to balance it so that nerves do not negatively affect the singing or technique.

How does the Royal College of Music in London simulate real performance experiences for students?

The Royal College of Music uses a performance laboratory to simulate the experience of performing on stage. This includes managing backstage anxiety and preparing for the actual performance under the lights in front of an audience.

What is the purpose of the performance laboratory at the Royal College of Music?

The performance laboratory is designed to help students prepare for real-world performances by simulating various aspects of a live performance, including the stress response, stage presence, and audience reactions.

How does the performance laboratory help students cope with backstage anxiety?

The laboratory helps students manage backstage anxiety by simulating the anticipation of performance, allowing them to tailor their training and prepare for the physical and mental readiness needed to perform on stage.

What technology is used in the performance laboratory to control the environment?

The performance laboratory uses Unreal Engine, a video game software, to control and simulate various aspects of the performance environment, including the audience and acoustics.

How does the performance laboratory simulate an audience?

The laboratory simulates an audience using individual video game characters that behave independently, allowing for a range of reactions and scenarios that performers must navigate.

What is the significance of the 64 speakers hidden in the walls and ceilings of the performance laboratory?

The 64 speakers change the acoustics of the venue, simulating different performance spaces and forcing performers to adapt their performance to the acoustic environment.

How does the performance laboratory test a performer's focus and ability to handle distractions?

The laboratory can simulate various distractions, such as coughs or other noises from the audience, to test the performer's ability to maintain focus and continue their performance despite interruptions.

What additional tools does the performance laboratory use to monitor and analyze performers?

The laboratory uses heart rate and breathing monitors, special glasses to track eye movements, and measures pupil dilation to assess stress levels and distraction during performances.