Ph.D. position in gestural analysis of piano performance
The Simulation and Movement Modeling Laboratory (S2M, Université de Montréal) is seeking a Ph.D. student to work on the effect of music expression parameters on muscle activity and movements of pianists’ gestures. The objective of the project is to better understand how the manipulation of simple and complex musical parameters (timing, dynamics, articulation, shaping, musical tension) can affect playing strategies aiming to optimize performance and reduce the risks of developing practice-related musculoskeletal disorders.
The S2M lab develops models of the human body to measure, simulate and optimize sports and musical techniques, occupational tasks and rehabilitation interventions. The axes of research of the laboratory include:
· Shoulder biomechanics: prevent shoulder injuries and accelerate rehabilitation using measurement and musculoskeletal computer simulation;
· Movement optimization: analyze and create innovative movements and low-risk techniques for workers, athletes and musicians;
· Orthotics: design innovative foot orthotics for 3D printing and improve gait rehabilitation using robotics devices;
· Serious video games: develop new active games in Unity3D for rehabilitation and training using low-cost technologies;
· Cortical control of motion: detect motor-related brain features to encode motion.
Applicants are expected to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent in associated fields (kinesiology, movement sciences, performance science, musicology, music technology, engineering). The future student will have the opportunity to collaborate in different ongoing projects on piano performance which include both an interdisciplinary research team from kinesiology and music fields, and a network of conservatories, music institutions, and organizations in the field of musicians’ health. The activities carried out by the student will be:
- Plan, coordinate, and perform experimental procedures including kinematic, electromyographic, MIDI, and sound data;
- Work with programming software (MATLAB or Python) for data processing and analysis;
- Assist the conception and development of knowledge transfer activities between scientific and musical fields (workshops and conferences at conservatories, production of online content, etc.);
- Write and present scientific articles;
- Collaborate within an interdisciplinary laboratory environment composed of a team of students and researchers from different fields (kinesiology, music research, music performance, music technology, biomedical engineering).
An integrated funding is proposed for this position. A doctoral scholarship of 18,000$ (CAD) will be offered for the first year of the Ph.D. program. Funding for subsequent years is conditional to application to external scholarship offered by federal and provincial agencies and normal progression of the student.
To apply, please send a motivation letter (French or English) and a CV to Dr. Felipe Verdugo by email: felipe.verdugo.ulloa@umontreal.ca
