The Beatback system: exploring interactive percussion for promoting rhythmic practice

This thesis details the development and research of Beatback, an interactive percussion system for promoting rhythmic practice. Beatback is a software based system which with MIDI-enabled hardware controllers - such as an electronic drum-kit - allows users to play with their own rhythmic material in two interaction modes: (1) Call-response allows users to reflect on their own playing with system generated responses learnt from the user's own performance. (2) Accompaniment enables users to build up complex rhythmic patterns by layering their own looped drum patterns. The first of two studies focused on drummers practising patterns with the system filtering out (or zoning) drums being played by the user, which found significant benefits to the zoned method. Research focusing on the Beatback system in its entirety demonstrated that both naive and experienced drummers feel more competent (in call-response) and enjoy interacting (in accompaniment) with the system significantly more than having open time to play the drum-kit. The results from both of these studies suggest the possibility of employing systems such as Beatback to benefit those practicing or learning how to play the drum-kit.