Imagining the Musical Metaverse: a study on the needs and creative practices of composers and musicians

2026-08-09

AI Summary

This study investigates the authentic needs and creative practices of composers and musicians in the music metaverse, aiming to clarify how virtual environments can effectively support—rather than replace—traditional musical activities. Through participatory design workshops grounded in a mixed reality (MR) conceptual framework and analyzed via qualitative thematic methods, the research systematically uncovers both shared and divergent requirements among electroacoustic composers, classical musicians, and producers in MR settings. Findings indicate that education represents the most promising application domain; participants consistently favored hybrid MR configurations that maintain tangible connections to physical instruments and expressed reservations toward fully virtual performances. Building on these insights, the study proposes a music metaverse development trajectory centered on educational applications and emphasizing embodied, instrument-mediated interaction.

Abstract

This study explores user needs for the Musical Metaverse (MM) through a series of workshops with electroacoustic composers, classical musicians, and music producers. Using a design approach based on the prompt "as if by magic," participants were invited to reflect on how the MM could impact their practice in composition, performance, and education domains. While groups maintain distinct priorities based on their roles, they share interests in educational applications and creative learning environments. Key themes include preference for mixed reality over purely virtual environments, virtual space as a creative paradigm, and tensions between democratizing tools and maintaining authentic musical experiences. Education emerged as the most promising initial use case, particularly for understanding complex musical concepts. However, participants expressed skepticism about fully virtual performances, emphasizing physical connections to instruments and spaces. Results suggest MM development should enhance rather than replace traditional practices while supporting embodied creativity.

Problem

• Musical Metaverse
• user needs
• creative practices
• embodied creativity
• music education

Innovation

• Musical Metaverse
• mixed reality
• embodied creativity
• user-centered design
• creative learning environments