Performing with a Mobile Computer System for Vibraphone

This paper describes the development of an Apple iPhone based mobile computersystem for vibraphone and its use in a series of the author's performanceprojects in 2011 and 2012.This artistic research was motivated by a desire to develop an alternative tolaptop computers for the author's existing percussion and computer performancepractice. The aims were to develop a light, compact and flexible system usingmobile devices that would allow computer music to infiltrate solo and ensembleperformance situations where it is difficult to use a laptop computer.The project began with a system that brought computer elements to NordligVinter, a suite of percussion duos, using an iPhone, RjDj, Pure Data and ahome-made pickup system. This process was documented with video recordings andanalysed using ethnographic methods.The mobile computer music setup proved to be elegant and convenient inperformance situations with very little time and space to set up, as well as inperformance classes and workshops. The simple mobile system encouragedexperimentation and the platforms used enabled sharing with a wider audience.