SonicTaiji: A Mobile Instrument for Taiji Performance

Abstract

SonicTaiji is a mobile instrument designed for the Android Platform. It utilizes accelerometer detection, sound synthesis, and data communication techniques to achieve real-time Taiji sonification. Taiji is an inner-strength martial art aimed at inducing meditative states. In this mobile music application, Taiji movements are sonified via gesture detection, connecting listening and movement. This instrument is a tool for practitioners to enhance the meditative experience of performing Taiji. We describe the implementation of gesture position selection, real-time synthesis, and data mapping. We describe outcomes of subjective tests of the user experience.