Transforming Practice: The Impact of Digital Scores on Creativity, Performance, and Accessibility

Moroz, Solomiya; Vear, Craig

Abstract

This article presents an overview of findings from an ERC-funded DigiScore project that investigates how digital technologies are reshaping music creation, performance, and accessibility. Digital scores, defined as interactive interfaces for musical ideas, enable innovative compositional approaches, immersive performance experiences, and inclusive practices. Drawing on nearly 50 case studies across five continents, the research highlights four key impacts: (1) enhanced interactivity and multimedia integration; (2) non-linear and real-time compositional methods; (3) novel performance opportunities in physical and virtual spaces; (4) broader accessibility for diverse musicians and audiences. An overview of case studies by the project's partners and principal investigator illustrates how digital scores impact the creative practices of composers and performers, while also influencing audience engagement, fostering collaboration and participation. Despite challenges in balancing technological complexity with usability, the findings demonstrate how digital scores democratise music-making, offering new creative possibilities and redefining contemporary musical practices.

Citation

Moroz, S., & Vear, C. (2025). Transforming Practice: The Impact of Digital Scores on Creativity, Performance, and Accessibility. Tempo, 79(313), 56-69. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0040298225000129

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 14, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jun 25, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025-07
• Deposit Date: Jun 3, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 25, 2025
• Journal: Tempo
• Print ISSN: 0040-2982
• Electronic ISSN: 1478-2286
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 79
• Issue: 313
• Pages: 56-69
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0040298225000129
• Keywords: digital scores, interactivity, accessibility, performance opportunities
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/47828454
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/tempo/article/abs/transforming-practice-the-impact-of-digital-scores-on-creativity-performance-and-accessibility/751DD02A42172C4F3D29E5F98BB3BD56