Animals Make Music: A Look at Non-Human Musical Expression

Abstract

The use of musical instruments and interfaces that involve animals in the interaction process is an emerging, yet not widespread practice. The projects that have been implemented in this unusual field are raising questions concerning ethical principles, animal-centered design processes, and the possible benefits and risks for the animals involved. Animal–Computer Interaction is a novel field of research that offers a framework (ACI manifesto) for implementing interactive technology for animals. Based on this framework, we have examined several projects focusing on the interplay between animals and music technology in order to arrive at a better understanding of animal-based musical projects. Building on this, we will discuss how the implementation of new musical instruments and interfaces could provide new opportunities for improving the quality of life for grey parrots living in captivity.

Sonic enrichment at the zoo

“…Prior research in the field of animal music also informs this review by highlighting the right context and propensity of some species to use sound for entertainment. Gupfinger and Kaltenbrunner (2018) present a review of non-human musical expression and proposes a phenomenology of animal music, classifying instances into (1) Animal Movement as Control Source; (2) Unconscious Performers; (3) Trained Musicians; and (4) Voluntary Musicians. Their methodology for creating animal-centered musical interaction design may serve as inspiration for the development of interfaces for sound-based interactive enrichment, taking into account musical capacities as well as the physical and cognitive abilities of various species.…”

Forming the Dog Internet

“…ACI research covers a multitude of animal users in various situations: e.g. non-domesticated animals in enclosures, such as elephants, parrots and apes [13,16,17,54]; farm animals, such as chickens [30]; wild animals, such as deer [27]; and companion animals, such as dogs and cats [23,44,45,53]. Unifying these various end-users and usage contexts are the underlying methodologies and theories of designing interactive systems for the different cognitive abilities of animal users.…”