Consultation des notices

Musical research is an expression used in a variety of contexts leading to multiple meanings (and confusions) regarding this activity. In this article, three types of musical research attached to specific contexts are described; in particular, the context in which composers and scientists collaborate motivated by common concerns as is the case at IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique / Musique). The methods—gleaned from more than two decades of activity—whereby musical research projects are defined, managed and evaluated are described while attempting to make explicit the conditions for successful research. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of mediators and technology viewed as a medium for communicating concepts. Some major challenges facing musical research in the future are also briefly sketched.