Fermata

Understanding the musician's ecosystem

As part of a three-person research team, I investigated the experiences of professional classical musicians. Through 13 interviews, two orchestra rehearsal observations, and three live concerts, we explored the mental, physical, and professional challenges surrounding musical performance.

We synthesized our findings into an ecosystem map organized around career, physical, and mental considerations. My individual concept development focused on the mental side of musical practice, particularly recovery, performance resilience, and sustainable practice routines.

Making rest part of practice

Our interviews revealed a recurring tension: musicians recognize the importance of rest, yet often deprioritize breaks during demanding practice schedules.

Rather than treating rest as time lost, I wanted to explore how a familiar object could make breaks feel like a natural part of the practice process.

How might we make recharge part of practice, instead of time taken from it?

Using light as a subtle reminder

Fermata reimagines the traditional music stand lamp as more than a source of illumination. The concept uses gradual changes in light color to communicate when musicians may benefit from stepping away.

Initially conceived alongside Intermission, a digital practice-planning concept, Fermata would transition from cool white to warm amber as a break approaches, while maintaining sufficient illumination for musicians to read their scores.

By integrating feedback into an object already familiar to musicians, the concept aims to provide gentle guidance without requiring another screen.

Translating the concept into form

I began exploring how Fermata could integrate with an existing music stand, drawing inspiration from traditional stand-mounted lamps while considering adjustability, mounting mechanisms, and lighting behavior.

These initial sketches investigate the relationship between the horizontal lamp housing, supporting arm, and attachment mechanism, as well as ways to integrate ambient lighting, speaker functionality, and physical controls.

Exploring proportion and adjustability

I translated the concept into physical form through full-scale sketch models using cardboard, aluminum foil, and tape.

These early models explore the relationship between the horizontal light housing, supporting arm, and mounting mechanism. Working at full scale allows me to evaluate proportions and consider how Fermata might integrate with an existing music stand.

Traditional form, contemporary behavior

Inspired by antique piano and music stand lamps, I explored how familiar lighting forms could be adapted to support a new kind of interaction.

My visual research considers adjustable brass fixtures, warm ambient illumination, fluid color transitions, and translucent acrylic materials.

I was particularly interested in balancing the nostalgic character of vintage lamps with the expressive possibilities of contemporary materials and lighting technology.

Exploring material expression

Inspired by the warmth and character of antique lighting, I explored three conceptual acrylic finishes paired with bronze structural elements. Each direction investigates how color, pattern, and translucency can influence the lamp's visual character.