Directors:
Assistant Director: Open
Lead Lab Assistant: Open
Lab Assistants: Open
Lab hours for Fall 2023:
PSC lab is open for drop – ins and appointments
Wednesdays: 11:00 – 12:00 noon
Thursdays: 12:00 – 12:55 pm
Fridays: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Additional hours available upon request by email to Dr. Rob Watson
Lab Mission
The Performance Science Centre Lab at California State University, Fullerton, is an applied research facility dedicated to improving musical performance efficiency and pedagogical efficacy. Our medical grade technology allows us to record musical performance (video and audio) and muscle tension-release patterns (graphic displays) simultaneously, with stop motion or in real time. This carries tremendous pedagogical value, as it allows one to optimize the use of one’s body during performance, and find previously unknown sources of muscular inefficiency.
Alexander Technique lessons are available in private and semi-private sessions, given by a certified Alexander Technique teacher. Lessons generally cover a variety of performance-applicable techniques, and can be customized towards the needs of each individual.
We currently use the lab for helping our students find more efficient ways of making music, and becoming better aware of how their bodies function during performance. While our focus is upon music making and musicality, our approach is based on scientific principles and research methodologies. Each semester, we either conduct an applied research study of our own, or work in tandem with student and faculty researchers from other departments, or other institutions.
Music faculty members are encouraged to use the lab with their studios, either in the private setting or during a studio workshop. We are happy to provide personnel to facilitate the use of the equipment.
Workshops by presenters from a variety of disciplines and foci occur throughout the academic year.
Lab Components
We are fortunate to have the first type of facility like this on the west coast. Our current setup consists of a Yamaha N1 Avant Grand, Proformavision, VoceVista, an Infiniti System for measuring heart rate and breathing, a number of anatomical models, posters and books, and a 50” flat screen to project real-time results during class demonstration settings.
Our extensive and ever-growing library is full of resources that cover everything from Alexander Technique to human anatomy, to performance techniques for a variety of instruments.
Important Additional Links:
www.vocevista.com
www.thoughttechnology.com (Infiniti)
Requirements
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, so that electrodes can be placed on the trapezius muscle group area, as well as flexors and extensors of the forearms (instrumentalists, conductors and keyboard players). If you are an instrumentalist, we ask that you bring your instrument with you to the session.
Although you do not need to be a current student to use the lab, you will need to check with the Assistant Director in advance for availability, and you will need to reimburse for the 9 electrodes involved in the use of our software program.
For non-CSUF visitors, parking is available in the Nutwood parking structure, at $2/hr in the spaces by the elevators. Our facility is located on the second floor of the east side of Clayes Performing Arts Center. Visitor Information
