Combining EEG Frontal asymmetry studies with affective algorithmic composition and expressive performance models

This paper draws together two strands of research in different disciplines: EEG Frontal Asymmetry studies and Affective-based Algorithmic Composition and Performance. There have been numerous studies which support the hypothesis that Frontal EEG asymmetry is an indicator of arousal and valence of emotion. There have also been a number of studies examining which music features are related to which emotional perception, in the generative composition of, and performance of, music. This paper presents a novel system – called the Combined EEG System which utilises both types of studies. It takes as input raw EEG data, and attempts to output a piano composition and performance which expresses the estimated emotional content of the EEG data. Such a system may be the first step in the development of tools allowing unskilled composers or subjects with problems in emotional expression, to better express themselves through music.