Directing & Creative Work 

Creating Song in 360 reimagines art song as a relevant, accessible, and participatory genre within a virtual space to bring classical music audiences out of their seats and onto the stage. The purpose of this project is to experiment with VR application to classical vocal music, develop effective VR music experiences to engage new audiences, and expand access to classical music. Creating Song in 360 demonstrates how singers can harness VR to engage broader, modern audiences. Imagine what sitting right next to the pianist watching his hands glide across the keys or seeing a soprano’s ribs expand to create immense sound. This prototype challenges traditional concert conventions by inviting audiences into an intimate, embodied relationship with art song. Initial findings from an informal survey of 20 participants suggest that VR has a strong impact on audience engagement and accessibility. Results indicate that 75% of participants felt a stronger connection to the music in VR, while 85% described the experience as more immersive and accessible than a traditional performance. Notably, individuals with little or no prior exposure to classical music reported the highest levels of engagement, pointing to VR’s potential as an entry point for new audiences. Additionally, 50% of participants expressed increased likelihood of attending live performances after the experience, suggesting crossover potential between digital and in-person engagement. Participants highlighted the excitement of being “on stage,” the intimacy of close proximity to performers, and the freedom to explore the performance space. However, technical limitations—including video quality, audio delivery, and headset comfort—were identified as areas for improvement. While these findings are preliminary, Creating Song in 360 demonstrates the promising potential of immersive technology to expand the reach, accessibility, and emotional impact of art song, offering a compelling vision for the future of classical music.