Musical Data Sonification: Expanding the Boundaries of Data Representation

Music and sonification have significant overlaps in terms of tools, parameters, and concepts, but they are, in essence, different. The most striking distinction between the two is their objective: while sonification functions similarly to natural language (in terms of communication and knowledge representation), music tends to aim at emotional expression, social engagement and integration, entertainment, or enjoyment. However, these objectives are not mutually exclusive. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the relationship between music and sonification. We offer examples of how music can be used for data sonification and explore the extent to which sonification can serve as a musical element. Specific topics covered include how music-making can contribute to sonification design, the use of deep learning in generating accurate and engaging musical sonifications, and how music can serve as a useful medium to sonify human movement in artistic and rehabilitative applications. All in all, understanding the affordances and limitations of musical structure and sound is crucial to using them effectively within the context of sonification design across application domains.