RIM Education in Mixed Music: A case of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris

抄録

This study aims to analyze educational practices for Réalisateurs en Informatique Musicale (RIMs), computer music designers, who handle the electronic sound manipulation for the performance of mixed music, which is a fusion of instruments and electronics. Specifically, it examines educational practices at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP), focusing on the RIM course within the newly established contemporary music ensemble the “Ensemble Next” following the 2022 educational reforms, to explore how RIMs are trained. The research study conducted rehearsal observations at CNSMDP and IRCAM, and interviews with Jacques Warnier (tutor of student RIMs) and student RIMs at IRCAM in June 2025. RIMs have two primary roles: as engineers, collaborating with composers to design and implement systems of sound synthesis and effects processing; and as directors, overseeing the overall sound during performance, which requires a comprehensive auditory perspective comparable to that of a conductor. Their expertise extends across both technical and musical skills including patch operation, acoustic adjustment, and spatialization. As revealed through the interviews, knowledge and experience in acoustics are crucial to RIM performance since effective sound design depends on both theoretical understanding and practical judgment. Student RIMs develop these competencies through hands-on training under the supervision of professional RIMs. These findings reaffirm the vital role of practical experience in RIM education.