Werner Goebl

Werner Goebl is a Professor of Music Acoustics and Head of the Department of Music Acoustics – Wiener Klangstil (IWK) at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw) in Vienna, Austria. He leads research in music performance science, acoustics, and technology, with a particular focus on piano performance mechanics and ensemble coordination dynamics.

His research spans multiple interconnected domains:

• Music Acoustics and the 'Wiener Klangstil' (Viennese Sound Style)
• Piano performance techniques and finger movement efficiency
• Ensemble synchronization and coordination in musical groups
• Motion capture analysis of musical performance
• Digital musicology and music encoding standards
• Human-computer interaction in music performance

Recent publications reveal a strategic shift toward digital musicology and web-based tools for music analysis, particularly through the mei-friend project for Music Encoding Initiative (MEI). His work increasingly combines traditional music acoustics with cutting-edge digital humanities approaches, focusing on ensemble coordination, body motion in performance, and creating accessible digital resources for music scholarship. The TROMPA project (Towards Richer Online Music Public-domain Archives) represents a major European collaboration to enhance access to music resources.

Dr. Goebl's research has been supported by significant funding including:

• Austrian Science Fund (FWF) projects including 'Achieving Togetherness in Ensemble Performance' (P32642, 2020-2023)
• H2020 Research and Innovation Action 'TROMPA' with a budget over 3M€ (2018-2021)
• Multiple previous FWF projects on ensemble synchronization and piano performance
• Erwin-Schrödinger Fellowship at McGill University (2006-2008)

He leads the Department of Music Acoustics – Wiener Klangstil (IWK) which houses several specialized laboratories:

• Acoustic Laboratory with anechoic room
• Slow Motion Lab
• Performance Science Lab
• CEUS Computer Wing with Motion Capture and Eye tracking network