Sound and music computing (SMC) is still an emerging field in many institutions, and the challenge is often to gain critical mass for developing study programs and undertake more ambitious research projects. We report on how a long-term collaboration between small and medium-sized SMC groups have led to an ambitious undertaking in the form of the Nordic Sound and Music Computing Network (NordicSMC), funded by the Nordic Research Council and institutions from all of the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). The constellation is unique in that it covers the field of sound and music from the “soft” to the “hard,” including the arts and humanities, the social and natural sciences, and engineering. This paper describes the goals, activities, and expected results of the network, with the aim of inspiring the creation of other joint efforts within the SMC community.

Peer reviewed