Ben Loveridge

As the Coordinator of Immersive Media (AR/VR) at The University of Melbourne, Ben assists with the integration of immersive technology through teaching and research. Along with building community among staff and students, his role covers support and consultancy for virtual and augmented reality as well as digital audio, video and virtual production. He is currently a graduate researcher at The University of Melbourne in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music investigating networked music singing performance in virtual reality. Recent research work includes as an inter-disciplinary team member investigating the Ethics of Biometric Capture in Music Performance through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE).

He maintains the Learning Environments Immersive Media Lab and has written about the implementation of networked music performance with a guide on Performing music over the internet. Here is a video was made for the 2020 NowNet Arts Conference – Using virtual reality to assist online singing teaching

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1857-901X

Publications

2020

2019

Presentations, Teaching and Workshops

2022

  • Cochrane, T. et al. (2022, June 21st). Technology Enhanced Learning Boot Camp: Immersive Reality [Zoom panel discussion]. SOTEL session, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2022, May 31st). NVivNo thanks – Qualitative coding with Delve [Zoom Presentation and Q&A]. MP3 Lab session, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Osborne, S., Glasser, S., & Loveridge, B. (2022, April 8th). Ethical considerations for sustainable musical training [Zoom presentation]. SEMPRE MET / TMOHE joint conference.
  • Tamplin, S., Glasser, S., & Loveridge, B. (2022, Feb 28th). Panel discussion [In person]. Musical perspectives (MUSI10230) undergraduate subject, week 1. Kenneth Myer Auditorium, The University of Melbourne.
  • Loveridge, B. (2022, January 24th). Interactive data panel [Zoom panel]. GLAM collections and exhibitions in immersive environments, Data to Power event.

2021

  • Loveridge, B., Glasser, S., & Osborne, S. (2021, November 25th). Reimagining performance with immersive reality technologies [Zoom panel]. Human-Computer Interaction Seminar, School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, November 6th). Mozilla Hubs Workshop [Zoom/Mozilla Hubs workshop]. NowNet Arts Conference, New York, USA.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, November 6th). Comparing singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Zoom presentation]. NowNet Arts Conference, New York, USA.
  • Loveridge, B., Glasser, S., & Osborne, S. (2021, November 6th). Reimagining performance with immersive reality technologies [Zoom panel]. NowNet Arts Conference, New York, USA.
  • Loveridge, B., Kruenen, B., Mullumby, N., Hardiman, R., Webber, M. & Buzza, M. (2021, November 6th). Digital 3D object-based learning and research at the University of Melbourne [Zoom presentation]. Living Digital Heritage Conference, Macquarie University, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B., Glasser, S., Osborne, S. & Cochrane, T. (2021, October 28th). Reimagining performance with immersive reality technologies [Zoom symposium]. International Symposium on Performance Science (ISPS), Montreal, Canada.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, October 8th). A comparison of singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Zoom Presentation]. Human-Computer Interaction Seminar, School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B., Glasser, S., & Osborne, S. (2021, October 7th). Exploring opportunities for musician’s health and performance enhancement using VR simulation training [Pre-recorded presentation]. Games for Change Asia-Pacific, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, October 7th). Virtual Reality and Immersive Media [Pre-recorded presentation]. Games for Change Asia-Pacific, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B., Glasser, S., & Osborne, S. (2021, September 16th). Exploring opportunities for musician’s health and performance enhancement using VR simulation training [Zoom presentation]. Humanities and Diverse eResearch Scholars (HADES), Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, September 13th). Virtual Reality and Immersive Media [Guest lecture – Zoom]. Information Visualisation (GEOM90007) Graduate Coursework subject, Melbourne School of Engineering.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, July 30th). A comparison of singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Pre-recorded presentation and online Q&A via SpatialChat]. ICMPC16-ESCOM11. Jyväskylä, Finland.
  • Loveridge, B., & Glasser, S. (2021, July 17th). The Science of Music Performance [Zoom presentation]. LabRats Science Club session, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, June 18th). A comparison of singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Zoom presentation]. Clinical and Music Neuroscience lab session, The University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, June 5th). A comparative study of singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Pre-recorded presentation and online session]. Teaching Music Online in Higher Education. Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, May 6th). A comparative study of singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Zoom presentation]. MP3 session, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B., Glasser, S., & Osborne, S. (2021, April 24th). FFAM Performance Enhancement Lab [Zoom presentation]. SoTEL Showcase, The University of Melbourne.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, April 20th). Networked Music Performance in VR – Overview [Zoom presentation]. IETF session, CCRMA, Stanford University, CA, United States.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, February 26th). A comparative study of singing in virtual reality and videoconferencing [Zoom presentation]. Faculty of Fine Arts and Music Graduate Research Symposium Program, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, February 2nd). Virtual reality and Immersive Media [Zoom presentation]. Immersive Reality (XR) Boot Camp, The University of Melbourne.
  • Loveridge, B. (2021, February 2nd). Using virtual reality with networked music performance [Zoom presentation]. IETF session, CCRMA, Stanford University, CA, United States.

2020

  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked singing teaching? NowNet Arts Conference, November 7th, 2020, 1:30am. Presentation video
  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked music performance? Sydney Video Technology Meetup Wednesday 28 September, 7pm – 8pm.
  • Networked Music Performance in Virtual Reality – Masters Update. Clinical and Music Neuroscience (lab session) 15 October, 4pm – 5pm.
  • Zoom presentation – VR Lab overview. ASCILITE Mobile Learning Special Interest Group. Friday 2nd Sept 9:30am-10:30am.
  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked music performance? Melbourne Video Technology Meetup Thursday 25 September, 8:30pm – 9pm.
  • Guest lecture – VR visualisation at the University of Melbourne. Information Visualisation (GEOM90007) Graduate Coursework subject, Melbourne School of Engineering. Monday 21st Sept 12pm-1pm.
  • Integrating virtual reality into teaching and research at UoM Sim Cafe (Simulation Australia) Friday 24 July, 1pm – 2pm.
  • Networked Music Performance in Virtual Reality – Masters Update. Music Psychology, Music Performance Science, and Music Performance Teaching (lab session) 24 July, 3pm – 4pm.
  • Implementing VR within the context of a tertiary institution A New Reality 2020 Thursday 25 June, 10.30 am – 11.00 am. Workshop recording.
  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked music performance? A New Reality 2020 Thursday 25 June, 11.15 am – 11.35 pm. Presentation recording.
  • Integrating virtual reality into teaching and research at UoM Researcher Connect Tuesday 23 June, 2pm – 3pm. Webinar recording.
  • AARNet Webinar Series Supporting Remote Research – Remote Research Challenge 2: Maintaining and Building Communities
    Thursday 4 June, 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm. Online panel discussion.
  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked music sessions in singing teaching? Teaching Music Online in Higher Education 16th May, 2020. Online conference via pre-recorded presentation/Zoom.
  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked music sessions in music conferences? IEEEVR Conference – March 21st, 2020. Zoom/Mozilla Hubs.
  • Can the use of virtual reality improve the experience of real-time networked music sessions? Graduate Research Symposium, Feb 21st, 2020. University of Melbourne.
  • Music Therapy in VR. Educators in VR International Summit – VR Presentation recording, Feb 19th. AltspaceVR.

2019

  • The MT-VR Solution: A novel telehealth approach to delivering online group singing therapy for people with quadriplegia. Australian Music Therapy Association Conference, November 29th 2019. Melbourne.
  • VR and Presurgical Planning. 3D Technologies in Medicine Conference. November 15th, AAMI Park, Melbourne.
  • Networked music performance in virtual reality. NowNet Arts Conference, November 9th 2019. Stony Brook University, New York, USA (via Zoom).
  • Virtual Reality and Immersive Media. Innovative Design & Service Delivery. Graduate Coursework Subject. Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne. October 27th, 2019.
  • Demystifying Virtual Reality in Schools. Panel Discussion. School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne. 25th October, 2019.
  • Music Therapy in Virtual Reality. Game Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP). Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. South Wharf. October 8th, 2019.
  • Learning through immersive media workshop. Learning Environments Masterclass Series, September 11, 2019. University of Melbourne.
  • AR/VR at the University of Melbourne. Researcher Connect. August 28th, 2019. Graduate House, University of Melbourne.
  • Music Therapy in VR. APAN (Asia Pacific Advanced Network), July 24th 2019, Putrajaya, Malaysia (via Zoom).
  • Networked music performance in virtual reality (Poster Presentation). International Symposium on Performance Science, July 16-20, 2019, Melbourne.
  • Music Therapy in VR. AARNet Networkshop. 6 June, 2019, Melbourne.
  • Researcher Virtual Reality Masterclass. Learning Environments Masterclass Series, March 28, 2019. University of Melbourne.
  • Getting Started with Virtual Reality using Unity. Research Bazaar, February 20, 2019.University of Melbourne.
  • Jobs of the Future in VR. Panel Discussion, 23 January, 2019, Academy Xi, Melbourne.

2018

  • Real-time Networked Music Therapy in Virtual Reality. QUESTnet, September 28, 2018, Cairns.
  • Using Virtual Reality for Innovation in Research and Teaching. University of Melbourne Professional Staff Conference, September 5, 2018, Melbourne.
  • Using Virtual Reality for Innovation in Research and Teaching. Researcher @ Library Week, August 29, 2018. University of Melbourne.
  • Non-Linear Story Experiencing in Virtual Reality. LE Masterclass Series. August 3, 2018. University of Melbourne.
  • Networked Society Institute VR Project Showcase. Telstra Labs, June 27, 2018, Melbourne.
  • The Use of VR/AR in Vocational Education, Panel Discussion, May 9, 2018, RMIT University, Melbourne.

2017

  • Practical Considerations for Integrating Virtual Reality in the Classroom. University of Melbourne Professional Staff Conference, September 7, 2017, Melbourne.
  • Virtual Reality Projects at the Melbourne Networked Society Institute. Sensilab Forum, April 17, 2017, Monash University, Melbourne.

2016

  • Music Therapy in VR. University of Melbourne Professional Staff Conference, September 15, 2016, Melbourne.

Media Coverage

Awards, funding and appointments

  • 2021 – Graduate Student Life Achieving Excellence Grant – Development of a graduate student virtual community – $32,200
  • 2021 – CAIDE seed funding (Ethics of biometric capture in music performance) – $20,000
  • 2019 – Real World XR Awards judging panel
  • 2018 – NSI Seed Funding – Reducing the Urban Rural Divide using the Dookie farm – $39,450
  • 2018 – iAwards – Infrastructure & Platforms Innovation of the Year Merit Award (as member of the Music Therapy VR team)
  • 2017 – National Disability Award – Finalists (as member of the Music Therapy VR team)
  • 2017 – Appointed Institute Fellow (Virtual Reality) at the Networked Society Institute (NSI) for work supporting the use of VR at the University of Melbourne
  • 2016 – MNSI Seed Funding – Virtual Reality Therapy and Youth Mental Health – $25,000
  • 2015 – MNSI Seed Funding – Transforming the lives of people with quadriplegia using immersive environments for online group singing – $25,000
  • 2012 – Learning and Teaching Initiatives grant – (Establishment of music streaming server) – $25,000

More info

Education and courses

2022 – Master of Music (Research) – The University of Melbourne (estimated completion in 2022)
2021 – Jacktrip Virtual Studio Certification – NowNet Arts
2012 – Graduate Certificate in University Management – The University of Melbourne
1999 – Bachelor of Music – The University of Melbourne