A central theme of these sessions was the exploration of graphic notation. Families were invited to observe and transform the spontaneous bodily expressions of their babies into visual marks on paper. These “scores” were then interpreted musically in real time by the artistic team, creating a live feedback loop where a baby’s gesture directly influenced the soundscape.

Technology with Purpose

The sessions also introduced families to Virtual Reality (VR). Participants had the opportunity to experiment with VR glasses to view musical scores, fostering a dialogue about the role of technology in a performance setting. The consensus remained clear: technology within these concerts serves as a bridge, designed to enhance, rather than replace, human connection, emotional presence, and sensory experience.

Key Insights and Reflections

Throughout the process, a Human-Centred Approach ensured an environment of comfort, respect, and emotional safety. By keeping relational listening at the heart of the experience, several key reflections emerged:

• Music as Connection: Co-creation with families reinforces that music is, first and foremost, a relational language.

• The Human Element: The integration of technology must always support human presence and shared emotion.

• A Multi-Disciplinary Dialogue: The co-design process strengthens the ties between art, science, and ethics.

• Babies as Guides: The creative process is most successful when babies are treated as the primary guides.

These encounters have contributed significantly to the artistic and technological development of Pilot 2. The lessons learned in Leiria offer valuable guidance for the next phase of the project, ensuring that the dialogue between art and relational experience continues to flourish.