No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Mus.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Mus.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.

WITHIN ECHOIC CHAMBERS: for small orchestra and tape is based on the integration of 3 major concepts: 1) Structural 2) Psychological 3) Technical. These individual concepts represent areas in which the composer has concentrated the majority of his research over the last 2 years. It is the incorporation of these concepts which form the basis of the creative project.Through the application of arc acoustical design, the entire work is given thematic and structural unity. This acoustical design is based or the onset, steady state and decay characteristics of complex tones and is incorporated into the work as a compositional tool from which a number of musical dimensions are controlled. Since the onset, steady state and decay characteristics of complex tones determine the way we perceive sound, it acts both as a common link between the 3 concepts and the entire structural basis of the creative project. Used in this way the acoustical design became a catalyst from which musical sound structures crystallized as opposed to being a mere theoretical algorithm for autonomous music composition. / School of Music

During the past two years (1974-76) the writer has become increasingly aware of the need for a method of assisting conductors with the score preparation of "new" band literature. Because this literature often represents the modern composer's efforts to explore non-traditional compositional techniques, the development of a new or at least expanded approach to analysis, aimed directly at the conductor's task of preparing a score for rehearsal (and performance) seems to be in order.Most recent approaches to analysis have been developed by theorists whose microscopic examination of music, sometimes complicated with new terminology, does not necessarily assist the conductor in his efforts to Formulate musical interpretations. Furthermore, the education of most conductors today emphasizes a background heavy with more traditional musical concepts. With these two points firmly in mind, the author has attempted to expand the more traditional concepts of harmony, melody, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, and texture, and subsequently incorporate them in the development of an analytical method that specifically serves the conductor's task of score preparation as related to more contemporary band literature.Essential to the process of developing this analytical method was understanding and defining the goal of the conductor in the task of score preparation. To this end, the writer examined the published views of several well-known conductors. All of these authors seemed in agreement: in order to present a musical work, the conductor must have a broad view of the work so as to understand the logic of its progression, from beginning to end. Seemingly then, score preparation should serve to uncover and enhance this broad view. The writer's analytical method assumed this purpose: to assist the conductor in the discovery and development of this broad view. For the purpose of identifying this goal, the writer developed the term "macro-view".In the course of developing his analytical approach, the writer has introduced his concept of melodic rhythm, a term coined to cover the composite temporal (linear) effect caused by relationships among musical elements such as melody, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, and texture. It is for the expressed purpose of enhancing accessibility to the concept of motion and repose in "atonal" band literature to those who are seemingly more familiar with the concept of phrase and cadence associated with more traditional melodies that the author has chosen the term melodic rhythm.In the view of this writer, the primary concern of descriptive analysis is the discovery of melodic rhythm(s), accomplished through a relatively microscopic investigation of the score. The author suggests that the information uncovered in this process be collected in a systematic fashion for later use. To assist in this collection of information the author has developed a "Descriptive Analysis Chart".Chapters III through VI are demonstrations of the author's analytical method and represent a variety of atonal band literature. Included within these chapters are Geometrics No. 4 by Martin Mailman, Study in Textures by Gunther Schuller, Spectrum by Herbert Bielawa, Statement by Brent Heisinger, and Stargazing by Donald Erb. (Composer comments on the analysis presented are included as Appendix C.)The writer's approach to score preparation is founded on his belief that inherent in all music, regardless of style, period, or medium, is the apperception of motion and repose. Furthermore, it is through the auditory sensation of motion and repose that the unity of a piece becomes comprehendable. Upon completing an analysis according to the guide lines presented in this dissertation, the conductor can proceed with the presentation of a unified performance of an "atonal" band work.

This study will prove the fact that computers provide unprecedented opportunities to create music. Several distinct levels of computer participation can exist in the creative process. The lowest level, involving record-keeping functions, results in programs that serve as compositional aids. The intermediate level incorporates stochastic (literally "random") processes on a limited basis, and represents the midpoint between computer-assisted and computercomposed works. The highest level focuses on the design of algorithms that result in compositions determined in most of their details by stochastic processes and computer decision making. Although there is no clear dividing line between levels of computer/composer interaction, it is possible to characterize the degree to which the computer has provided outcomes for a given work, from low-level random generation of pitches to high-level Markovian chain distributions. / Department of Computer Science

This study attempted to demonstrate that original composition for film can function as a basis for the examination of the technical and expressive factors of music and their interdependence. The study developed a series of creative projects designed as adjunct learning experiences in lower-division music theory classes. These projects were not developed to serve as a complete music theory curriculum. They were designed as a series of supplementary experiences intended to complement the study of the materials, structure and principles as covered in the main core of the curriculum.One section each of freshman and sophomore theory served as the population for the experiment. Continuity of student membership remained fairly constant throughout the academic year. Each class ranged in size from ten to thirteen members with a representative sampling of singers, pianists and players of string, wind, brass and percussion instruments.Students were assigned various film music projects ranging in length from thirty seconds to six minutes. The early compositions from the beginning of each academic year were intentionally limited in scope in one manner or another one instrument and sixty-five-seconds for two instruments. The scope of the experiences gradually expanded until students were composing four- to six-minute compositions for five to ten performers.Not all projects utilized complete films. In some instances a longer film was divided among several students with each one composing for a particular segment. with few exceptions, these compositions were written specifically for the performers available in each class. Therefore, each composer had to work with and reconcile a wide variety of instrumental combinations and range of performing abilities.The style and expressive content of the various films utilized afforded each student the opportunity to explore a broad range of visual experiences. All films used were available through the Ball State University Film :service . Students were permitted to view films at any time during the regular sixty-seven' hours per week provided by the Film Service schedule.An introduction to the study is presented in Chapter I. Chapter TI is devoted to a review of selected literature concerning composition of music for film, creative musical activities in the schools and lower-division music theory in higher education. Chapter III presents the procedures and technical aspects undertaken to implement the study. Chapters IV and V, respectively, offer a report and analysis of the freshman and sophomore project series.music scores from each project. The more successful compositions from the project series are included in Chapter VI. This chapter is concerned with a report of the public performance of selected compositions from the various projects. Chapter VII includes summary comments, recommendations and discussion.

This study surveys and categorizes new techniques of sound production for the pianoforte which have come into prominent use since 1950. In addition the project developes a series of ten study pieces (etudes) which aid advanced piano students in acquiring the basic techniques required to perform many of the piano compositions written since 1950.A review of the piano literature of selected composers from 1950-1975 revealed thirteen basic techniques which have come into common use in these twenty-five years. Although many more techniques exist, they are combinations or variations of these basic techniques. The thirteen techniques have been classified into four categories: string techniques, keyboard techniques, string/keyboard techniques, and pedal techniques. Only techniques using sounds derived from the manipulation of the strings, keyboard, and pedals of the piano were included in this study.Although the study reveals that many of the techniques discussed were first introduced in the earlier part of the twentieth century, particularly through the compositions of Henry Cowell, they did not become common compositional techniques until the years after 1950. Their popularity after 1950 can be seen as part of a trend of composers becoming captivated with "sounds" per se, apart from their melodic or harmonic significance. This interest and fascination with "sound events" set the proper climate for the widespread development of the pianoforte techniques discussed in this paper. The development of the tape recorder and the long playing record made the interchange of musical ideas and the new techniques readily accessible.This study serves to clarify much of the mystique which surrounds many of the pianoforte compositions published since 1950. It discusses the new notational symbols used to designate the techniques and gives practical suggestions as to their proper execution.The series of study pieces developed for this project are meant to serve as an introduction to the new techniques. Although the pieces are written for the advanced piano student they are devoid of the rhythmic and visual complications which often surround compositions incorporating the new techniques. Except for two etudes, each piece uses only one new technique.

Thesis (PhD (Music))-University of Pretoria, 2006. / Abstract in English. Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Master of Arts in Multimedia)--California State University, East Bay. / "June 2007."

Thesis (M.A.)--Edith Cowan University, 2006. / Submitted to the Faculty of Education and Arts, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Includes bibliographical references.