Tracking the Music Composition Process: Identifying a Model for Pedagogical Practice
David Collins, School of Intermedia and Performance Arts, Doncaster College
Disciplines: Music
Status: Current
Start date: 1/10/2006
The primary aim of the development award is to extend studies in music composition cognition with particular reference to computer-based pedagogy at undergraduate level. There continues to be little research in the area of music composition process. The fact remains that the implementation of technology within music education (using compositional tools such as the sequencer) has relied almost completely upon software developed for the commercial market, often with a tacit assumption that users think in one particular style. While several researchers have use computer-based methodological approaches to explore the composition process, little of the data is captured in a real-world, non-experimental setting. Few studies observe other than the writing of single melody lines, and the complex process of musical structuring - how a piece of music gains form and structure - is less than throroughly explored.
In recent work by Dr Dave Collins a hypothetical model of the compositional process has been postulated (1) as well as an evaluation of associated methodological procedure (2). This award allows further work to be carried out, using a sample of HE students, rather than as previously, a professional composer. Funding provides technical support and assistance in data collection and analysis, since the output from participants (in the form of audio files, MIDI save-as files, music notation and verbal protocol transcription) will be substantial.
References
1. Collins, D (2005) A synthesis process model of creative thinking in music composition. Psychology of Music vol 33 (2) 193-216. Sage.
2. Collins, D (2007) Real-time tracking of the creative musical compositional process Digital Creativity 18 (4). Routledge.