A Practical Pedagogical Approach to Electro-Acoustic Music for Violists

Abstract

Electronic Thesis or DissertationThis manuscript centers around the gap of information found between composers of electronic music and classically trained performers, violists specifically. This project involved the commission and performance of three new works for solo viola, some of which incorporate live electronic music played interactively with a live performer. The three works are written by Dr. Kyle Grimm, Dr. Daniel Minogue, and Dr. Michael Stubblefield, who are all graduates of The Hartt School, and are either on faculty at The Hartt School currently or are on faculty at nearby colleges and universities. This project will use their compositions to illustrate the ubiquity with which most electronic music can now be performed by classically trained musicians. Electro-acoustic music is not performed as often as it should be because of the small barrier of entry it presents to performers who are unfamiliar with the equipment and terminology necessary to perform live electro-acoustic music. This manuscript aims to correct this by providing a small technical manual of relevant terminology and equipment, using the newly commissioned works as case studies through which to make use of this terminology and equipment