Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7fkt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-27T15:47:12.020Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Creating an expressive performance without being able to play a musical instrument

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2008

Abstract

When we enjoy a solo musical performance, two factors in particular may contribute to our appreciation: the technical skill of the performer in playing the instrument and the individual expressive interpretation of the work. The factor which predominates will vary from piece to piece according to the musical demands. In traditional piano method the skills of playing the instrument and of creating an interpretation are normally taught together. Here the author suggests that the two factors can be separated and considers how the skills of creating an interpretation might be explored independently. A computer-based system is described which enables a person to create individual expressive performances of piano music even without being able to play the piano. Some potentially limiting factors are considered.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abbotson, M., Abbotson, R., Kirk, P.R. & Hunt, A.D. (1993). Technology in the service of music therapy. The World Congress of Music Therapy, 07 1993.Google Scholar
Anderson, T.M. (1990). E-Scape: an extended sonic composition & performance environment. Proceedings of ICMC, Glasgow 1990.Google Scholar
Anderson, T.M. & Kirk, P.R. (1993a). A customizable user interface system for the structuring of compositional tasks. The World Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Education, Edinburgh 1993.Google Scholar
Anderson, T.M. & Oppenheim, D.V. (1993b). Perceptual parameters - their specification, scoring and control within two software composition systems. Proceedings of ICMCm,Tokyo 1993.Google Scholar
Anderson, T.M. & Smith, C. (1996). 'Composability': widening participation in music making for people with disabilities via music software & controller solutions. Proceedings of ASSETS 1996 (ACM/SIGCAPH).Google Scholar
Dalgarno, G. (1990). Improving on what is possible with hearing aids for listening to music. British Journal of Music Education 7, 2, 99121.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dalgarno, G. (1991). A computer based system to enable people who cannot use their hands well, or at all, to produce music with their own individual expression. Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics,November 1991, pp. 275283.Google Scholar
Hunt, A.D. & Kirk, P.R. (1994). MIDIGRID - a computer based musical instrument. Journal of Musical Instrument Technology, 06 1994.Google Scholar
Repp, B.H. (1992). Diversity and commonality in music performance: An analysis of timing and microstructure in Schumann's 'Träumerei’. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (5), 11 1992.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed