It's always refreshing to find somebody making “new music” that is still able to hold a human conversation – to laugh and so forth. Equally, it's great to hear an avant-garde musician who states that their way is ‘a’ way, not necessarily ‘the’ way.
Stuart Favilla and Joanne Cannon were an insightful sort, and while their music did not really do it for me, their attitude certainly did. That is to say I respect them – Australians who are pushing the boundaries, and ones who are finding out what the future holds. More of these people are needed!
This session was actually a ‘forum’ in the true meaning of the word – everyone seemed to want to put their two cents in and throw their ideas around. To be honest, it made me miss the days when this is what forum class was all about, I found the discussions intellectually stimulating then and whenever I spoke the pinch of pressure that I’d better have something important to say arouse. It really helped one shape not only their own opinion, but to speak to an audience and to ‘forum’ their ideas. But alas, nowadays ‘forum’ is just another set of instructions, like the rest.
Having digressed (and whinged) considerably, I guess I’ll add now that my own visions of instruments of 21st Century are quite different. I think Ross Bencina was closer to the mark with his interactive glove, I think that we’ll see instruments that map out every parameter, every twitch of the body. Interactive environments are in their own way an instrument, and I think that this is one of the new avenues for musicians.
.sources.
Favilla, Stuart. Cannon, Joanne 4.10.07, "Bent Leather Band," EMU, Adelaide University.
9.10.07
reflection
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3 comments:
QUOTE: "But alas, nowadays ‘forum’ is just another set of instructions, like the rest."
I'll second that. Lively discussion and insight into what we do, and why we do it is a much needed component of the course. Unfortunately this last semester was really a compulsory electronics elective, titled "Music Tech Forum". Hopefully we will see a return to the earlier format, as all can greatly benefit from having an outlet for ideas and thoughts.
Capability to utilise electronics is certainly a requirement for any Music Technologist. The validity of this course is not questionable.
However,
Speaking out loud about ones ideas - rather than "blogging" - is an equally important skill for a Music Technologist. Particularly among other Music Technologists (like Stuart Favilla and Joanne Cannon). A necessary skill for any line of work I might add.
This 'social' component of the Music Technology was great.
Yes the social element is definitely worthwhile, for all involved with Music Technology. I think with regards to the electronics course, it really depends on what your definition of "Music Technologist".
Is it a composer who uses technology (and if so is it a computer, or an electric guitar, or a piezo attached to a coke can?) or an audio engineer, a software programmer or mathematician who likes to dabble with musical concepts (ie. Gordon Monro).
Granted, it is impossible to please everyone. It would be interesting however, to take a poll and see how many artists/bands (that we look up to) utilise electronic hacking as opposed to other means.
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