Research Goals

My specializations and research interests are in music theory, composition, arranging, performance, music technology, multimedia, Internet applications, computer-mediation, learning, and creativity. These activities can be clustered into four areas:

1) Multimedia: DVD production and Internet integration.

Research in sound spatialization in the 5.1 surround environment, audio and video processing using Max/MSP and Jitter, DVD-Audio mixing and production.

2) Composition and computer-mediated performance: music composition for a variety of acoustic and electronic situations, designing and implementing interactive performance systems for my own works and in collaboration with other artists.

In the short run I would like to develop my catalog of works. I am interested in new “American” music (the confluence of European and African traditions in the northern and southern hemispheres), and exploring new environments and interfaces. I would like to publish an article or short book about interactive systems including the approach I have developed in my works over the past ten years. I will look for opportunities to work with others artists such as composers, performers, dancers, actors, writers, visual artists, and videographers.

I have submitted an article on my approach to "programmable instruments".

In the long run I would like to grow as a composer and performer of music, and to help others realize their creative goals.

3) Analysis: the study of interesting compositions and techniques, and the process of making them understandable to others.

I have submitted an article on the music of Conlon Nancarrow.

I have submitted three entries for the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound in the United States, on Don Buchla, ProTools, and Antonio Carlos ("Tom") Jobim. I am planning a tribute concert for the 10th anniversary of Jobim's death for the fall of 2004 and am doing research for a book a book. I am writing a harmonic analysis of his compositions for a magazine article.

In the long run I would like to have a deeper understanding of the evolution and experience of music, the creative and listening processes, and to have made available what I have learned to others.

4) Applications of technology to teaching: experiments in memorization and skill acquisition, collaboration, design and assessment of didactic materials, and computer-aided instruction.

In the short run I want to find out more about how learning can be improved, acquire and exercise programming skills for interactive teaching environments delivered over networks, complete a multimedia textbook on basic music theory, and develop materials for distance education courses and as supplements to classroom instruction. I am interested in applying technology to make connections between disciplines and participating in a team to create instructional aids.

In the long run I want to be involved in both regional and international programs, have experience and methods for assessing student learning, and be a more effective teacher, able to take advantage of best techniques and technologies.

5) Research and documentation of regional music

Documenting Creole/Zydeco accordian and violin music
Presenting paper on using DVD for archiving culture.
Interview with Michael Doucet, Cajun violinist