Amid the Noise: A Percussionist's Exploration of Creative Practice

Abstract

This exegesis explores the relationships between the roles of performer, interpreter and composer and the location of my own individual creativity as a percussionist/musician within this nexus. Accompanying this exegesis is a creative portfolio, consisting of original compositions, arrangements and recordings of selected Australian percussion repertoire that I have performed. Adopting a practice-based research method, I have aimed to document the multifaceted approach taken in my own music-making, detailing the outcomes reached on this journey. I have endeavoured to develop and present different perspectives for applying my acquired musical knowledge through composition, collaboration and performing, and this is presented through a creative portfolio, which accompanies this exegesis. I also am examining the expansion of my practice, through the integration of using recording as documentation, and the broadening outcome that has had on the product I produce. I also investigate what influence dedicating myself to performing others’ compositions has had upon my practice to date. This exegesis is about opening windows into new sonic terrain and examining some of the boundaries and traditions prevalent in Western Art Music. I have attempted to do this through the eyes of an active music-maker—making informed decisions about musical contour based on improvisation, exploration and intuition.