University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

AUTONOMOUS AUDIO: ELECTROACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE WITHOUT A SOUND ENGINEER

Persad-Maharaj, Tamara

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/128312

Description

Title
AUTONOMOUS AUDIO: ELECTROACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE WITHOUT A SOUND ENGINEER
Author(s)
Persad-Maharaj, Tamara
Issue Date
2025
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Fieldsteel, Eli
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Moersch, William
Committee Member(s)
  • Flores, Ricardo
  • Magee, Gayle
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Date of Ingest
2025-05-14T11:10:15-05:00
Keyword(s)
  • Performing
  • Electroacoustic
  • Sound engineer
  • Without
  • Percussion
  • Electronics
  • Multiple
  • Succession
Language
eng
Abstract
This thesis explores the challenges of performing multiple electroacoustic solo percussion pieces consecutively without the assistance of a sound engineer. Electroacoustic music, which combines electronically produced sounds with acoustic instruments, can be complex to perform due to the diverse equipment and software required. While composers often provide detailed instructions and equipment lists, there is limited information on the difficulties of executing multiple works that involve various electronic components within a single concert. The discussion begins by examining commonly used equipment, such as interfaces, cables, and adapters, followed by a discussion of music programming languages like SuperCollider and Max, as well as Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). It then explores the process of setting up equipment and understanding signal flow. Trends within the electroacoustic genre are examined through a selection of typical yet unique and contrasting works, meant to contextualize the ways technology is commonly used in this discipline. A comprehensive examination of recital preparation is presented, covering aspects such as equipment acquisition, strategies for rehearsing with space limitations and optimizing time, and considerations for stage configuration. Troubleshooting common rehearsal issues is also addressed, with a focus on challenges like sound quality problems and connectivity failures. The thesis concludes with a concise manual for quick reference, summarizing the key points and providing practical insights for performers.
Type of Resource
text
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2025 Tamara Persad-Maharaj

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY