NOTE:
The comments here below are not necessarily the most intelligent ones or the most elaborate. We are pasting them here to show the width of opinions within the participants of the survey. It was surprising how much people agree but it is also nice to find out the differences.
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NR 1
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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The facility to edit out mistakes and to "do the impossible"
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NR 2
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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substance
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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range
Are there characteristics in the ixi software interface design that define elements in your music? If so, do you find this limiting or creatively engaging?:
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ixi enables a controllable amount of randomization which i find very useful in certain situations
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NR 3 - interesting - astrogarage.blogspot.com
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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difficult, but intense. with double bass, it's a much more intimate, hard won sort of thing. blisters, aches, pains...
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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yes. great for doing 'commercial' stuff (i used it for writing music for video games and cd-roms). but not great for creative stuff, where limiting your options tends to produce more interesting results. i hated the non physicality of using a computer.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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acoustic instruments give you biological feedback - you feel what's happening. i don't feel like i'm playing a digital instrument so much as operating it.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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biological feedback. physical control. the control surfaces that you use to operate digital instruments are so lame in comparison. and there's no resonance, no sense of physical excitation.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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limitations of acoustic instruments are definitely a source of inspiration. with digital instruments the limitations are usually defined by whoever's written the software or your processor speed or whatever. so they're frustrations. with digital, it either works or it doesn't in my experience. with analogue, things are more fluid, more open to abuse....
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NR 4
What instrument do you play and how long have you played it? (list several if appropriate) :
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guitar (20years)
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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don´t use it anymore
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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too less sonic possibilities
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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I was happy about the broad sonic possibility, more place for experimental sounddesign.
the eternal upgrading makes me nervous.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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acoustic instruments mostly have one special sound,
I need more sonic possibilities for my kind of performance/composing.
playing an acoustic instrument virtuously needs time, which I
prefer to spend in experimenting with sound
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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It's much more difficult to achieve an organic sound with software than with acoustic instruments.
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NR 5
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Physicality (sounds obvious, but that's the main thing)
Social/Musical conventions
Realtime collaboration (although for example netpd.org exists and is wonderful)
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Digital instruments can make any sound you can imagine and more, acoustic instruments are much more limited. But, on the other hand, limitations can force you to be more creative with what you *do* have - the endless possibility can leave me lost and directionless at times.
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One important point from my experience: Free Software is for life. Proprietary Software dies and with it die all the files you made with it. I had to write my own convertor to convert Amiga OctaMED music files to something I can use with Pure-data and Gridflow, and this was only possible because the file format spec has been published. The only way I could use my Propellerhead Reason files in Pd was to transcribe the music down on to paper with pencils, and then re-enter all the data into Pd from those drawings. See for example: http://www.archive.org/details/claudiusmaximus--inside-outside
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NR 6
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
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Lung capacity, diaphragm control and tonguing all play a massive role in your sound, and require lots of practice to get right. The speed you can play is limited by the speed and timing of your tongue and fingers, and requires a lot of practice to get perfect.
(he plays the Euphorium)
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NR 7
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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physicallity
you have to mold yourself to acoustic instruments
digital instruments can be molded to you
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NR 8
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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The trumpet only lacks automation as a feature. But then that wouldn't be as fun so I don't have a problem with this.
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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This is directly related to how much practice I have done. In the (usually normal) case that I haven't practiced at all, the trumpet exhibits a high amount of instability. Sometimes this is enjoyable. It may even be a desirable musical quality. From past experiences however, I know that when I do practice, the trumpet is very deterministic unless it is playing improv Jazz, at which point fantastical suprises can be discovered. I was once playing Birdland (a great Jazz classic) in a band, and at the end of the gig, was supposed to play a Super-C. A Super-Super-C came out instead (ie a 4 octave range), which is actually pretty much impossible unless you're Miles Davis, and I'm not, so it was a highly unexpected and rewarding thing to happen. I never was able to repeat it, despite many attempts. The strange thing was that I didn't even try, I've no idea how it happened.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Well they're too different to ask such a simple question, to be honest. Software lacks physical, intuitive interfaces, but then computers were not really designed for these features and shoe-horning them onto a computer can be a big mistake (that's why I dont use a MIDI controller, or any such thing). Computers enjoy numbers and text, sometimes icons and GUIs, so these are the preferred facilities I'd stick to (in that order).
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
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Argh! Yeah, I know where you're going with this and respect to you for exploring it, but it's not really my cup of tea. I've tried unsuccessfully many times to go down this route, but at the end of the day, the way I interact with software is using a keyboard, a mouse, maybe a trackpad. Not much else. I type a lot. Touchscreens are nice but they're rare. I'd rather type numbers into a grid than twiddle knob (virtual or not). Knobs are great for some things but rarely are they perfect for everything.
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NR 9
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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MIDI - though MIDI on pipe organs is becoming more common - good to allow a replay of a performance so the organist can hear the sound from the body of the performing area later, not just the console
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NR 10
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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- firstly the computer offers me a tool to compose and arrange sounds myself. i like this autonomy i have that didn't exist when there was only classical-analog studios
- and the computer brings many ways (maybe too many...!) to create a great variety of sounds and textures
what i dislike? hmmm... maybe i feel sometimes that all this technology could loose myself, i mean this amount of ways is more like a big jungle of software sometimes, and it 's hard to keep an idea and follow it along the whole process of creation.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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an acoustic instrument is a limited, bordered system, i mean once it's designed you have to deal with it. and learning to play this instrument is for me learning to reach the borders of that system.
a digital instrument could be an unfinished evoluating system and maybe it is the positive aspect and the major difference with acoustic.
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NR 12
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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It can very often lack the intuitive physicality of "real" instruments. I've been working on a system that creates computer music using the full range of expression from a vocal mic input, which works well for me (as a beatboxer etc). Systems such as interactive tables or video inputs still seem unbelievably klunky to me, in comparison to acoustic instruments.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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Can be both. With acoustic instruments the limitations can be appealing - the appeal is of exploring a physical object. With digital instruments the limitations can be less appealing, because millions of people all over the world can be sat facing the same limitations for no good reason.
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NR 13
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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The piano is nice, it has a nice visual element and I find it easy to do harmonic stuff on the piano. That was my first instrument, so I visualise musical theory with piano keys, I'm not sure if people that learned say the violin as their first instrument do that. But the piano is loud and big and for that I like the Guitar and the Clarinet better. They're less pompous. I like the clarinet the most at the moment as it has only one tone at a time so the consciousness is fixed on that one note. Simple.
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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I find the piano pretty stable, the guitar less so, which has to do with not perfect fingering and also the nature of the strings. With electric amplification oft he guitar we get an extra chaos into the system. The clarinet is very chaotic for me, but that might be because i'm not that good player.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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I find the issue of latency being the biggest difference. And indirect and unnatural mapping. The latency of setting up something and nothing changes in the sound, but then suddenly one hits a button and everything changes.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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interfaces
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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intelligence
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NR 14
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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Both. Limitations focus creativity and are not always an obstacle. However, once that 'wall' is met, the limitation becomes the focus, rather than the work.
It's FAR easier to accept limitations in acoustic instruments - legacy perspective, history of praxis etc.
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NR 15
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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It differs from patch to patch. I might only use a patch a few times before moving on to something else.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Nothing. You could say physicality but then you can control software with a data glove for instance. The interface doesn't just have to be a mouse. Some people argue that visually a laptop musician is not as interesting as a guitarist for example. But I think it's a mistake to judge one type of music on the attributes of another.
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
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3d physical modelling interface. eg. the ability to construct virtual 3d models with strings, surfaces, forms and vibrate them with virtual physics such as different gravitaional forces, air densities etc.
Did we forget to ask a question? Have you got any other comments on the subjects we have been asking about?:
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A computer is a physical thing just like a guitar. The difference is the virtuality, what goes on behind the screen. I think some people in recent years have become bored with having to watch people make music in a live situation from behind a laptop. That's fair enough. But you bring to a live performance your own expectations. If you go to a concert of electroacoustic tape music expecting to be entertained by people sweating and jumping around then you will be disappointed. So compairing things is difficult and fraught with problems.
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NR 17
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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If you have proper controllers, it is the same.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Versatility. Piracy!
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NR 18
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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As a composer it can be difficult to precisely notate music. I am a firm believer in working closely with artists/performers to clarify my intentions through the spoken word and response to questions they ask.
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
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If I didn't have asthma I would be able to sing differently.
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NR 19
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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STABILITY. reality. However pretty the GUIs look they're still not really there. It's like being in love with a porn star rather than a real woman. It may look like a dream come true, but it's still just a pattern on glowing phosphor not the real thing. A real woman may be full of imperfections but at least she is REAL.
Did we forget to ask a question? Have you got any other comments on the subjects we have been asking about?:
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As I said somewhere up there, this survey shouldn't be going on about "digital" and "acoustic". As a user of hardware digital synths I found your terminology very complicated. "software" and "real-world" would be a much better description.
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NR 20
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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I personally think that it is usually precisely those qualities that make the acoustic instrument superior to a totally predictable, even response that can never have individual quirks of character or imprecise tuning etc.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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IMMEDIACY!! i feel very estranged from the actual production of the sound. alienated, in fact... i deplore laptop performers, because as far as i'm concerned they are not performing...
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NR 25
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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Mainly inspiration, the closer to a physical limit you are with an instrument, the more unpredictable the sound can become.
I also prepare working with hardware electronics, as they have more defined limitations.
I feel by combining the two, the deficiencies of each can be countered and 'gaps are filled in'. Of cource both can be pused to their respective limits in various ways.
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NR 26
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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I've found I can't *play* digital intstruments, I can only *work* them - and that's no fun.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Limitations!
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Dongles?
Do you have a need for musical software that doesn't exist? What would your dream musical software be like?:
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Something that could surprise me. Somthing I would *want* to invest years of study to learn to use well. Something that didn't need upgrading.
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
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Dedicated hardware/software 'instruments' that do one thing well and not a hundred things unwell.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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In general the limitations of acoustic instruments are a source of inspiration. Digital instruments are more a source of irritation.
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NR 26
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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i wish all my instruments were more unstable
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
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i would like to bypass all motor actions because i belive a instrument that had a direct link to your brain would inface be a better more true tool for compleating musical truths
Do you have a need for musical software that doesn't exist? What would your dream musical software be like?:
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apart from tapping in to my brain and reading my acoustic intuition.
i would like to see more software that doesn't do it all. I think software that limits it self like a guitar is more interesting. Instead of having a 3 year learning curve the software should be limited and be accompanyed buy other programs that are limited in different ways so you can have many open on your pc and perform them as you would many different real word instances.
Did we forget to ask a question? Have you got any other comments on the subjects we have been asking about?:
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i guess i always find it funny that programs are eventully describing a geanre. i wish this wasnt always so. could that be a question?
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NR 27
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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Guitar has a natural amount of chaos, which is to some extent controllable, but I think this aspect of an acoustic instrument is really important, as the player is always attempting to govern aspects that will never be 100% controlled.
This 'struggle against chaos' results in musical expression of some sort, I think.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Yes, that immediacy of interface/response, fine control, etc. which results in software created sounds lacking expression or "life", compared to acoustic instruments.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Yes, acoustic instruments have a limited range of timbre and pitch and volume, etc, and acoustic instruments tend to be very good at playing the same thing that's already been played, cliches, it's harder to find something new with them.
I'd say the main weakness of acoustic instruments is that they're stuck with an inherited language, or vocabulary.
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NR 31
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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My bassoon is like a part of me, but it is difficult to explain. Because I've played for so long everything has become second nature. That is partly the reason for me to start to play another instrument, it has helped me to focus on technical details for students to better understand what they ought to do when they play.
How much do you know about the history of your instrument? Do you think it could have been built differently? Are you aware of the ergonomical (or other) issues in the way it is designed?:
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I know a fair bit of instrument history. As far as being built differently, any instrument is a compromise. What makes a great instrument, is an instrument that allows for as few compromises as is neccesary.
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NR 33
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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Viola for me is a direct link without any need of conscious thought to a music place. (When its really happening that is.) It is a very physical and connected experience expressing many things with a direct energetic link that is not possible on computers.
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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I never think of it in that way. Its function as a viola is complete. As a software programmed I know exactly what you mean - but the viola to me is a finished project. If I am looking for a new sound on it I try experimenting with using other objects to play it. If its functionality needs to be expanded then I need to use my creativity to do it - its not something that I want the viola to do.
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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I use a lot of extended techniques. Some of the sounds I generate are quite unstable but with practice I feel I generally create the sound I am think of. Always I create the energy I am thinking of.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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Computer is all about thought process - its a way of composing and imagining sound and then creating it. Viola is all about a direct connection to speaking what I am feeling at this very moment.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Computers software, even with physical interfaces, lack the ability to physically create the sound. The direct link between the energy you exert and the sound you create causes a disconnect that makes it more of a mind brain endeavor. It is more difficult to remove the brain and become one with the physical embodiment of performing.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Well the viola has nowhere near the range of sonic possibilities of a computer. Still there are an infinite variety of sounds to be made but this subset of infinity is much smaller than the infinite variety available by a computer. This is also a strength in a strange way since it focuses your attention on the sounds you can make. This makes you more creative much like a haiku forces creativity. The familiarity with the sounds also makes it easier to communicate using that vocabulary.
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NR 35
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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The saxophone is different every time one picks it up!
Of course I don't always have control,(who has total control over anything?) but if you give yourself up to the music, the music takes over and THAT is when the magic happens.
If you are constantly worried about control and technical aspects I don't think you can be very creative in my humble opinion.
In the music I play you have to leap headfirst into the 'fire'with a leap of faith,believe in yourself and hope for a safe and creative landing!
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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SOUL!
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Perhaps a wider application with sound.
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NR 36
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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Working with sound/music on an acoustic instrument is a physical experience. Working with sound/music on a computer is a "heady" experience. Playing acoustic instruments involve,at many levels, interaction with the physical world. For example..breath, muscular fitness(practiced skills), room temperature, current mind/body mood, reflexes/response time. These things and many others effect, greatly, the sound that is going to be produced by my body. There is much direct interaction with real time real world physicality as it unfolds.
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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Every instrument has its limits and that is good. Working withing limits can be an endless and ever evolving process. So, I think there is nothing lacking in the function of an instrument. Rather, it would be a lacking in my approach or willingness to explore its reaches.
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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In my later days of playing acoustic instruments I found myself wanting to play more "non-detereministcly." I wanted things to get more out of control. A master musician would be so skilled that they could create the illusion of non-deterministic" behaviour in an instrument, such as the guitarist Derek Baily often did.
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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I like the endless range of sounds and speed and ease of composing on a computer. At the same time, it is often too much....too many options...too confusing...not enough focus. Working on computer music lacks the physicality of acoustic instruments unless they are triggering devices on the body. And even this lends itself more to "triggering" a sound and not causing the vibration based on the amount of pressure tension/release or gravity applied.
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NR 37
Can you describe the process in which you use ixi software? Do you use ixi exclusively or together with other software?:
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Never used it. Looks too... proprietary. Like, the pieces wouldn't be by me, they'd be by you.
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NR 38
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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drumming is very tactile/immediately expressive...usually played in a group setting with other musicians...alot of communication between the players themselves and thru the instruments
with the computer i tend to work alone...the expressiveness is a step removed..ie. thru the twist of a knob(a virtual knob at that)...or the programatic layering of live captured or pre-recorded sounds
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NR 41
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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I probably could gain complete control over the software...but would i ever want to?....there are many moments of delight that come because of the unexpected badly determined decisions made by me...misinterpreting the software....many times leads ot serindipitous discoveries.
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NR 42
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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Yes: both a builtin computer in my current keyboards, which I find wonderfully freeing (it's well-integrated with the device, and relatively limited in what it can do), and on a laptop (sometimes a bit overwhelming in terms of the "blank slate" problem: hard to see where to start because there's no familiar interface. controls are not traditional and therefore I have less technique to work with them).
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NR 44
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
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Possibly, but not much. It's the artist's job to do something with what he has, not the job of the instrument to be easy to use. Limitations are good for creativity.
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NR 47
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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I feel that the interfaces for digital instruments cheat a bit. They aren't as sensitive in some cases and most of the time if it doesn't perform the way you want, you simply recode it. Thus it is more about making the interface suit the instrument and less about the instrument teaching me something about music. I make the rules with a digital instrument, there are none there for me and thus it FEELS like there is less mastery, though that may not be the case.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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There is no frustration for me in creating music. Limitations provide boundaries. Life without any rules becomes difficult to work with. It's impossible to act and react with them.
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NR 49
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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There is very little non-deterministic behaviour in these instruments. But it is worth mentioning air. As a wind player, breath control and direction is a fact of life. Factors like the performer's heartbeat, lung capacity, and breath control are interesting semi-controlled influences on the resulting sound. As a composer, I find these influences must be taken advantage of in order to produce the effects I imagine. As an amateur on some instruments - guitar, for example - I find myself exploiting the relative unpredictability of my own playing in order to achieve a particular 'feel'.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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Acoustic instruments are *real*. Find me a real digital instrument and I will be a convert. Perhaps one of the Buchla instruments would do it, but I don't have that kind of money or space. The granularity of reality is unparalleled. How's that for a truism?
Digital instruments are conceptually limitless in everything but interface. Unfortunately, I want to have my cake and eat it too. Working with digital instruments helps me learn how I already work with acoustic instruments. The act of designing digital instruments and their control systems lets my imagination express itself without the coercive influence of physical (and financial) reality.
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NR 50
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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Creative inspiration. Acoustic instruments have physical limits which can be pushed and explored. Digital instruments are effectively limitless, so the creative challenge is to select and refine rather than expand.
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NR 51
What are your joys and frustrations when using ixi software? What are the positive and negative aspects of the software?:
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nice, but didn't feel expressive to me. the programmer is more the artist than the user.
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NR 53
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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I think there is very little non-deterministic behavior in either the harp or the violin as a class. Both instruments are dependent on skill for full control; except for those elements that are determined by pre-existing (i.e. sound determined by shape & fabrication of resonance chamber; uniformity of strings) or the chaos of the environment (i.e. tuning affected by temperature & humidity).
The pre-existing elements are where the variations come in between two instruments of the same type. Included in this is the time period during which a new instrument develops its "voice". On a new harp, for example, the way it is played during its "breaking in" period determines (with only a little predictability) the quality of sound it will produce later.
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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I have. My take on computer-constructed or -mediated music is that while the computer allows a way to create with less dependence on physical dexterity / muscle control and more dependence on intellectual dexterity. This would of course depend on the interface. The biggest reason I am not drawn more to computer-mediated music making is that a big part of music for me is the tactile input. With my harp, for example, I can not only feel the tension of the strings under my hand, I can tell how hard I pulled it based on the way the soundbox resonates next to my chest. I can play in complete darkness based on the feel of the instrument under my hands. A primarily visual interface is not as satisfying to me.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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I think limitations, in the right light, are generally a source of inspiration. A limitation is a problem to solve - just as in jazz improvisation a strict structure frees the performer to endless variations within that structure.
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NR 55
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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my guitar does not suffer from latency issues nor does it crash unexpectedly
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NR 56
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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I suppose I would be reluctant to criticise the guitar for lacking functionality when I could just as easily criticise my technique, and the guitar is by now a highly refined instrument which has evolved over a long period of time. Nevertheless, I can see much untapped potential for integrating the guitar into electronic music, beyond the MIDI pickup. In the case of the electric guitar, I also believe that the instrument is not just the guitar, rather it is the entire signal chain from guitar to amp, including effects pedals and whatnot. So with this in mind, if I ever felt that an electric guitar lacked functionality, in terms of sonic characteristics, there is always another amp or another effects pedal to try out.
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
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If the human body was different then I would imagine the evolution of musical instruments would have proceeded accordingly, to optimise their usability by a human with such a body type. Whether this would be a benefit or not is moot, because instruments designed for human use would ideally take ergonomics into account anyway. I would like to see how a two-headed human could sing and play the saxophone simultaneously though. I firmly believe that creativity happens inside boundaries, so learning to work with what you have is where the interesting and ultimately rewarding stuff is.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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#1 difference: The decoupling of the gesture/the interface from the sound making part that happens with electronic instruments.
That has advantages and disadvantages. Advantages are the freedom to map gesture to sound in any conceivable way. Disadvantages include the loss of 'feel' that can happen as a result of this decoupling unless this issue has been specifically addressed by the instrument designer.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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This is an interesting question. While I believe that limitations can foster creativity, there is no denying that some limitations can hamper expression or expressive potential. I suppose the instrument should allow some degree of expression in order to be useful. How much expression is a difficult question to answer. A cowbell is less expressive than a piano, but they each have their uses! Similarly, a single sine wave oscillator or a theremin is arguably less versatile than a Yamaha CS-1 but then in the hands of the right player a theremin can be amazing in its own right, so it is often down to how it is used, as in the skill of the performer and the context in which it appears. Electronic/digital instruments are so new and are evolving so rapidly that long-term dedicated practice on these digital instruments isn't ever heard about, and sometimes digital musicians are treated more like consumers and are expected to keep upgrading to the latest version of the product. Nobody ever picks up a violin and expects to be able to make a passable sound with it within a 10 minutes, so as long as there is an expectation for instant gratification from digital instruments then how can they ever expect to rival acoustic instruments in expressive potential?
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NR 57
What are the positive and negative aspects of the environments you have tried? If one of them is your main tool, why have you chosen it?:
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Pure Data can do a lot, but had a steep learning curve. Bidule and Audiomulch have the advantage if being fairly free form and you do what you want in them. Other systems - Fruity Loops for example - seem to force you into making music in the FLoops way.
What are your joys and frustrations when using ixi software? What are the positive and negative aspects of the software?:
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I like the way that the interfaces don't try and emulate hardware. So many pieces of software invest so much programming into knobs and sliders and VU meters and I don't know why.
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NR 58
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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limitations are always conductive to creativity in my experience. the more options I have, the more overwhelmed I feel and the more time I spend fiddling with things rather than "composing"
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NR 59
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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acoustic instruments can be very close to your mind they can be attached to our mind.
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NR 60
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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Yes, and other instruments. The computer seems more like the next stage in transference of memory & intelligence to physical object, as much a score-writing tool as an instrument. The ability to store conceptual structures into the tool (whether composition-like or instrument-like) is amazing. The challenges of doing so (the bugs) are infuriating.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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Immediacy. Very few acoustic instruments have any kind of delay, latency, memory, quantisation, look-ahead, written input, preview, or other abstractions of time.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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On the whole, timbral complexity of course, but that is changing. Physical input resolution hasn't changed enough yet. Historical weight also, but that's also growing.
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NR 61
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Often, tactile response is the first missing element in working digitally. External controllers can help to alleviate the problem, but they aren't always the ideal solution. There remains a certain "expressiveness" to acoustic instruments which working digitally cannot provide. But twhat this "expressiveness" is, and whether it is some sort of 19th Century, Romantic holdover, remains a vital question.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Although so-called "extended techniques" can radically reshape the sound of an acoustic instrument, the instrument's physical structure does remain its greatest limititation in so far as you can only push it so far in any direction before you have need to switch to a different instrument to get a different sound. I enjoy programming digital instruments for exactly this reason...while a skilled acoustic instrumentalist may be able to evoke a wide range of "expressive" sounds from her or his instrument, a skilled digital instrument maker can create an environment where ANY sound is possible, and can be made at any time.
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NR 62
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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Yes, I use it for composing, recording, and experimenting with musical ideas. I started using one after leaving a rock band as a way to make drum beats to play along to, using ReBirth and Cubase. I like the independence and flexibility making music with a computer provides, but I also feel like sometimes there are too many options, and the line between composition and engineering can get too blurred. Also since you can do so much on a computer besides music, I can be easily distracted into something non-music related, such as surfing on the internet. I have used my laptop in electronic jams, and I'd like to integrate my laptop in my bass rig, but wary of carrying around something so expensive and valuable to dodgy venues, and also adding another thing that could go "wrong" in a practice or gig that would distract from the music.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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I tend to be extroverted when playing my bass -- it is more satisfying and productive to play with other people. I am looking at the faces of other musicians and listening to them to help decide my tone and what to play. I am more introverted when playing digital instruments because I tend to only do it in a compositional context -- and more productive when I have an extended period of time of solitude, as I am looking into a screen and listening to headphones or monitors.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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The immediacy of interface. You look at a guitar and you want to pick it up and play it, and can do so immediately. You look at a laptop and may not think "music" when you see it. And if you want to play it, you have to often wait through minutes of set up, and the initial energy may be lost by then. Also I usually play my software instruments using a piano-style keyboard since that is what MIDI was made for, but I'm not a very good keyboard player.
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NR 63
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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No, because it is accoustic, there are always physical nuances that are non-detirministic. This is why accoustic instruments sound great.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Immediacy, solidity, tangibility.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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modularity, nonlinear techniques, computer efficiency and edits, delays/granular tools, etc.
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NR 64
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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Lots. I like battered old instruments, experimental or broken instruments can have a certain charm. I am not a perfectionist or virtuoso in any way. Lack of control is not a problem, I have computers for that, which give me TOTAL control.
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NR 65
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
----------------------------------------
My instruments don't behave; I do. They're infinite fields in a very real sense. I can't always play what I want to play.
How much do you know about the history of your instrument? Do you think it could have been built differently? Are you aware of the ergonomical (or other) issues in the way it is designed?:
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I know the complete history of most of these instruments and have researched them as well. I don't think an instrument could be differently built; it would then be a different instrument with different sound.
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
----------------------------------------
Just what's there; I adapt.
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NR 66
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
----------------------------------------
sitting in front of a piano, i imagine it as some kind of complex physical synthesizer, so actually i don't see any difference
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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it lacks soul and uniqueness, 2 computers with the same software will produce exactly the same sound, while 2 acoustic instruments never ever sound exactly the same.
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
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todays interfaces are often frustratingly 1- or 2-dimensional. we live in a 3-dimensional world, interfaces should make better advantage of this fact.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
actually not, i rather think it's the limitations of instruments that make people think of creative workarounds that overcome these limitations
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NR 67
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
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Yes. Especially the guitar. The position of my body when i play classical guitar injured my back and shoulders. A better support should be included in the instrument itself.
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NR 68
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
The limitations of acoustic instruments are a source of inspiration. The limitations of digital instruments are frustrating. With a modular synth or software package you basically are stuck with what you have. A piano or a bass are only as limited as the imagination of the musician.
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NR 69
How would you describe your relationship with the instrument?:
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the relation with my drum kit was quiet strong (custom built and so on) but i dont play the drums anymore since i started working with computers.
firstly, because i havent had the time to play drums when i started to learn working with a computer (almost from zero on), then, when i tried it again some years later i couldnt stand the direct response of my drums anymore... unfortunately it stayed like that until now.
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NR 71
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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I would say that in terms of my voice I'm still a bit suprised how it actually sound when recorded and played back.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
I'm not a really big fan of interfaces that are experimental if there's not really good features to go with it. I usally find that the challenges that a "new" interface brindgs on does little or nothing to take my sound design and/or composing to new levels. I strongly believe that a audio software developers could benefit from bringing human-computer interface designers into the developing processes.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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A lot. Capabilties for expansion and improvement of a physical instrument concept are very limitied, unless you are a skilled craftsperson of some sort.
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NR 73
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
----------------------------------------
acoustic instrument are inherently stimulus-response, they can have a rich sound colour but then a piano is always a piano. i don't think instrumental colours are interesting any more. with computers you don't distinguish between composing and performing as those two are overlapping. you can prepare material in the computer, you can give it some algorithms, so the computer can be autonomous to some extent; so to the point, the computer can be a wall of sound, "polytimbral" if you like the term, an instrument is always limited to what you can do physically (monotimbral). certainly a percussionist can do a lot of things too....
well, i guess it boils down to be being able to use concrete sound.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
when playing the combo of computer / acoustic instruments, you'll recognize that the instrumentalist can be very quickly reacting (be "virtuous" albeit i said that i particularly dislike virtuousity). there's a lot of inertia in computer use, partly due to the interface that needs to be learned and is seldom as fast and responsive as a physical object, partly due to the fact that you'll (i will) want to be wall-of-sound that is polytimbral so there a lot more you need to control (taking more time and inertia), so the algorithms need to become far more complex to free the performer from unnecessary control tasks.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
intelligence, memory, autopoiesis, ability to reproduce arbitrary noises
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
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something sculptural that can be operated with your ten fingers and hands but which must be a dozen times more sensitive than a glove or something similiar.
secondly, an incredibly intelligent voice recognition based system ;-) "now, make that last section a little faster in the end, and more calm in the beginning, then let's compare that with the current version" (this would be a computer that deserves the term "intelligent")
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
limitations are always both a source of frustration and inspiration, for sure. like in every art piece, you'll feel it's good because there was some conflict with the material or the tools. when there's no resistence of the instrument, the outcome would probably be terribly boring.
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NR 74
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
limitations are always both a source of frustration and inspiration, for sure. like in every art piece, you'll feel it's good because there was some conflict with the material or the tools. when there's no resistence of the instrument, the outcome would probably be terribly boring.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
----------------------------------------
as i mentioned - there is a 'flattening of the sound' that occours with digital instruments - usually people use very simple processes that in some sense becomes too easy - and makes waves of similar sounding music. there is a marked difference from sitting an listening to many instruments, devices or other 'real-sounding-objects' - and the equivalent of that digitized - it is is like the 'soul' is removed. the final affect becomes just a simulation of music/sound. the difference is extraordinary. and slowly people are being trained to forget about this difference - which i find more than a little sad.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
The level of stocastic complexity which is already existing in nature. of course and as I mentioned a few programmers are arriving at this understanding and adding many layers of indetermancy in their sound - but i find it ironic - because we and nature already is filled with this - i find it sad that more people are not just honestly composing with the great tool of the computer to express richer and richer music - but instead they just get technically addicted to simulation. but this is a normal human tendency to always look away from where we are now.
therefore acoustic playing has the obvious element of being NOW and immediate - digital software seems to augment our tendency to always look away from now. - but there as i said are exceptions - and i support the research but i don't want to participate with this research personally.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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to be fair - there is a bizarre thing that the digital world has that of course is why i use the compute at all - that is to re-combine time and sound material in ways that never existed before (this might sound paradoxical to what i say) but unfortunatly the processes of recombinging seem to reduce the sound to mathmatical functions and introduce problems - perhaps we are distracted by the awe of the potential we do not see yet the finer points. i feel that with my work i would like to remain slow to the developement and with a certain doubt - until certain qualities convince me. I am not against - but not completely for. this recombinate quality is attractive - but after the attraction is over - the question remains about the actual experience. and then i feel we return to the age old discussion of aesthetics that is independent of how the sound is made - but what is the resulting experience poetically/artistically or what have you - this is a subject that must be defined and i feel must always be returned to.
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NR 75
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
----------------------------------------
all instruments are designed to function optimally for certain purposes and if you have explored those inherent functionalities and become disatisfied (bored) then you can seek to adapt certain inherent fucntions toward other ends. a guitar is designed to project sound in a certain way which makes the instrument "living" in some places and more uncultivated in others. placing mics and piezo on the instrument expand the sensitivy and sound characteristics and so a new functionality is cultivated (a principle of evolutionary design is artistic process, let's say). so, the answer is, yes, it lacks functionality in a certain sense when we think of a horizon of possibility but this is tricky because if we adapt it then we are not agreeing that its lack of functionalty is permament, i.e. it not quite a complete lack but only a partial lack that can be transformed. with respect to computers, this might be self-evident because softwares are constantly being adapted to accomodate different relationships. that is because it is more of a blank slate than a guitar which has a heavier history on its back.
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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well, i would say that i try to maximize the availabilities of certain unstable sonorous felicities and then develop a system for capturing them and transforming them whether that be live real-time improvisation or through more slow-going granular synthesis. full control is not interesting for experimentation. but lack of control is not useful for composition. in that i work in both ways, i seek to have both possibilities.
Do you find that it would be of benefit if your body was different? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
oh yes. but maybe also the learning curve could be steeper if i had extra body parts. i am certainly wishing i had more bodies of my own to work with. but then again there is a loss of unknowing about how things react and so it is less exciting.
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NR 79
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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That is the best part and basically where I am trying to get. I try to set up scenarios, technically, that surprise me, therefore, the notion of control is a slippery one.
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NR 80
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Not much. The primary problems and interests remain much the same once the novelty of the digital 'circus' has worn off. Very few 'digital artists' are really aesthetically/socially/ethically innovative because most of them can't escape the superficial differences from older technologies and obvious responses to the immediate possibilities of the 'new' technology . The main constraints are still imaginative rather than technical.
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NR 81
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
----------------------------------------
i like when the electronic instrument behave "unstable" and "random"..like an acoustical instrument do sometimes....this give me a kind of improvisational feedback that triggers other creative processes..
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NR 83
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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Digital is more exciting for me. More of an overall experience as a composer and a performer.
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NR 84
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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I use the computer for processing, editing, mixing, mastering. I do my best to make and effect the sound using analogue and electronic means outside of the computer. I hate performing with a computer-- the light from the screen, the disconnection from the audience, the danger of crashing are all unpleasant.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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Physical relationship to the instrument is heightened when acoustic. Not to say that there is no physicality to digital instruments, but there is less of a shared connection between myself, the instrument and an audience. When I'm playing acoustic instruments I'm not looking at them, I'm looking out to people. I also play electronics, debris, radios and such, which are more introspective on stage, but still have more physicality and shared discovery than the computer which is closed to the audience.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
Depends on the instrument. Actually it's not a bad thing to work out the possibilities of a limited palatte- i.e. when I was only using reel-to-reel recorders for sound production I developed a kind of mastery of the reel machine as instrument. I have a long way to go to feel that mastery with a computer. Some of my favourite pieces use very simple means-- it's about finding something extraordinary in the ordinary that is exciting for me.
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NR 85
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
----------------------------------------
The instability and non-determinism come solely from my poor technique!
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
----------------------------------------
I can design digital instruments that explore specific ideas and techniques which would be impossible to explore with acoustic instruments. Also, I can tailor custom instruments to my particular technical strengths (and more often) weaknesses.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
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Even today's high-powered and complex synthesis engines lack the refinement of instantaneous expression developed over centuries of instrument evolution. A talented guitarist can do such subtle things with her instrument; we are only beginning to approach that with digital instruments.
I also hate needing hi-tech just to make music (I envy the acoustic guitarist who can make music on the beach).
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NR 87
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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Not enough haptic feedback.
The flexibility is good, especially the choice of a 1-to-1 relationship of a gesture to a sound, or a more "conducting" aesthetic -- where one gesture might influence many sounds.
I've had more ergonimic problems with keyboards and mice than anything.
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NR 90
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
----------------------------------------
It takes time to build and fine-tune the computer as an instrument, and practice. If you are unexperienced or unaware of that problem, you might be put off by the amount of time.
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NR 94
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
The natural sonic limitiations of acoustic instruments are annoying but the worst is the extreme amounts of time needed to learn them properly can be very frustrating - lack of technique makes it difficult to express ideas and compose.
As for digital instruments and computers, the worst part is the lack of human contact and true artistry (sometimes you feel that all your doing is pressing the "play" button - but as i've said, keyboards and other physical interfaces are a way out of this); also software issues and bugs and a lack of intuitive interfaces.
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NR 95
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
creative inspiration. when composing with what is available the limitations motivate you to be more creative. i have always found limitations to be a gift in every art medium. i know many people who bought g4s and they use it to write email. having the right gear can be daunting.
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NR 101
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
computers are frustrating in that so much depends on getting into the mind of the creator to get it to do anytning this impacts on my ideas and how they can be implemented
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NR 103
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
----------------------------------------
Playing acoustic is very personal and like living with a human being and music with computers is like living with a robot.
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
Life.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
Reproducability; Managing; Enhancing;
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NR 105
Do you sometimes find that it [the acoustic instrument] lacks functionality? If so, which? :
----------------------------------------
flexibility, non-western tuning, inharmonic spectra
How much do you know about the history of your instrument? Do you think it could have been built differently? Are you aware of the ergonomical (or other) issues in the way it is designed?:
----------------------------------------
it is built to fit the sound quality desired by 19th century composers. the composers have changed but not the tradtional instruments. e.g.: a violin stayed to be a violin. electronic violins are seldomly used in classical compositions.
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NR 108
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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function is defined by the instrument, not applied to it! (For instance, I do not expect to be able to make tea with a drumkit.)
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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There is always chaos in any system. Full control is an illusion.
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NR 114:
Do you sometimes find that it [the acoustic instrument] lacks functionality? If so, which? :
----------------------------------------
wysiwyg
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NR 115
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
warmth.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
versatility.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
I don't see limitations in acoustic instruments; they simply are what they are.
The limitations I find in digital instruments are usually down to their being overcomplicated and not easy to use.
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NR 117
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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yes. I like the ability to layer and edit performances, as well as to create unusual tones.
I have always, and likely always will, dislike that the complexity of using a computer for music can be a problem when I am in a rush to get an idea recorded quickly... before forgetting it. I almost always go to a piano or guitar first so as not to lose the idea.
What are the positive and negative aspects of the environments you have tried? If one of them is your main tool, why have you chosen it?:
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Standard transport control and editing behaviors along with standard shortcut keys are REALLY important. I'd rather have a limited system that feels familliar than a full-featured system with a big learning curve.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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As stated above, I use acoustic instruments to "get the idea out of my head", and use digital instruments to flesh-out the music and eventually record it.
Do you have a need for musical software that doesn't exist? What would your dream musical software be like?:
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It would be interesting to model software to act as engineer and producer for you. In other words, you would spend no time "setting things up and getting sounds", you would merely describe them to the Engineer using musician-speak ("brighter, maybe more reverb, you know, like the sound of a Ventures record...") The Producer would give you direction, make suggestions, encourage, etc. This would be really great.
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
----------------------------------------
Both. You can't separate inspiration from frustration... all musicians know this. The good ones expect and accept this -- as long as the frustration is with the quality of their ideas or their performance and NOT WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF USING THE SOFTWARE/INSTRUMENT.
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NR 120
Do you have a need for musical software that doesn't exist? What would your dream musical software be like?:
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It would let me write unbarred music without insisting on having time signatures and bar lines. It would do what I tell it, and not try telling me what to do!
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NR 128
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
----------------------------------------
Acoustic instruments are complex in their micro-behaviour, but extremely limited and in the end alienating. Digital instruments are the thing, but, apart from sound quality problem, they suffer from some "stillness". In other words, the "micro-complexity" of acoustic instruments.
What virtual or physical interfaces would you like to see in computer software?:
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It is not the physical interfaces that are lacking, the problem is the complexity of the control protocols. At some point, you have to stop being a musician to have enough time to understand them. In that regard, avant-garde music is now "controlled" by computer geeks that show no musical talent, but can use the tools... this partially explains the general public's lack of interest towards avant-garde.
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NR 131
Do you feel that the limitations of acoustic or digital instruments are a source of frustration or creative inspiration? Does it depend on the type of instrument? If so, how?:
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Both. Musicians should never accept the limitations of their instrument without evaluting the results. In other words, people say Ornette Coleman has his own concept of intonation. I say he simply plays the saxophone without thinking about intonation at all, and hence his music conforms not to his particular concept of intonation by by the predetermined intonation tendencies of the saxophone. If I were to play the same way on tuba, I would be out of tune, but not just out of tune randomly, out of tune only where the instrument has inherent tendencies. For me to then claim that this just happens to be exactly how I intended to sound before I had ever played the tuba would be totally dishonest. (for the record, I am a fan of Ornette; he's just and easy target for this particular discussion)
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NR 132
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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A good acoustic piano lacks no functionality! My electric Piano (Yamaha p250) is very good - it just doesn't have the _exact_ feel of a real piano and I miss the acoustic feedback (the harmonics of the strings, the subtle pedal effacts)
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
----------------------------------------
Acoustic piano: Always in control, after playing the particular instrument for a little while (Different pianos have different sounds that you need to adjust for in one's playing).
Electric: The effect of the reverb and "overdrive" when played forcefully is a little out of control, for my ears.
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
----------------------------------------
Yes. At times I love it - the ability to create music that can't be created any other way. The ability to quickly score things and have them available to people around the world instantly.
Bad things: Hardware/Software problems. Having to continually upgrade software and hardware just to function - let alone to function effectively.
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NR 134
Does computer software lack something that acoustic instruments have? If so, what?:
----------------------------------------
A character which never changes.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Flexibility. They don't change their character.
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NR 137
Do you sometimes find that it lacks functionality? If so, which? :
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Not really, that's not a relavent issue with acoustic instruments. The challenge of playing acoustic instruements is surely to make the best sound / performance / music given the pretty rigid limits of the instrument.
How much 'unstable' or 'non-deterministic' behaviour is there in your instrument? Do you feel that you always have full control over it? :
Can you describe this feature?:
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Trumpet like all brass instruments is notoriously unstable. It is very easy to split a note and virually impossible to play the same phrase twice exactly the same. Trumpet, because of its volume and pitch (at the top end of the brass section) is particularly hazardous because if you split a note EVERYONE notices. But that is why it is such a dramatic and exciting instrument in the right hands.
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NR 139
Have you used a computer for making/playing music? If so, what did you like or dislike about that experience?:
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Computers are excellent as compositional tools.
I'm not so sure as performance tools though....we need definetely
something more in electronic music performance.
What I hate is the close relationship with the business side of things
that makes a truly original musical discourse to arise very-very difficult.
Every now and then a new version comes up and you have
to re-learn the language, or to buy a new OS etc.
This is not the case with an instrument that hasn't change so much
for 250 years. They are features that you know that they are there
and you explore. But they are always there you're pretty sure
that they are not going to do a diffrent version next week :-)
so your previous work becomes obsolete!
That's not the way that a truly musical discourse develops.
What are the biggest differences for you in playing acoustic and digital instruments? (if applicable) :
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There is not comparison playing an instrument with operating a computer!
A computer cannot be an extension of your own body or if it is
it's in a rather limited and superficial way.
I'm not separating here mind with body but playing music relates
very much so, with our somatic and mental faculties through playing
and not operating. In musical performance we deal with both mental, psychic
and somatic responses upon the extension of our body that is the instrument.
Above you'asked if having a different body would be better
I'm suggesting not viewing the musician as separate of his instrument.
When s/he plays has to be one body indeed!
I'm very much into electronic music so please don't consider saying all the above
as having a distrust on computers. It is the opposite.
Do acoustic instruments lack something that digital instruments have? If so, what?:
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Good digital instruments create an intimate relationship with the sound itself.
I mean with the nature of sound. Someone starts developing a sense