PhD Study : Modular Synthesis Musicking: Embodiment, Experimentalism and Ecologies of Technologies; Immersive Interfaces and Improvisation-Composition

Summary

Hardware modular synthesis (and sound processing) is an old technique which is enjoying a new resurgence, through developments including software and digital modelling of analogue circuits, patching-based graphical programming environments (including, but not limited to Max/MSP and Pure Data), but also, more recently, through the cohering of designers, DIY enthusiasts, and new generations of musicians around shared standards such as Eurorack. The resulting modular re-definition of music-making and the productive fragmentation of performance interfaces and instruments’ sonic architecture has helped to democratise both musical and technical processes. Experimental music practices including aleatoric/open-form structures and generative models, alternate tuning systems, and microsound are increasingly explicitly considered within, or accessible as a by-product of, new designs. Furthermore, the physicality and spatiality of modular synthesis interfaces has recast the act of electronic music-making as embodied, and, potentially, embedded, and enactive and extended (connecting with the models of 4E embodied cognition), also connecting with themes of immersivity and multimodality, and accessibility, within interaction design (e.g. NIME, CHI conferences), as well as the embodied turn the humanities and ubiquitous music. Further areas of potential influence include the development of music/audio technologies across a range of platforms and in a range of social and creative contexts, including networked audio devices and networked-based/telematic performances, interactive audio installations, and machine learning in audio interaction and creative practice, as well as the use of modular technologies in ensemble contexts.

Music at Ulster is a vibrant community of practitioner-researchers, with interests in key areas of contemporary practice including composition, music technology, participatory/applied music, and improvisation and performance and soundtrack research. We are one of the leading centres for composition on the island of Ireland, with five composers on staff, including two professors, performance specialists (both music and drama), and colleagues in film and screen and heritage/museum studies. We have supervised 20 PhDs to successful completion since 2009, and staff have presented work at leading venues across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US, and our Inclusive Creativity project (Impact Case Study) was placed joint first in the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (Music, Drama, Performing Arts, Film and Screen).

NB: As this is an area involving practice-based/practice-led research, applicants are judged on the basis of exemplar materials and experience (examined through their application materials and, if shortlisted, interview). Please note that applicants are requested to provide links to documentation of their previous creative output via links in their project proposals or CVs.

We are based in Derry/Londonderry at Magee campus, and benefits from a range of partnerships across Northern Ireland, the wider UK, and the island of Ireland as a whole, as well as a rich multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary context working alongside drama, performing arts, film and screen and heritage/museum studies. This project connects with existing departmental activities and partnerships including the Derry Sound Factory series (experimental and improvised music) and Oscillations and Modulations (a festival of electronic music tools and techniques), and we have previously hosted the Irish Sound Science and Technology Association international conference on two occasions.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living