Research Catalogue

This project explores the re-contextualization of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto through the utilization of sampling and modern audio production techniques. An introduction to the notion of 'contemporary music' and 'sampling' will be firstly presented. Following will be an explanation of my music technology project. Divided into three movements, the composition highlights how a piece from a classical period can be reimagined and listened from a different perspective. In this piece, many Samplers have been used to explore different aspects of the clarinet's sound.

In the contemporary art world, the need for artists to develop effective personal branding strategies has become increasingly paramount. However, traditional art education often neglects the importance of marketing and communication theories, leaving emerging artists ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of self-promotion and audience engagement. This dissertation addresses this gap by proposing a theoretical approach to artist personal branding. Drawing upon insights from marketing, communication, and art theory, the study explores the role of personal branding in empowering artists to cultivate their audience and reputation independently of traditional gatekeepers such as curators and art critics. By examining existing literature and presenting three distinct frameworks for artist personal branding, this research aims to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for artists seeking to establish and manage their personal brands effectively. Through an analysis of the challenges facing artists in the current art market landscape and the potential benefits of adopting personal branding strategies, this dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between art and marketing theory. Ultimately, the study seeks to empower artists to navigate the evolving art industry landscape and succeed in building sustainable careers through strategic personal branding.

In my Capstone Project I endeavor to bridge a significant resource gap for tuba players by developing piano reductions of orchestral works, tailored to accompany tuba excerpts. Motivated by the supportive infrastructure provided to singers by repetiteurs in operatic contexts, I aim to extend a similar aid to orchestral instrumentalists, particularly tuba players who often face scarcity in such resources. Once I began my research into the project, I found publications that are tried and tested by flautists and oboists, for instance “Orchestral Excerpts for Flute” by Jeanne Baxstresser and ”Orchestral excerpts for Oboe with Piano Accompaniment” by John Ferrillo. My Capstone Project will curate six of the most commonly requested tuba excerpts by composers such as Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Gustav Mahler and Ottorino Respighi, and craft piano accompaniments that offer concise yet comprehensive contextualization beyond the mere notes of the tuba parts. This process will entail careful attention to harmonic progressions, inter-voice dialogues, and stylistic nuances, thereby nurturing player development through an enriched learning environment. Through this undertaking, I not only seek to address an immediate need within the tuba community but also contribute to the broader discourse on instrumental pedagogy and performance support mechanisms. By combining research with practical application, my project aims to empower tuba players and potentially inspire similar invitations for other orchestral instruments encountering similar challenges, thereby enriching the musical landscape.

The focus of this project was to develop a listening experience that would inspire young children to connect with nature and promote their engagement with the natural world. Children today are spending significantly less time outdoors than previous generations. The consequences of a generation disconnected from the natural world are yet to be determined, but research has already proven the benefits of time spent in nature. This project explores the importance of having positive experiences in nature and aims to foster a love of the outdoors in young children, through exploring the sonic environments of accessible local areas. At the core of the project is field recording, storytelling and music. The project is a prototype for a longer running series of immersive sonic explorations of Irish environments, suitable for radio or podcasts aimed at a young audience.

This exposition uses audio-visual multimedia to revive interest in Irish art song, focusing on Joan Trimble's ‘Green Rain’. This exposition explores the practical project that was undertaken and discusses the process involved in recording, filming and producing ‘Green Rain’. This project traces the history of Irish art song and highlights the potential of multimedia to reinvigorate classical music appreciation using discussions and examples of audiovisual media in the field of classical music today.