Research Catalogue

an international database for artistic research

• 3. Internal publication Research published in this issue are only for internal circulation within the Royal Conservatoire, The Hague.
• 2. Royal Conservatoire Investigations Royal Conservatoire Investigations
• 1. Master Research Projects All research in KC

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  vimu.app: Creating a visual musicology editor (2024) author(s): Chris Beutel Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  In recent decades, the application of computers has transformed data processing across scientific disciplines, including musicology and music theory. This evolution has led to the development of computer-aided musical analysis tools, which have revolutionized music research by enabling rapid and precise analysis of extensive musical datasets. However, a significant hurdle remains: the need for technical expertise and programming skills, potentially creating a divide between musicologists proficient in technical aspects and those that are not. This thesis explores the usage of node graphs and visual programming to bridge this gap and introduces a solution we call ’vimu’. vimu offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a visual editing experience, simplifying the utilization of computational functions without requiring computer science or programming knowledge. Unlike some previous GUIs for music analysis, vimu is designed for user-friendliness, avoiding complex installations and ensuring ongoing support. vimu is fully available online and can be accessed via https://vimu.app.
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  The studio production approach to live sound: Recreation of creative mixing techniques and sound design elements in live music performances (2024) author(s): Kaan Yazici Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This thesis investigates the implementation of a studio production approach into live sound engineering, examining benefits and challenges of implementing nuanced sound design elements and mixing techniques commonly found in studio recording. It highlights the historical separation and recent convergence of studio and live sound realms, spurred by technological advancements. Employing literature review, expert interviews, and firsthand application of studio techniques in live settings, the study suggests that the implementation of modern audio technologies guided by a clear artistic approach, allows for the successful implementation of mixing techniques and the sound design elements of a studio production in live performances. Benefits range from enhanced artistic expression and musical narrative possibilities to precise sound control and superior fidelity, albeit with challenges like technical complexity, loss of spontaneity, and higher setup time and costs. The thesis highlights the critical role of collaboration between engineers and artists to ensure that the application of studio techniques enhances rather than detracts from the live experience. It advocates for a flexible, context-sensitive approach that considers the genre, venue, and audience expectations while implementing redundancy and utilizing techniques like virtual soundcheck in order to balance out the technical challenges. Ultimately, the thesis concludes that while the pursuit of studio-quality sound in live settings introduces complexities, it also opens up new possibilities for creative expression and audience engagement, enriching the live music landscape.
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• The role of metaphors in enhancing expressivity in piano education (2024) author(s): Thanos Katsaras Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Metaphors play an important role in describing effectively the qualities of an emotional state due to the advantage of figurative language over literal language. Expressivity in music is substancially connected with communicating emotions among other factors. Therefore, the use of metaphors can be a powerful way of improving musical expressivity. This study focuses on developing expressivity in intermediate piano students. On the theoretical level it presents fields of expressivity and strategies including metaphors for empowering them and on the practical level, through the course of 4 piano lessons it experiments with those strategies and reflects on the findings.
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• The impact of visual imagery and stories on the personal expressiveness of beginner piano students (2024) author(s): Yasaman Akbari Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research is aiming to address the following primary question: How might personal expressiveness develop by the use of visual imagery and stories in beginner piano students? This research was done in a mixed-method approach, in which action research, design research and case studies were combined. In this study, five piano students participated. Each participant represents one cycle of the research process. The participants of this study were asked to draw their mental images of the pieces they were learning. Then, They were invited to make a thorough story for the piece they were performing. Lastly, participants were asked to perform their piece, while keeping their drawing and the story in mind. Professionals with expertise in expressivity and storytelling have evaluated the information and provided feedback. Furthermore, it was requested of three piano instructors to test these materials on their pupils and report their findings. Analysing the study's data revealed that each participant's performance became more expressive after using visual imagery and story. Having an intention while playing, experimenting with multiple versions of the same phrase, connecting stories to sound, and feeling a personal connection to the piece they were performing are some of the most significant findings of this study. Keywords: Expressivity, Storytelling, Visual imagery
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• The effect of Mental Practice and Body Awareness on the daily practice of music students (2024) author(s): Juan Rodes Pintor Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research investigated the effect of mental practice tools and body awareness exercises, when correctly integrated in a practice routine. This type of practice is heavily used in sports but is yet to be completely discovered by musicians. This research proposed a one-month routine which implements tools like Imagery, Visualization, External focus, and Body awareness exercises amongst others, and investigated the effect it had on Imagery abilities, motor and cognitive learning, performance anxiety and enjoyment. Eight conservatory students from different countries and instruments followed this routine for one month practicing unfamiliar pieces. The data was collected using a mixed methodology composed of personal questionnaires, logbooks and the Bett’s Questionnaire upon Mental Imagery, a tool that helped keep track of the mental abilities of the participants before, during and after the intervention. The use of different imagery and visualization exercises reflected a twofold improvement in scores according to the Bett’s QMI criteria in the vast majority of participants, even though none of the participants mentioned feeling improvements in their mental abilities in the post-intervention questionnaire. Logbooks showed fewer levels of mental and physical anxiety after performing body awareness exercises and the personal questionnaires reflected a slight improvement in practice and performance enjoyment and motivation thanks to the goal setting strategies of the routine. The findings suggest that the use of mental practice and body awareness exercises should be used more in the musician’s daily life.
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• The Maestro concert (2024) author(s): Jeroen Ardesch Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  In this research I was able to turn the concept of the popular Dutch television program "Maestro" into a concept for all the amateur wind orchestras we have in the Netherlands. Here I looked at the different parts that are all in the TV program and in what way we can adopt these parts. I also looked at what the different reasons might be for organizing a maestro concert for a local music association and what exactly does such a maestro concert look like? To do this, I created three different packages called the light version, the medium version and the full package. Included in these packages are a list of possible costs for organizing the concert, a timeline for organizing the concert and marketing tricks to sell the concert. As an extra, I came up with different ways to spice up the concert or save costs. To test my concept, for my PIA I came up with the idea of organizing my own maestro concert based on my research. Unfortunately, the results of this PIA cannot be incorporated into this research because it takes place after the deadline. With this research, I hope to get more wind orchestras excited about organizing Maestro concerts for their neighbourhood!
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