Music composition techniques for communicating aspects of scientific topics and studies

There is a growing interest in the convergence of art and science, bringing engaging educational and cultural possibilities. As a composer with an interest in science, the author embarked on a research and creative practice journey seeking to communicate scientific topics through music via installations and the online cultural space. The first phase investigated the mapping of scientific data to musical parameters, to explore its potential for communicating certain aspects of scientific topics and studies while offering a satisfying musical experience. The results of this phase highlighted concerns regarding educational outcomes and credibility of the music-science convergence.

This led the author to move away from data use and towards a different approach. A focus on the imaginative use of composition techniques was explored and an alternative method proposed called the Technique-Focused Method (TFM). It acknowledges that an emotional connection with the listener can be important in communicating aspects of scientific topics and studies and can also benefit education outcomes. Programme notes are discussed, in providing important support for such communication. The very notion that music can communicate is explored, an important factor when considering listener perception and choice of musical techniques. Such discussions provide insights regarding the techniques demonstrated in the portfolio of musical works composed by the author, which accompany the written thesis.

Overall, the research offers an alternative to current standard approaches. It advocates musical accessibility and direction away from using scientific data in musical composition. Given that first-hand documentation from composers may be scarce, the research also offers a musicological contribution by means of a portfolio of new musical works. Each of these seeks to communicate aspects of a scientific study and is accompanied by documentation of composition techniques.

Ultimately, the research contributes towards the growing interest in the field of art-science convergence, with a focus on music composition.