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Composing for an intelligent instrument ensemble

Compose and perform a new work for an ensemble of AI-enabled musical instruments.

Level: Honours, Masters
Length: Honours projects run over two semesters; two semesters are preferred for Masters.
Prerequisites: Composition or ensemble performance experience, and some music technology background (COMP4350/COMP8350 or equivalent).

Most intelligent instruments are designed for a solo performer. What happens when several performers, each with their own AI instrument, play together? How do you write a piece for them? In this project you’ll compose and rehearse a work for a small ensemble of intelligent instruments (e.g., IMPSY instruments on Raspberry Pis), with a score, structure, or set of rules that deals with the AI instruments’ unpredictability. You’ll document the rehearsal process and reflect on how composition changes when some of the ensemble’s decisions are made by AI.

• Minimum: a composed work for three or more IMPSY instruments, documented rehearsals, and a performance. The piece should work as a solo version where you play several instruments yourself, so it doesn’t depend on other performers being available; performing with lab members is a bonus.
• Stretch: a second version of the work informed by what you learnt, and reflections from the other performers (this needs ethics approval).

Tags: #artistic-research #composition #ensemble #intelligent-instruments

How to apply

Contact Charles Martin with your CV, your unofficial transcript (if you are an ANU student), and a brief statement (200 words) explaining how you would approach this project. Before applying, read the Join page and our project expectations.