Dialogical music systems: The importance of agency in creative processes

O'Neill, Gordon Thomas James

Abstract

For many, music represents product, something to be created and consumed, whilst functioning merely as aesthetic noise. I have often regarded this viewpoint as problematic, which is why this thesis provides an alternative perspective on music through the lens of agency, rather than musicology. I have done this through a practice-based approach where the two components of this thesis, the commentary and portfolio, are intended to explore the meaning of agency, or more precisely, dialogical music systems in combination. As such, the commentary acts to contextualise the findings from literature as well as the practical research which consists of three distinct studies comprised of compositions with varying levels of perceived dialogicality, including an album and two interactive installations: these all took place telematically, or digitally, due to the concurrent global pandemic. Data was collected from participants via interviews, focus groups, and surveys, and then cross-examined with auto-ethnographic reflection before being thematically analysed. I argue on the basis of these findings that dialogical music systems with a higher perception of agency encourage a greater degree of active engagement amongst participants and in turn facilitates the maximal capacity for individual creativity.

Citation

O'Neill, G. T. J. Dialogical music systems: The importance of agency in creative processes. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 22, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 28, 2023
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17869/enu.2022.3055313
• Keywords: Dialogical Music Systems, Agency Perception, Creative Processes, Splintering, Temporality, Decentralisation
• Award Date: Aug 2, 2022