Abstract

Composing is often viewed as a solitary activity offering little opportunity for collaboration. Yet ensembles can provide varying opportunities for creative collaboration between composers and performers, even a hierarchical and tradition-bound orchestra. While notation has been described as a means of conceiving, communicating and conserving musical meanings and intentions, the score may also be considered a collaborative tool. This presentation draws on a larger study which explored learning that occurred for emerging composers through a five day workshop with a professional orchestra. I propose that learning to collaborate “in code” through musical scores was a key facet of learning for these composers, and that all composition learners will benefit from thinking of instrumentalists working in cultural contexts, rather than of instruments as mere sound-producers.

Bio

Karlin Love (B.A., B.Mus, M.A., PhD) is a composer, performer, community music provocateur, and teacher. She works for the University of Queensland, Australia, as a researcher on projects investigating advanced training for composers and orchestral performers. Having performed in professional symphony orchestras, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, free improvisation groups, and as a soloist; and having composed for large and small forces in many styles, Karlin brings a rich background to her teaching and research. She is challenged and intrigued by tensions arising from the need to nurture genuine expertise and to encourage local, creatively responsive music-making. Raised in the USA , Karlin has lived in beautiful Tasmania, Australia, with her husband since 1989 where they enjoy hiking, camping, and marvelling at their teenage son.