Melodic Tension Balancing
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2017
Location of the Work
Melbourne, Perth
Research Statement
Research Background
This research involved the adaption of the Melodic Tension Rating (Oehlers, 2018) to intentionally incorporate non-diatonic scale material into improvised phrases in jazz music performance. By using the MTR to compose hybrid scales that balanced consonant and dissonant melodic notes over conventional chord types, non-conventional improvised melodic content was developed through a practice-led approach. By slowly and deliberately applying these scales in practice, and training myself to aurally recognise and apply groups of notes with varied dissonance levels within improvisation, a novel approach to melodic construction was developed.
Research Contribution
The new knowledge gained through this practice-led research displays an innovative method for jazz improvisation, that diverts radically from common practice. While melodic strategies similar to this exist in a non-harmonic, free jazz environment, there has been limited recognised research applying them to conventional harmonic structures. The results from this research and the underlying practice-led methodology will be documented and can be replicated by practitioners and students of jazz improvisation. As the MTR is beginning to be used by scholars and higher degree students, this forms a logical addition to the associated MTR-based systems already developed through my previous research.
Research Significance
These techniques were published through an album recording and 3 major national festival performances, which were documented and peer-reviewed in major print media outlets.
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
RAS ID
55083
Event Dates
July-December, 2022
Event Venue
Melbourne Jazz festival (Tal Cohen), Published Recording (Harry Mitchell) and Perth international Jazz Festival
Additional Information
Released February 19, 2017
Harry Mitchell - Piano
Jamie Oehlers - Saxophone
Daniel Susnjar - Drums
Jeremy Thompson - Guitar
Karl Florisson - Double Bass
Mixed and Engineered by Elliot Smith at Villanova music Perth,
Mastered by Nate Wood at Kerseboom Mastering NY.
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Mitchell, H., Oehlers, J., Susnjar, D., Thomson, J., & Florisson, K. (2017). Harry Mitchell [sound recording]. Harry Mitchell. https://harrymitchellpianist.bandcamp.com/album/harry-mitchell