Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis - ECU Access Only

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Music Honours

School

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

First Supervisor

Frances Barbe

Abstract

Movement-based percussion is a relatively new sub-genre of classical percussion in which movement is the central focus. Choreographed gestures and full body movements are synchronised to a prerecorded track or utilised to enhance the perception of sound being produced on the instruments. Because this sub-genre is so new, there is no standardised system for notating movement, therefore each composer has had to create their own system of notation to best suit their piece. This creates a problem for percussionists, every time we want to learn a movement-based piece, we first have to learn a whole new language of notation. It is time consuming which slows down the creative process of learning a new piece. It is difficult to grasp new systems of notation, so percussionists have given up on new pieces after struggling to make sense of the score. In order for this genre to grow, it requires greater standardisation of the notation of movement. This project will analyse how percussion is already notating movement, identifying elements that work well and those that are less effective. It delves into dance notation to discover what percussion notation can learn from other art forms and the use of symbols informed by psychology articles discussing aiding legibility and memorisation. The project proposes a potential system of notation, of my own development, that has been informed by my research and practice. Finally, I provide some recommendations for future composers as to the best way to set out their score and notate movement so that new compositions in this sub-genre are more accessible.

DOI

10.25958/hsb6-4540

Access Note

Access to this thesis is embargoed until 16th January 2028

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Available for download on Sunday, January 16, 2028

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