Dissertation Index



Author: Kaastra, Linda T.

Title: Systematic Approaches to the Study of Cognition in Western Art Music Performance

Institution: University of British Columbia

Begun: January 2005

Completed: May 2008

Abstract:

This dissertation presents an instrumentalists perspective on cognition and meta-cognition in music performance. The goal of the study is to identify and apply methods of inquiry that are phenomenologically resonant with instrumental practice. The first chapter, situating the study in the context of the writers musical training, examines ways of studying and representing performance knowledge. The second chapter presents a case study of the preparation of Tôru Takemitsus Masque for Two Flutes (1959-1960). Using grounded theory methodology, this chapter investigates the role of gesture in the negotiation of musical understanding. Chapters 3 through 5 draw on Herbert H. Clarks joint activity theory of language use to conceptualize music-making, taking into account context, process, and other domains of musical activity. Finally, Chapter 6, in addition to re-defining "virtuosity" for the 21st century instrumentalist, presents a set of philosophical considerations for cognitive studies in music performance.

Keywords: Music cognition
Systematic musicology
Performance ethnography
Performance inquiry

TOC:

1. FINDING MY VOICE

2. STUDYING PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE

3. CONCEPTUALIZING MUSICAL INTERACTION

4. EVENT STRUCTURE

5. COORDINATION DEVICES

6. CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE FIELD OF PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP

Contact:

Linda T. Kaastra
eudaimonia96@gmail.com


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