RESEARCH (B)

B. Using the following format, provide a detailed plan for researching and documenting the research component of your Master Project on the Research Catalogue:

1. Title and possible sub-titles 

A case study of instrument design: redefining musicianship by new practices 

2. A research question 

How could a new instrument  redesign a constructive relationship between its performers, practices and audiences?

3. Possible sub-questions 

Could new instruments and its practices decrease the segmentation of the music market and overcome its main challenges of production?

4. A brief description of the topic, including planning, chosen methods, and research process 

In the search for the unification of music practice and creativity, I design a cello format based on important values of the XXI century, such as Shareability, Customization, Autonomy and Integration.  I use this tool to discover a new way of practicing music and redefining musicianship. For its evaluation, I test its 2021 release producing artworks involving collaborators and interactive concerts. This is a transdisciplinary case study between instrument design, composition and performance.

Planing:

This project is organized in fourth phases: Design, Practice, Production and documentation. This type of project isn’t a linear development, either a project able to conclude in 2 years. However, I will apply development freeze in its first release of 2021 and document its application on different artworks. 

Methodology:

• Qualitative : One version of the interface and the instrument will be released during this 2 years research.

• Quantitative: Music practice and artworks will be produced with the instrument. 

Planning:

This project is organized in fourth phases: Design, Practice, Production and documentation. This type of project isn’t a linear development, either a project able to conclude in 2 years. However I will apply development freeze in its first release of 2021 and document its application on different artworks. Phase two: Interface 

Research process: 

Phase one:

Every workday, We are going to practice Knurl and/or cello and document how  this experience influences the production of its final shape. The design and conception of the prototype is developed in collaboration with freelancers. The process is documented at the website in a design journal format in three aspects: Solved issues, new issues, future improvements are briefly explained with a picture. The cello practice is also applied in this phase.

Phase two:

Improvisation or Lab sessions  will be created from the second phase, where the prototype of 2021 (interface, instrument, platform) will suffer a development freeze. The demos bring a baggage of those documented thoughts, as well the application of its features and technologies. Outdoor performances and group improvisations can be applied.

Phase Three:

Here I conclude this documentation summarizing a reflection of how my personal musicianship was transformed or modified by this product/process. Feedback collected from the audiences, mentors and listeners will be also documented. The previous improvisations are filtered and transformed in artworks. 

5. Chosen form of documentation and presentation (during the Master Research Symposium) 

The research is a combination of a product development (instrument, interface,platform), a social entrepreneurship model (PIA), an accessible documentation (website) and artworks.  In the master research symposium, I will present the process of its conception by video, audio and visual recordings of improvisations.