Graphical Scores

In Western notation, it is common to write sheet music that consists of five lines with dots to represent the notes and rhythms. However, there are other ways to visually express musical ideas! Graphical scores expand the boundaries of notation, often challenging the determinacy of notation. Musicians may be encouraged to interpret the score more freely and improvisationally within structural limitations set by the composer. As someone who enjoys improvisation, I see graphical scores as a unique way to engage in group improvisation and communicate my intentions for a performance, both to the other musicians and to my audience. I want to thank Mark Applebaum for his guidance and inspiration in the vast world that is notation.

Below are several examples of my work with graphical scores!

Portraits (2023)

Original photographs in collaboration with Jenny Shi. 

I have developed an indeterminate graphical score format called the Kinetic Circle Technique which is compatible with any image. The technique is best executed with a large chamber group (6 - 12 musicians). The technique is improvisatory by nature.

A circle encapsulates an image. Along the circle, a single point moves. Attached to the point are two lines, an x-axis and a y-axis. Each musician is assigned one specific axis as well as one specific aspect of the image. In the piece, Portraits, there are three aspects for each picture (corresponding to individual movements). The piece therefore requires six musicians. As the axes intersect with aspects of the image, the musicians must play in a way that imitates their assigned aspect. The musicians do not need to constantly play, and may choose to rest for a cycle (this is suggested to vary the texture of the piece). In both of the movements for Portraits, I chose to begin with one musician and slowly layer the aspects. In the recording, I am improvising all six parts. 

To interact with the technique, feel free to add images and improvise with the provided Desmos link: 

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/lnpch4favm

Tales of Childhood (2022)

Nostalgia always surprises me. Often unexpectedly, it approaches, yet can be welcoming. It can be a reminder of wonderful and happy moments, yet bring an undefinable sorrow. It can be a reminder of loss and hardship, yet bring strength. Tales of Childhood reflects on three aspects of my life that cause a variety of nostalgia. From the shared experiences to personal reflections amidst tea, sunflowers, and bike rides, all three bring me back to the past. Tales of Childhood is therefore structured into three movements: (i) Tea for Two, (ii) Sunflower Waltz, (iii) Michigan Bike Riding. Thank you to Aeryn Breidenbach, a wonderful percussionist and friend, for your dedicated rehearsals and performance. And to Mark Applebaum, thank you for your guidance into the fascinating world of indeterminism and graphical scores.

On Symmetry: A Proposal of an Original Music Composition for the Purpose of Exploring the Relationships Between Total Serialism and Aleatoric Music

Through my proposal for an original music composition entitled, Symmetry, I hypothesize that a piece of music that employs formal processes to generate music from indeterminate aleatoric elements will allow for a Total Serialism composition that engages in aleatory.