Composition/Music Theory

The research area of Composition and Music Theory at the MUK encompasses both scientific and artistic research projects, including EEK (Development and Exploration of the Arts). Theory-driven research focuses on historical musicology, aesthetic theory, notation studies and development, music analysis, media analysis, and transmediality. In contrast, practice-led, artistic research projects explore experimental notation, improvisation and transcription, and the relationships between composers and performers.

Many of these research activities promote interdisciplinarity by combining methodologies and strategies from both Composition/Music Theory and Interpretive Research. This is particularly true for improvisation research, which, while incorporating significant compositional elements as real-time composition, is categorized under Interpretive Research at the MUK. Research in Composition and Music Theory primarily occurs within the Department of Keyboard Instruments, Conducting, and Composition, which includes experimentation with various new media, film and game composition, and electronics. Additionally, numerous cross-disciplinary research activities are available.