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Melodic drumming in contemporary popular music : an investigation into melodic drum-kit performance practices and repertoire

Jordan, M 2009, Melodic drumming in contemporary popular music : an investigation into melodic drum-kit performance practices and repertoire, Masters Thesis, School of Education, RMIT University.

Document type: Thesis
Collection: Theses
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Jordan.pdf Thesis application/pdf 1.64MB 380

Title Melodic drumming in contemporary popular music : an investigation into melodic drum-kit performance practices and repertoire
Author(s) Jordan, M
Year 2009
Abstract This project is an investigation of melodic drum-kit practices in popular and contemporary music. The development of melodic drum-kit playing techniques has helped create a more inclusive role for drum-kit players within ensembles and has increased the potential for drum-kit players to present solo elements in performance. The project artefacts of my research are six compositions presented on CD. They demonstrate performance and compositional techniques that encourage a melodic approach to drum-kit performance.

My research involved several methodological approaches these included: a) professional practice-based research, b) music composition and transcription, c) interviews with significant musicians familiar with drum-kit melodic practices and d) elements of autoethnography.

I refer to particular drum-kit performance techniques and practices such as mirroring, thinking melodically, spatial relationships between drum-kit instruments and ensemble players, as well as, internalising melodic and harmonic ideas and being in the moment. I have shown in my compositional project that melodic elements in drum-kit performance and composition encourage a broader and more inclusive role for drummers in improvised performance. This is evident in the ensemble versions of compositions submitted as part of this study.
Degree Masters Thesis
Institution RMIT University
School, Department or Centre School of Education
Keyword(s) Drum Instruction and study
 
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Created: Mon, 29 Nov 2010, 16:09:00 EST by Catalyst Administrator