Research notebook. Reflections concerning practice as reasearch in musical composition

Abstract

The present text proposes to articulate some reflections regarding artistic research that are central to practitioners working with music, particularly composition. To relate approaches, problems, and possibilities, we will elaborate on the trajectory and experiences in composition and teaching. Specifically surrounding pieces that deal with mathematical structures and pedagogy around the notion of situated creativity. Besides providing an account of research and music-making, this article serves as a framework for creating a reflective space that moves beyond the anecdotal and the subjective. In this way, we describe an epistemic approach regarding the production of artistic and discursive products that combines not only the outcome but also the elements along the practice: sketches, entries in practice notebooks, and other intermediate materials generated during the creative process of musical composition. The purpose of the following article is to construct a situated constellation which emphasizes the relevance of certain materials and objects that usually do not play a significant role in the creative outcome/process.