White dashes: A Research and Music Compilation on How Songwriters Harness and Understand the Concept of Writing based on Foreign Experiences.

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Stephanie Ann D. Lavoie, De La Salle University Integrated School (Manila)

Document Types

Arts and Design Research Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Ziv B. Astronomo

Abstract/Executive Summary

Music is part of more than we realize, without music in movies, advertisements, video games, films, and many other types of media, it would change how we immerse ourselves in these other worlds. This research focuses on writing music based on foreign experiences, meaning working with others and meeting their needs while maintaining creative liberty. A survey was conducted where songwriters and composers answered questions about differences between writing based on personal and foreign experiences, along with their opinions on how to write music for others. After the survey, interviews were conducted with some of those who answered the google forms. This follow-up allowed for further questions to be asked about the topic. The objective of this research is to collect data from other songwriters/composers on their methods and apply this towards actively working on projects for clients. Included in this paper is a project where the researcher composed a soundtrack used for a video game, Zenosyne, which is being created by a fellow Arts and Design Student. After the client provided themes, pegs, and timestamps, she was interviewed and asked questions regarding the performance and effectiveness of the methods applied throughout the whole project. Overall, she believes that the quality and inclusivity exceeded expectations. This research will provide more information for new songwriters that can help them understand their place in the music industry and guide those who are looking to deepen their knowledge of work in the music industry.

Keywords

songwriting; video game music; music industry; creativity; composers

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Music and Sonic Art (MUS)