| Drake collaborates with Manchester Metropolitan University on research project. | Doug Briggs, 12 Feb 2007 |
| Drake NW is working with Clive McGoun at Manchester Metropolitan University exploring issues around technology, communication and creativity. The findings of this project will be made available for publication. More details of the Music Engine project - including dates and times of final performances - can be obtained from Lis Murphy, Project Coordionator for the North West, on 0161 236 2997 ext 214. Exploring communication and facilitating ability A study of the Drake Music Project Clive McGoun Senior Lecturer in Communication Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education Manchester Metropolitan University As a lecturer in the field of communications I have spent the past twenty years investigating the complex nature of human interaction in a variety of cultural and cross-cultural contexts with the aim of addressing critical social needs and improving lives. With the proliferation of communication technologies defining the parameters of political processes, shaping our views of what society is like and playing a central role in education and health, my research is increasingly concerned with understanding the dynamics afforded by such technologies. Having seen performances of Drake’s developmental work with adaptive technology it is clear that the work is an inspirational example of the ways in which such technologies can enable and enhance musical creation and performance. Yet all ‘performances’ mask the complex transactions through which such creation takes place. Through a period of ‘residence’ at a series of workshops leading to the performance of ‘Music Engine’ at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry my aim is to begin an exploration of this complexity, to look not only at the medium of intra- and interpersonal communication but also at the ways in which technology itself becomes an agent of the transaction in music creation and performance. With nineteenth century steam technology converging with twenty first century sound beams, the journey promises to be a fascinating one. | |
