This weeks seminar and research topic had a focus on case studies and how they can be used as the motivation and inspiration behind essay ideas and research aims. The two case studies we looked at as a class were very different to each other, in both how they read and the structure of the writing but also in the reasonings for using a case study.
Th first case study titled ‘The British dance music industry: a case study of independent cultural production’ is written similarly to most essays. With clear headings and paragraphing it was clearly understood as an academic piece of text written for the purpose of explaining a line of research within a fairly strict line of research. The use of this case study was also fairly self explanatory with the author using the concept of “independent cultural production” to potentially explain the phenomenon behind the development of the dance music industry.
The second case study we looked at, ‘Redesigning Principles for Computer Music Controllers: a Case Study of Squeeze Vox Maggie’, was written for the purpose of analysing how some of the principles and purposes of computer music controllers have adapted and also stayed the same with developments in technology. The Structure of this writing reflects on the topic, written similarly to project write ups, however still containing the subheadings and sections expected within an academic text. Along with the less formal structure of the writing the text is also written far less formally conveying a humorous manner throughout the paper. As discussed in class this could reflect how the author is very much respected in this field and is able to write in such a less formal way as they understand their writing is still relevant and respected. The way this case study of ‘Squeeze Vox Maggie’ is used to explain which principles have and haven’t stayed the same seems particularly relevant in this case as in the first paragraph of the paper the instrument is described as a “reoccurring NIME character” suggesting that it reliably reflects the past and present needs for computer music.
In terms of my essay my aim this week was to find research that could be applied quite closely to Sensory Percussion, however after not achieving that this week my aim is to now take a different approach to my research and look into case studies written in a similar way to ‘Squeeze Vox Maggie’ for the purpose of researching the development of computer music tools and how they affect performance and musicianship. My aims will then be to apply this research to the use of Sensory Percussion and build up a collection of sources relevant to my essay ideas.
Thanks for reading
Tim
Tim Spencer Music Tech Studies 