Dr Ewan Stefani
- Position: Associate Professor
- Areas of expertise: Electronic music; synthesizer studies; improvisation; computer music; soundscape; sound diffusion; applied music technology; analog synthesizers; acoustic ecology; audiovisual sonic art
- Email: E.J.Stefani@leeds.ac.uk
- Phone: +44(0)113 343 2605
- Location: 1.08 12 Cavendish Road
- Website: Bandcamp | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | ORCID
Profile
My background is in electronic, jazz and classical music, initially studying on the ALCM/LLCM diploma programmes at Napier Polytechnic (1989–91).
I was employed at Leeds University as a research fellow on the Optical Music Recognition project for two years, and then became a full-time lecturer in 1998.
My research interests lie in all forms of electronic music, and contemporary / free improvised music. I lecture in the areas of electronic/computer music, analog synthesizer ensemble, composition, and applied music technology.
Currently, I am undertaking research into the role of analogue synthesizers in both pop and experimental music. I also direct the Leeds Analogue Synthesizer Ensemble, and I run projects with the Recon community-based synthesizer ensemble.
As a composer and performer I have released a variety of collaborative and solo works that have been performed on BBC Radio 3 and at various national and international events. My compositions range from live performance pieces for synthesizers, computer-based acousmatic works, experimental electronic pop music, and music for video.
I direct the Centre for Practice Research in the Arts (CePRA) based at the University of Leeds.
Responsibilities
- Director, Centre for Practice Research in the Arts
- UCU representative for Music
- Programme leader, BSc Music Multimedia & Electronics
Research interests
I currently supervise PGR (PhD) researchers in the area of music technology & education, and electroacoustic composition.
- analogue synthesizers, and their role in contemporary pop/experimental music, from 1970s to the present day
- Synthesizer Research Network – bringing together academic, industry, musicians, and amateur / enthusiast synthesizer experts.
- composing new music for analogue (analog) synthesizer ensembles
- multi-channel and site-specific sound installations
- computer music composition
- audiovisual compositions
- free improvisation, particularly using electronic instruments
- experimental pop music composition
- sound in space and acousmatic sound theatre
- investigation of computer hardware, software and technology as musical instruments
- sonic arts communities and networks
- electroacoustic composition
Qualifications
- PhD (electroacoustic composition)
- MMus (Music Technology)
- PGCLTHE
- BA(Hons) Music (Leeds)
- LLCM; ALCM (Napier)
Professional memberships
- ICMA
- Sound and Music
- Sonic Arts Forum
- British Electroacoustic Network (BEAN)
- Synthesizer Research Network
Student education
- Electronic and Computer Music
- Analogue Synthesizer Ensemble
- Music Technology (all levels)
- Composition (all levels)
- Applied Project
- Dissertation (UG and PGT)
Research groups and institutes
- Making Music
- Music, Science and Technology