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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
<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Some research projects I'm currently working on, or have worked on, will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

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

Current postgraduate researchers

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>