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Dr Ewan Stefani

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 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>Any research projects I'm currently working 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 & 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>