Dr Ewan Stefani
- Position: Associate Professor
- Areas of expertise: Electronic and computer music; synthesizer practice; improvisation; acousmatic sound theatre; applied music technology; experimental music production; analogue synthesizers; audiovisual composition
- Email: e.j.stefani@leeds.ac.uk
- Phone: +44(0)113 343 2605
- Location: 1.08 12 Cavendish Road
- Website: Bandcamp | Synthesizer Research Network | 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 have founded the Synthesizer Research Network (SYREN) which runs a SYNTHposium event each year: www.synthresearch.org
I currently supervise postgraduate research projects, including:
Trevor Abbott: How can post-punk modes of working be understood as a tactic to reconnect with music making in the digital present?
Nicholas Dixon: The singer-songwriter's quest from concept to finished song: Exploring the autoethnographic creative process and performance feedback loops.
Russ Hepworth-Sawyer: Learning to master: role transitions and educational journeys experienced by professional audio mastering engineers within the United Kingdom.
G Mckill: How traditional music studio recording practices achieve inclusion of invisible disability.
Nik Raymond: Sonic spatial spaces: A practical investigation into the creations of immersive, multi-sensory spaces for the Black diasporic community.
Christpher Sellers: Concepts for sequence-based performance and improvisation.
Paul Williams: Continuing Pop Music Creation: From Punk To Lateness.
Responsibilities
- UG Admissions lead, Music
- Programme leader, BA Music & Music Technology
- UCU rep, School of Music
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
- Synthesizer Research Network (SYREN)
- Sound and Music
- Sonic Arts Forum
- British Electroacoustic Network (BEAN)
Student education
Areas of teaching:
- Electronic music
- Computer music
- Synthesizer practice
- Music Technology (all levels)
- Composition (all levels)
Research groups and institutes
- Making Music
- Music, Science and Technology