Electrifying the Clarinet

Electroacoustic music is a broad term used to describe the process of composition as opposed to the sonic environment of the music. Over the last several decades, electronic music has evolved to incorporate acoustic instruments and live computer processing. This document is an exploration of the current, most prevalent styles of electroacoustic music: fixed media, amplification with the addition of effect pedals, and live processing using the compositional method of live looping. Additionally, there are sections included discussing the standard tools and unique features of electroacoustic music. This document highlights three electronic etudes, composed for this case study. Ideas and suggestions for approaching practice, performance, teaching, and composition are discussed for each style of electroacoustic music. The pieces are titled “Electric Etudes,” written for a performer beginning to explore electronics, or a student interested in writing electroacoustic clarinet music. As etudes, these are not complete performance pieces; their primary objective is to help incorporate the use of electronics into practice and performance settings. Each electronic etude section is structured as follows: an etude in one of the three styles, performance considerations (set-up, tools needed, how to practice, etc.) and compositional advice and considerations. The goal of this document is to make modern technology in electroacoustic music accessible for clarinet pedagogy and performance. Some of the hurdles to accessibility that this sub-genre faces are attributed to: the low number of compositions published in comparison to other new music genres, limited standardized tools and resources for students, and the need for products that are often overly complicated and costly. This inhibits many students, teachers, and composers from exploring electroacoustic music in their studies. Through this project, I hope to guide individuals who wish to explore this avenue of music-making, ultimately helping to advance the electroacoustic clarinet through repertoire and pedagogy. Additionally, there is a copy of the Electric Etudes in the appendix and a .mp3 file has been uploaded for the backing track of Electric Etude #1.