Date of Award

6-2022

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Music

First Advisor

Maria Cristina Fava, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Christopher Biggs, D.M.A.

Third Advisor

David J. Colson, D.M.A.

Keywords

Aesthetics, computer music, media

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

In this thesis, I reflect on the relationship between the materiality of computers and computer music. Marshall McLuhan and Friedrich Kittler had a fundamental role in unraveling how media shape discourse and influence their conveyed message and history. These were important discoveries that built the foundation for the field of Media Studies. Throughout this thesis, I will revisit reflections of researchers who contributed to this field and point out how the medium molds computer music’s history and aesthetics. After reviewing the role of the materiality of computers, I will indicate some aesthetically compelling directions of computer music, which consider features of the medium’s materiality rather than hiding them as if they were illegitimate.

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