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Experimental Music Notation

I recently came across this great resource. This site puts reading music into a whole other context. Western notation, though useful, has many limitations. “Lines” strives to be

“A gathering place for discussion about sound, process, and technology. To foster the exchange of ideas: an
in-depth response to a newly discovered album, or a possible solution to a common
programming/patching issue…”

This site also attempts to offer examples, resources, and discussions on differing ways of notating music.

I have experimented with graphic scores and non-standard notation with my high school students, and the results are always fascinating. In general, it tends to push them to play more creatively and with more freedom. I think that by simply removing the cultural baggage that comes with “reading” music, it allows them to express themselves more fully. I am very excited to dig into “Lines” more deeply!

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Remembering Ornette

In a previous post, I shared a great interview with Dave Bryant, a pianist and composer known for his work with Ornette Coleman. I’ve been thinking about Ornette a lot these days, after hearing the sad news of his recent passing. The world has lost a master musician and a thoughtful human being. Though I never met Ornette, I have been trying to process his wisdom, as filtered through Dave’s teaching. The above interview focuses on Dave’s recollections of Ornette.