Process Music

Process Music 

There are many ways one can construct a works. Similar to I Ching by Cage, we can replace a flipping of a coin with the roll of a dice. Steve Reich’s ‘It’s Gonna Rain’ (process music). He used two Wallensak tape machines and through mechanical error, the two tape machines which had commenced  in unison, then drift apart. Through this mistake, the methodology for phase shifting was invented through ‘happy accidents’ This process was then applied to many works. 

Flow Chart Music

This technique has been emulated further, and fashioned in such a way that it can be applied functionally. By employing the use of a dice roll, we can further use this methodology to define our work. 

We could say that 1- 6 relates directly to a predefined parameter that once applied, can change an audible outcome. This can be articulated visually with the following flow chart: 

There are indeed, endless possibilities to the question posed by this methodology. The groups next steps will be to highlight how this can function in a 'live' environment. 

¤ Flow Chart Music continued…

¤ Can be utilised as a process tool

¤ Decision Making Removed

¤ Outcomes materialise from serendipity

¤ Success is questionable

¤ Subjective, results will vary

¤ Promotes free flowing work