Development of Virtual Musical Keyboard Layout Interfaces for Invented and Evolved Tuning Systems

DYROY, Eirik

Abstract

This research is a practice-based project where the objectives revolve around
different aspects of tuning; the primary focus is to create innovative Virtual Musical
Keyboard Layout Interfaces (from now on abbreviated VMKLI) through computerbased programming software tools and eventually turned into Mobile Applications
(commonly abbreviated as Apps). These VMKLI’s are based on five different tuning
systems found in various parts of the world (commonly referred to as non-Western
tuning systems). These tuning systems contain different pitches and divisions of
octaves and show little or no resemblance to the Western 12-tone equal divisions of
the octave (abbreviated EDO, alternatively referred to as 12-tone equal
temperament) tuning system which is the basis for the vast majority of modern
Western popular music of today. The Virtual Musical Keyboard Layout Interface Apps
are designed as workable virtual musical instruments which will allow
musicians/composers to perform music in real-time (although the aid of amplification
is necessary), or as tools to record musical ideas – these Apps are intended mainly
for tablets such as iPads.
Five interfaces have been produced based on Alpha, Beta, and Gamma scales
invented by Wendy Carlos, the Bohlen-Pierce scale, Gamelan, traditional Indonesian
tuning system, Indian (Rag), traditional tuning system and finally Arabic (maqam),
traditional tuning system. The timbre of each App is constructed through digital
programming software throughout; voices shaped through a combination of various
digital processes in order to create sounds that invoke key aspects of the musical
culture in question – i.e. not samples. Each App comprises a unique keyboard layout
and exclusive set of controllable parameters; an interface design that differs from any
of the other Apps created for this research project; the design seeks to invoke the
essence of the tuning intent within the musical culture.
In order to test these interfaces, they are implemented within practice which forms an
essential part of this research; a total of five musical compositions to accommodate
the interface developed for each separate tuning system. The compositions will not
be genre specific, and will not be an overt attempt to try and replicate traditional
music commonly associated with the respective musical cultures, rather I seek to
explore the way in which each interface results in a distinct aesthetic result.
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The research entails a threefold methodology model which combines the elements of
practice through a trial and error process and development of software design (part I)
further supported by extensive Literature review (part II).

Citation

DYROY, E. (2023). Development of Virtual Musical Keyboard Layout Interfaces for Invented and Evolved Tuning Systems. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 9, 2024
• Award Date: Dec 8, 2023