Our study score is “The Planets” by Gustav Holst. First performed in 1918, not only did “The Planets” establish Gustav Holst’s international reputation as an important British composer of the 20th century, but it provided the template for a whole generation of film music. From “Star Wars” to “Star Trek” and beyond, Holst’s approach to the orchestra is ubiquitous in contemporary scoring.
SPECIAL GUEST: Neuroscientist Vivek Sharma
We are pleased to invite back to Toronto Ravel neuroscientist Vivek Sharma.
Vivek Sharma is a PhD Candidate in Music and Health Sciences working at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto. He has worked with Daniel Levitin (“This Is Your Brain on Music”), Claude Alain, Michael Thaut and Lee Bartel, specializing in the effects of musical experience on neural activity during the categorization of sounds.
In his last visit, Vivek presented his research into absolute (perfect) pitch. This time, he will share with us what he has learned about how we perceive pitch, and how we understand notation and process systems.
This is the latest instalment in our examination of the latest brain research as it pertains to music, its performance and how we learn and understand it.
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NEW ADVENTURES IN LISTENING – Film clips from “On The Waterfront” and “Ryan” are posted on the “Study Materials” page for download. With the sound removed, they can be scored as an exercise, and brough in to “Adventures in Listening” for feedback and analysis. Adventures in Listening is a unique opportunity to get unbiased and honest feedback on your ‘in-progress’ or experimental work from a community of your professional peers. Because it is anonymous, it is a risk-free environment. Whether you are an emerging composer or an experienced one, and whether your work is for concert or screen, I encourage you to take advantage of this invaluable resource.
