Write an essay describing a new and original musical instrument that you envision. This instrument
cannot be something you
have seen before or found on the web, but instead it must be something that
you have imagined completely on your own. The
instrument can be of any type, but it must be tuned to
the Western scale with a compass of at least one octave.
The essay
describing your instrument should be written clearly and cohesively. Do not merely make a list
addressing the required topics.
The essay must be well written, transitions should be smooth, and the
grammar should be flawless.
You can use any source you wish to help you, but the ideas and writing must me your own. You must
cite any sources besides your textthat you use. All
sources must be cited using the APA style.
Your essay should be word processed using 12-point type, double spaced with 1”
margins. There is no
minimum page count, but it is difficult to imagine an essay that addresses all the required aspects in less
than about 8 – 10 pages.
Your essay describing this instrument will be in three parts, which you should identify by subtitle in your
final paper:
(1) Planning
– Make a sketch of the instrument, either made by hand and scanned or made in a drawing program.
Multiple views may be necessary depending on your design. Make sure it is neat and it makes clear what
the instrument will look like.
– Identify
the pitchesthe instrument will play.
– Explain the origins of the instrument. Why did you decide on this type of instrument?
Describe the
history of the instrument. What are some similar instruments upon which you based the design? Is there
a clear
evolution to your instrument? If so, trace the evolution. It will be highly unlikely that this is a pure
creation and has no
evolutionary aspects, but if it is you must explain why it is different from every
other instrument. You must make an argument for the originality of your instrument. What can you say
to defend your originality to a skeptic?
– Include a discussion of the
methodology you used in designing your instrument. What series of steps
did you take to ensure that your design is successful? What problems were addressed and what
calculations weremade? Are there any issues that cannot be addressed until the
building process
begins?
(2) Execution
– Identify the oscillator(s) and resonator(s) of the instrument. Use your knowledge of
acoustics to
calculate the sizes of the oscillator(s) and resonator(s). Show your calculations and explain them using
words as
well as equations. Identify all the lengths, diameters and widths involved. If your instrument
involves strings, estimate the
necessary tension on the string and discuss how your instrument is
designed to withstand this tension. Clearly state all
your assumptions in performing these calculations.
– Don’t forget to include some method of tuning the instrument.
– Discuss
how accurate you think your calculations are and how you might change the design during the
process of building to account for inaccuracies.
(3) Reflection
– Discuss how you think the instrument will sound. What will the spectrum look like? What methods are
available
to change the timbre?
– Is it conceivable that someone could actually build this instrument? In what context will it be played?
Will someone need to write new music for this instrument, or can it be incorporated into the existing
repertoire?
– What will you
name
your instrument and why did you select that name?
– What have you learned? What would you do differently if you were to
design another instrument?
– Include an assessment of the effect your instrument could have on the development of music if
it were
actually built and used.
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