A Qualitative Analysis of Composers at Work

This paper presents an empirical study of electroacoustic music composers at work, using qualitative research methods. The study is based on experiments in which composers were commissioned to work on pieces using their own familiar software and hardware environments. Rich data was collected through multi-angle observations, interviews and artifacts produced. The paper presents the motivation for this research and reviews related work. Methodology and experimental design are then outlined, followed by a summary and discussion of preliminary results. These identify ‘sensitizing concepts’ of our problem space and provide the basis for the second phase of our ongoing research. We conclude by relating the results to requirements for enhanced composition systems which might better support creativity.