Poutiainen, Ari and Sykes, Tom (2023) Looper Devices, Jazz and Education. In: Jazz Encounters Conference, 3-6 April 2024, Graz, Austria. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
Jazz musicians have applied various looping and layering devices as soon as they have become available. In this presentation we briefly discuss the history of looping and layering in jazz, such as early solo multitrack recordings by Bechet and Tristano and live looping using home-made equipment by Les Paul and Ford. The use of these devices is primarily done in a solo context using ostinati, raising questions about spontaneity in improvisation, the nature of jazz as a collaborative activity, and mediation.
Digital looper devices or pedals have been available since the late 1970s. Pastorius and Frisell are among the acknowledged pioneering users. Despite the popularity of digital looping technology, it seems that its pedagogical potential has not been extensively studied. In our presentation we also report on analysis of data collected among students of music education (N=25) at the University of Helsinki in 2021 and 2023. In a study project that emphasized the looper pedal as a tool for composing music, students shared their views on loopers’ applicability in music education, engaging personal creativity and as a practicing aid. Our research data consists of written reflections to which we apply a content analysis approach.
Looper pedals can inspire studying fundamental musical skills and compositional forms. Their usage enhances rhythmic accuracy. They also grant various challenges in the form of repetitive musical structures and lack of drama. We however conclude that loopers have significant pedagogical potential and that this should be studied further in jazz.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Additional Information and Comments: | This is a co-authored conference presentation without a written script. |
| Keywords: | Looper device; jazz; multitrack recording; music education |
| Faculty / Department: | Faculty of Creative Arts & Humanities > School of Creative and Performing Arts |
| Depositing User: | Tom Sykes |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Jun 2024 10:06 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Jun 2024 10:06 |
| URI: | https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/4282 |
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