Date of Submission
8-2025
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Philippe Chambin
Associate Supervisor
Dr. Sean Foran
Keywords
Music, timbre, composition, piano, keyboard, creative research, practice-led research
Audience
General (G) - suitable for everyone
Abstract
This exegesis is a practice-led investigation into the role of timbre as a tool of inspiration and musical expression in the composition process, with a specific focus on keyboard instruments. Two contrasting compositions for grand piano were recorded, then recorded again using four other distinct keyboard instrument timbres. The composer’s emotional perception of each keyboard instrument timbre was evaluated through reflective analysis, and with the use of the Geneva Emotional Music Scale. Knowledge of the emotional associations of the various timbres was used in the creation of four new compositions, one for each of the four distinct keyboard instrument timbres. The findings of this research indicate that awareness of the emotional associations of different keyboard instrument timbres can be used as powerful writing prompts, can enhance the quality of musical ideas, and can reduce the number of discarded ideas throughout the composition process. This research proposes a method for using the connection between timbre and emotion as a tool to facilitate creativity and musical expression in compositional practice.
Recommended Citation
O’Dell, K. (2025). Building Toward a Timbral Tool-kit: A practice-led exploration of timbre as an inspirational tool in the composition process [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.