Staging Sonic Spaces: Researching Techniques and Technologies for Spatial and Immersive Music

Summary

This project draws on the research interest of the PIs (Bridges and Melvin) in exploring frameworks for the interaction of sound and space in music/audio composition and related practices.

It will afford the opportunity for a composer or sound designer to advance their practice by exploring space and presence via emerging immersive audio technologies as an active parameter within the creative process. This has particular relevance for developing practices in audio technology and the (related) creation of immersive audio environments as well as to collaborative work with visual media, notably film and gaming.

Applicants should include the following details in their proposal:

• Immersive audio technologies to be investigated
• Types of architectural space(s) in which the audio technologies are to be deployed
• Description of how the proposed creative practice component relates to the above, and how these practices, using the proposed technologies, can address defined research questions and contribute to new knowledge in the fields of music/audio and creative technologies

Proposals should include reference to the applicant’s previous creative practice within music/audio, including links to portfolio materials within either the proposal, the personal statement, or both.

The project will draw on the expertise of several practice-based researchers within the host unit while benefiting from their local, national and international networks in the field. Meanwhile, the unit’s new ‘Presence Lab’ facility housed within Magee’s Foyle Arts building, along with existing studio spaces will provide a rich working environment within which to explore creative work relevant to the project, including a new octophonic Genelec 8331 speaker array within the department’s ‘black box’ performance studio, and a Sonible IKO higher-order ambisonic beamforming speaker system (20-speaker cluster plus multichannel amplifier).

Initial inquiries to Dr Adam Melvin or Dr. B Bridges at a.melvin@ulster.ac.uk, bd.bridges@ulster.ac.uk

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.