Composition, Improvisation and Sonic Art

The School of Music and Performing Arts has three specialist research units, each with an interdisciplinary focus. These pages focus on research from the Composition, Improvisation and Sonic Art unit. Keep up to date with the CISA blog

Matthew Herbert

Musician Matthew Herbert tours Europe to heal the "huge divisions" caused by Brexit.

Read BBC article about the Brexit Big Band project

Professor Matt Wright

Professor Matt Wright was musical director at the recent National Theatre production of Network.

Sam Salem

Untitled Valley of Fear Nominated for BASCA Sonic Art Award.

Joe Inkpen

PhD Student Joe Inkpen explores polytemporal ideas.

Watch Joe's video

Robert Stillman

"The Stars are Beautiful". Filmed at Transmission Records, Margate September 2016. (With thanks to Megan O'Connell for the film.)

Watch Robert's performance

James Dean

James Dean is a guitarist whose playing cuts across many styles including blues, pop, rock, country and jazz. Here and Now is his latest album.

Listen to a taste of James Dean's new album.

Panos Ghikas

Unreal-time improv is a project conceived by Panos Ghikas.

Find out more about Panos and his research

Emily Peasgood

Emily Peasgood is an award-winning composer and sound artist. She creates research-led music and sound works for galleries and public spaces, ranging from large-scale community events to intimate sound installations.

Explore Emily Peasgood's research

MASATO KAKINOKI

PhD student Masato Kakinoki wrote the score for the film "Candle for Minority".

Find out more about the project