I took a full-time lecturing post 9 months ago and in that time progress on my own work slowed significantly – very significantly. I was able to master one piece (co-composed with Brent Fariss), lead 1/3rd of an artist workshop (fast+Dirty 2014), host and perform in one Burning Harpsichord event (the first in London!), perform in one organ and electronics concert at Union Chapel, give one artist talk, and participate in one residency with Airfield (Hilda in Copenhagen). Not terrible but certainly less than I’m accustomed to.
On the plus side, I taught Microsound and Soundscape composition, mixing with Pro Tools, mastering with Wavelab and synthesis with Reaktor and NI software. I also got a hell of a lot better at Pure Data. I also co-hosted the Contingencies Sound Art exhibition and artist speaker series at the university.
Not a total wash, but still, I miss my work. I really miss my work.
So before the Easter holiday ended I sat down and noted every project I was working on before taking the post – the above photo was the result.
I wouldn’t have accomplished everything on the page, but I would have made a pretty big dent. Of course, other opportunities would have come along pushing some of these to later dates, but still – big dent.
I’m told by other academics that’s what summers are for and whether that’s true or not, I’m planning on making it my reality over the next several months.
Personally if I’m not producing work as an artist I don’t feel that I have anything of value to share with my students.
One has to be supported by the other.