About

Pieter Schuermans, PhD in the Arts

As a composer, my research focuses on the organizational mechanisms that affect the experience of duration and rhythm. More specifically, I examine whether large-scale beat patterns as well as beat patterns of slightly varying durations are musically comprehensive. Will such an organization at the super-ordinate level transform the experience of subordinate rhythmic elements? Can this principle act as a catalyst for the perception of more complex rhythmical textures and multi-layering? Relevant examples from 20th century composers, traditional Indian and African music as well as my own work will be analyzed. The ubiquitous interaction between research and composition in this doctorate will accumulate in the creation of three new works.

Supervisors:

  • Dr. Géry van Outryve d'Ydewalle (supervisor, KU Leuven)
  • Mr. Luc Van Hove (co-supervisor, LUCA)

Research Unit: Music & Drama

Duration: 2011 -