Reflection

Since this is the first time that I've worked with electronics and other people simultaneously, this project has taught me a lot about interdisciplinary collaboration. On the most simple level, I've learned some basic things about Ableton and Max MSP: their capabilities and how they can be integrated into my performances. I now have a lot of ideas swimming in my head on how I can incorporate these tools in performances of my own music outside of this class.
This has perhaps been the most open-ended project I've been assigned during my time here at Michigan. As a classical music performer, the majority of my projects begin with a very clear idea of how the project will be realized months before its actual performance. This project has instead been constantly flexible, often changing due to either artistic choices or logistical needs. This required me to be much more flexible both in my performances and my mind-set. I think this a healthy thing. Too often my colleagues seem bogged down in their own limitations. We aren't willing to take risks because we fear a less-polished product or lack a role model who will prove to us that our risks have potential pay-off. This collaboration has forced me to think more deeply about the culture of classical performance and how I can work to change it.