Furthering the understanding of indeterminacy in music composition

The aim of this research-based composition folio is to explore Indeterminacy in music composition. My central claim is that, for a better understanding of compositional Indeterminacy, one needs to consider not just music composition but the whole process of music making—a process that extends from the composer to the listener. This process will be described through a conceptual framework that will be used to examine how Indeterminacy is used in my folio of eight original compositions. The purpose of the critical commentary is to explain and contextualise the folio works. The critical commentary is divided into six chapters. Chapter two of the critical commentary will review the literature relevant to compositional Indeterminacy. Chapter three will explain the conceptual framework. Chapter four will look at the creation of the folio works with a focus on relevant compositional techniques and stylistic predecessors. Chapter five will examine the original works in terms of the process of music making that extends from the composer to the listener. Chapter six will summarise the main observations made throughout the critical commentary and will also point to avenues of further research.