CALL FOR PROPOSALS:

NEW MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND ELECTRONICS

Dr. Arlan Vriens (OCAD University/University of Toronto) and Dr. Aiyun Huang (University of Toronto) are conducting a research study into improved documentation practices for electroacoustic music. The intent is to study how new works involving technology can be documented in such a way that they may be performed once the originally-utilized technology has become obsolete or unavailable.

We are seeking study participants to compose, workshop, and discuss new works for solo violin and electronics.

Participants must:

  • hold one of: 1) Canadian citizenship; 2) permanent residency; 3) temporary residency (i.e., an active work, study, or visitor visa in Canada);

  • have demonstrable professional-level education and/or experience in composing electroacoustic works;

  • propose a concept for a 5-minute (minimum) piece for violin and electronics.

Further criteria:

  • the proposed electronic device(s) used in the composition should be 1) reasonably obtainable but 2) obsolete or near-obsolete.

  • consumer electronics are welcomed (as opposed to professional DAWs, Max/MSP, etc.). The primary function of the electronics may be sonic, visual, or both. Theatrical usage of the electronics (vs. purely sonic) is welcomed.

  • examples include, but are not limited to: magnetic tape, vacuums, CRT TVs/monitors, overhead or video projectors, microwaves, phones, vacuum cleaners, toasters, toy electronics, records, radios, analog signal generators, lamps, outdated computer software/hardware, etc. A small budget to assist in procuring necessary devices may be available.

Participation in this study will include 1) composing a 5-minute (minimum) work, 2) participating in a total of three two-hour workshops on said work in Toronto in January and June 2026, and 3) a one-hour interview upon completion of the musical work.

Participants will be compensated in the amount of $3,500CAD each for the activities outlined above. Additional benefits of participation include a public performance and archival recording of your work on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Walter Recital Hall (Toronto, ON). There are no known or anticipated risks associated with participation in this study, and it has received approval from the OCAD University Research Ethics Board.

Interested participants should submit questions and proposals to avriens@ocadu.ca before 5pm Eastern Time Monday, October 27, 2025. A complete proposal must include:

  • a recent CV

  • links to 2–3 samples of prior work (electroacoustic preferred)

  • a brief description (500 words or less) outlining the concept for the work and the technology to be utilized, including information on technology which would need to be obtained.