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 a 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 Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and/or be students registered at a Canadian postsecondary institution;

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

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

Further criteria:

  • the proposed electronic device(s) used in the composition should be 1) obtainable but 2) obsolete or near-obsolete. Consumer electronics are welcomed. Their primary output may be audio, video, or both. Examples include, but are not limited to: magnetic tape, CRT TVs, projectors, phones, radios, analog signal generators, lamps, outdated computer software/hardware, etc. A small budget to procure these devices may be available.

Participation in this study will include 1) composing a 5-minute work, 2) participating in a total of three two-hour workshops on said work 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.

Interested participants should submit questions and proposals to avriens@ocadu.ca before the end of day Monday, October 20, 2025. A complete proposal must include:

·       a recent CV

·       a link 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