Intuitive Music

Music has been formula driven for centuries. Today computer programs can generate music in almost any style.

Over the course of history music became increasingly influenced by logic and mathematics. These influences served to help coordinate ever more complex musical resources. They also helped to preserve and communicate music information in a specific manner. This logic-driven process culminated in the monumental 'tonal' works of nineteenth Century Romantic composers through to the grand 'serial' works of twentieth Century composers. In extreme instances every musical element was assigned a corresponding logical or mathematical value and the music was composed through a series of rational rituals. This historically and fundamentally unchanged method of operation has now extended to a level of intricacy that exceeds human performance capabilities and is best calculated and reproduced by computers that generate potentially unending patterns of sound.

Those who want to venture beyond logic-driven structures, at least for occasional inspiration, might enjoy exploring Intuitive Music. Intuitive Music represents a move toward cooperative and organic forms. It flows naturally and embodies an heightened awareness of other musicians and listeners. It incorporates tempered and natural tunings, natural and 'artificial' sounds, loosely structured and unstructured development. The aim is to create spontaneous music that is always fresh, engaging and conscious; a music that has beauty and deep meaning to the community of people that create and experience it.

Intuitive Music is unlike evolutionary and revolutionary changes in music. It does not seek to supersede any other music. It is not supported by any postulates or proofs. On the other hand it is not an unrestrained and chaotic musical catharsis. While its shallow roots are planted in diverse cultures and philosophies its deep roots are nourished in human consciousness. Intuitive music embodies a mutually supportive and co-creative attitude that is shared by a group of skilled musicians, amateurs and beginners, who have a capacity, or at least a willingness, to create music in the moment while maintaining a relaxed, focused and contemplative state of mind.

Intuitive music can help to release the inherent creativity of musicians and audiences. It expands fleeting milliseconds of inspiration into longer periods. It places participating musicians at the centre of the composition process and provides a way of composing music that is a living expression of their time and place.

Who is Intuitive Music for?

People interested in spirituality, meditation, science, contemplation and conscious living will probably enjoy Intuitive Music. Musicians who have explored or mastered composition and improvisation might find Intuitive Music a refreshing source of inspiration.

Intuitive Music flows from a state of pure awareness in the present moment. The music resonates with the ideals of sustainability and interdependence. It presents a diverse collection of musical ideas that grow within an intricate web of spontaneous cooperation. Intuitive Music is born of a state of mind similar to that of contemplation or meditation and the approach to its practice is similar to that of yoga. It's soothing and lucid music that easily transmutes into passages of high energy.

Intuitive Music is always created in the moment of performance. The music offers insights and surprising adventures as it ebbs, flows and dances around the natural rhythms of creation. As well as exploring new territories Intuitive Music draws on the positive offerings of many past and current styles of music. Most people can relate to it easily, even as it transports them beyond the familiar.

You can find some stunning examples of Intuitive Music in the music page or you can read some CD reviews.

Last revised: 8 May 2002

Descriptions of Intuitive Music
A list of phrases that begin to describe the music and the intentions that create it.

A humorous look at noise in music
Every generation thinks that the music of the next generation is noise, eventually they will be right.

A solution to noise in music

[ This is not meant to be taken seriously :) ]

Every generation thinks that the music of the next generation is noise, eventually they will be right. The trend continues because the focus has always been on novelty. And novelty has been confused with originality. Novelty relates to newness while originality relates to origins. This confusion, coupled with the force of logic, leads musicians of all progressive styles toward the noise barrier.

The noise barrier is the inevitable dead-end destination of western music theory. In the quest for novelty musicians have always added more dissonance and complexity to basic sounds or melodies to create something new. The logical culmination of this approach leads to pure noise. Hence, the idea of the noise barrier. Pure noise, in the scientific sense, is already a defining feature, or a basic component, of some musical styles. That's fine. But what then?

Many novel hybrid and retro styles have been developed to avoid the noise barrier. This is not necessarily a deliberate strategy but the trend is very obvious. These hybrid and retro styles can be just as enjoyable as any past style of music. The possibilities of creating retro and hybrid styles are almost boundless. They provide a way of moving sideways and backwards. But how can we move forward?

There is a type of music that abandons the established approach and breaks through the noise barrier. It by-passes the theoretical and logically habituated ways of making music. But this is not an easy way out. This music is created and simultaneously recorded in real-time. There is no preparation or rehearsal of the music so the 'style' of any recording depends on the skill and musical heritage of the musicians. This music goes to the heart of music making by returning to the origins of music and then taking a different path. The path follows intuition rather than logic. This is why it is called Intuitive Music. The music is thus freed from the compelling formulas that thrust music toward the noise barrier.

Last revised: 14 February 2005

Intuitive Music Workshops

Discover your creative musical potential and enjoy an ever new way of making music. Tap into resources you never knew you had. You will find this a deeply rewarding and nelightening experience.

Purpose of Workshops

1. To develop intuitive, meditative and contemplative processes in ensemble performance;
2. To develop improvisational skills in melodic invention, composition, instrumentation and accompaniment;
3. To develop skills in teamwork and co-operative leadership.
4. To prepare for occassional public performances;
5. To record the resulting music for posterity, for further study and for possible publication on compact disc.

Advanced Sessions

These sessions will suit musicians who have
1) considerable technical skill on their instrument/s and
2) some understanding of tonal improvisation.
Others are welcome to attend, listen and, when appropriate, to participate in the music making.

Intermediate Sessions

These sessions will suit musicians who have:
1) a reasonable level of technical ability
2) a desire to understand improvisation.
Others are welcome to attend, listen and, when appropriate, to participate in the music making.

General Requirements

Apart from instruments and skill participants will need a willingness to:

1) rest quietly and patiently when they are not playing while others are playing;
2) practice relaxation, concentration, meditation or contemplation;
3) offer support to anyone who has less knowledge or experience;
4) assume that everyone is there to learn and to assist.*

Venue

Most sessions are held at The Augustine Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia. A spacious facility with good acoustics and plenty of natural light.

Workshops facilitated by
Jarek Czechowicz

Expressions of Interest

Use the contact page if you'd like to know more.