UC Irvine

This dissertation offers an in-depth exploration of integrating technology to innovate the practice of the buzuq, an Arabic and Kurdish musical instrument, explicitly focusing on sound transformation. The study emphasizes interactive music-making and sound sculpting, aiming to enhance techniques and expressions in both composition and performance. The primary objective is to investigate novel sounds and timbres produced through unconventional gestures on the buzuq, facilitated by piezo amplification technology. This research has evolved into a systematic approach that involves sampling the buzuq's latent sounds, applying digital manipulation, and integrating these elements across diverse contexts, including creating a virtual orchestra. The research culminates in exploring approaches to designing digital music interfaces, which resulted in incorporating the MUGIC® motion sensors into digital music interfaces. By expanding the materiality of electroacoustic composition centered around the buzuq, this study broadens the repertoire of techniques and performance contexts available to buzuq players.