in Music Composition

This thesis investigates the effects of music notation software (MNS) on compositional practices and outcomes. Research methods consisted of the administering and analysis of a mail-out questionnaire, comparative study of literature concerned with MNS-paralleling technologies and with general technologies and study of digital video footage of the author composing in situ. A mail-out questionnaire was completed by 106 New Zealand composers. The questionnaire posed a range of questions to gauge composer use of and attitudes towards MNS. The main findings were that eighty-two percent of respondents reported using MNS in their work, that the “professional ” look of MNS scores, ease of part production and playback function were the factors that most attracted composers to MNS and that composers felt that MNS playback had some influence on their compositional decision making. While respondents expressed concern over MNS use by inexperienced composers, they felt that the overall impact of the software on their own compositions had been positive