Music composed for tabla and computer has earned University of Colorado at Boulder Assistant Professor Michael Theodore the first annual Eric Siday Musical Creativity Award from the International Computer Music Association.
"Goatsong, for Tabla Drums and Computer" was selected from more than 400 submissions to the 2002 ICMA Festival and Conference in G枚teborg, Sweden. Theodore, who teaches classes in music composition and technology at the CU-Boulder College of Music, received a $2,300 prize. His piece was performed for a large audience at the festival.
The award came as a pleasant surprise for the hard-working composer. "It is always nice to be recognized, especially given how solitary the act of composing is," Theodore said. "I spend a good deal of time working in my basement, and it is gratifying when people who dwell above ground find something of merit in my creations."
A jury of composers, researchers and performers representing the Eric and Edith Siday Foundation and the music association reviewed 10 finalist entries before bestowing the honor on Theodore.
North Indian classical influences from Theodore's childhood in New York City contributed to his winning piece. "I began learning the sitar while I was in high school. I took up the tabla about six years ago," he said, crediting teachers Terry Longshore and Ty Burhoe as important collaborators. "Both are masterful players of the instrument, and I often sought their feedback as I worked on 'Goatsong.' Like many of my pieces, I expect it to keep evolving. Computer processing techniques keep developing, so there's no reason a piece that makes use of cutting edge technology shouldn't develop as well."
The award's namesake, Eric Siday, was the first American composer to systematically utilize electro-acoustic sound potential within the television medium. He is most well known for his legendary invention of the sound logo. The Eric and Edith Siday Charitable Foundation selected the music association as the custodian of the prestigious award.
ICMA President Mary Simoni wrote in the award letter to Theodore that his composition exemplified "the boundless creativity" of the association's membership. Theodore was honored at the Sept. 19 ICMA Banquet in G枚teborg.
Theodore's music has recently been performed by the Sonor Ensemble, Speculum Musicae, the Steven Shick/Maya Beiser Duo, and The New Julliard Ensemble, and has been featured in festivals in the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.
His interests extend to world music, jazz and improvisational musics, folk, rock and various forms of electronica. "I'm currently writing a piece for the West African Djebme drum with computer," he said. "I'm also interested in multimedia work."
Theodore frequently collaborates with dancer and performance artist Michelle Spencer, of the CU-Boulder dance faculty, creating pieces that combine movement, sound and video.