Etude/Sketch 1

Here is my first etude/sketch using 528Hz as a central frequency and using the Bohlen 833 cents scale used with it. The implementation and source sound was in Csound then further processed, with effects added in Ableton Live (9 suite).

A few screenshots of the work done thus far....

The Csound '.csd' file implementing the alternate tuning - has ability to switch between Bohlen-Pierce chromactic scale and Bohlen 833 cents scale(s)....message me if you would like the actual .csd file.

A screen shot of the ableton live session, to make 'Etude/Sketch 1'

Bohlen 833 Cents Scales

Here is an implementation of the Bohlen 833 11-step scale in Csound (being recorded into Ableton Live w/ convolution reverb):


...And here is an implementation of the Bohlen 833 16-step scale done in the same way...

Why 528Hz is being chosen as 'base' frequency for project

Here is a pretty good link explaining why I have chosen to use 528Hz, at least at first, as the base frequency for this project -> http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/music-for-health-dna-repair/#axzz3DMFYHU3h

...and this: http://patch.com/new-york/nyack/528hz--dna-repair--art-and-science-of-restorative-frequencies#.VBZ5hC5dWrY

Highlights include:

1. Genetic biochemists use this frequency to repair human DNA, which appears to influence the water molecules around the DNA helix, bringing about healing effects.

2. Dr. Masuro Emoto has photographed water molecules being affected by different frequencies, 528Hz brings about an impressive hexagonal crystal-shaped result.

3. Dr. Leonard Horowitz, Harvard graduated public health expert, has claimed human cells use DNA as 'antennae' and that 528Hz has immense health benefits.

What Is It About Music?

          Music, "the art of the Muses", as is the Greek derivation of the word, is so important to humanity, to life, to the Universe. I confidently believe it always has been and always will be. For me, it's been a method (the best method I've come across I might add) to express my true self, to channel my emotions (both positive and negative), and guide my intensity in a productive way. I love music, in so many ways that it's hard to put all thoughts down in writing. Whether it be jazz, classical, rock, hiphop, afro-cuban, brazilian, Indian, electronic, etc., if there is something unique about it, if there is something that moves my soul, and I feel alive from the musical experience. I feel music has evolved me as a life form. Music has taught me how to be more compassionate, sensitive, aware, and so much more. Music has healed me, mentally, spiritually, and because I primarily play such a physically demanding instrument (drumset), music has kept me in shape physically as well. Whenever I have a bad day or feeling down, if I sit down and play drums for a while, I am transformed into a chilled out, happy person. Whenever I get an interesting electronic sound happening, let alone an entire piece, I get so excited and get overjoyed at the sonic sculpture-making taking place. And processing these sounds, both acoustic and electronic, in interesting ways, I am enthralled in the ear candy that results. I can honestly say music has saved my life, multiple times, in multiple ways. I love how music makes us dance, makes us sing, brings people together - and I think we, as a species, are only beginning to graze the surface of the energy and power music encapsulates.
          This directed study project is an exploration of bringing all of these concepts to a new level. We all know music has the power to heal/improve conditions mentally and spiritually. I feel like I have personally experienced this to the highest degree possible. Above, I also touched on the sense of the physical aspect as well in terms of 'staying in shape' by performing music, which typically exerts a good deal of physical energy, but I truly think music can heal/improve us on a much more fundamental physiological level. There has been tests/experiments done regarding certain frequencies or tones killing cancer cells, with some success, but music, or sound, therapy has yet to be a "go-to" cure for cancer. However, science has proven that music releases dopamine, the "happiness" neurotransmitter. In addition, music has been proven to be able to reduce blood pressure, accelerate post-stroke recovery, relieve anxiety and depression, and boost the immune system, among a slew of other physiological benefits. This project is not a clinical trial/experiment of how different frequencies/tones have physiological benefits, it is my creative/artistic development of gained knowledge along with intuition to produce a new, innovative means of music composition and performance. It is my hope that a biologist or music therapist, will do a clinical trial/experiment with my system, showing that it does, in fact, accelerate cellular development, improve genetic functions, and the like - in this way, I hope to give back to Music what she has given me, saving and improving life.

An Interesting & Informative Paper....

This paper is about microtonality and it's relationship with how people have used it throughout history, and how it's effected the music of today...and briefly mentions the Bohlen 833 cents 'phi' scale.

Check it out! -> https://www.academia.edu/6811911/Microtonal_Music_and_its_Relationship_to_Historical_Practice

Flow Chart of Phase 1 of Project

Project Abstraction

Abstraction for EP-491 Project:

            The main objective of this project is to provide a live music experience, which not only gets audiences dancing and having fun, but also provides vibrational healing, through the use of 'healing' frequencies, produced electronically, that will physiologically benefit people at a cellular and molecular level. 

Specifically, I will be implementing an alternate tuning system, which I have been developing, more or less thinking about, for about two years now. This tuning system is based off a healing frequency, as of this point 528Hz seems to be the best to use. However, I will be continuing to search for others, specifically looking for substantial research showing a frequency's potential to physiologically heal cells, DNA, etc. Using this “base” frequency, the Bohlen 833 cents scale will be applied to establish a range of frequencies to use for melody notes and chords. 

I will then implement this system, using Csound and Max/MSP and in conjunction with Ableton Live, produce a Csound4Live instrument that will take the audio output from an analog instrument (primarily focused on acoustic drums, but also hoping to apply strings, horns, and vocals), through use of a microphone and output electronic melodic and harmonic content that is algorithmically generated, using synthesis & processing in Csound as well as additional processing in Ableton.

Once this software system is in place, the composition phase of the project will ensue, and a series of songs will be written and arranged, utilizing a vast array of instruments going through this system, focused on creating a balance between the live instruments and the algorithmically generated electronic components. 

If there is still time between the composing phase of the project and the final presentation of the project (a live performance, featuring the system in realtime), I plan on developing a supplementary system, taking the data from the tuning system, through Ableton's API and sending it via OSC to a digital canvas which will display the data visually and then, with a visual artist, painting on the digital canvas, sending OSC back to the audio system, generating further chordal and melodic content (in the tuning system described above), a seamless audio+visual multimedia experience will result. However, this might be viewed more as an extension for the future development of this project, and is not the main objective. However, there is strong desire to include this supplementary system in the final presentation of the project.

Welcome to Josh Weinberg's EP-491 Directed Study Blog!

Welcome! 

This is where I, Josh Weinberg, will be posting about my development, inspiration, and resources as they relate to my final Berklee electronic production and design project! Hope you enjoy!