Doctoral Research

Currently Don-Paul is pursuing his PhD in Artistic Research as a Doctoral student at Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands in collaboration with the Orpheus Institute in Belgium.

His research topic is on The Techniques of Saxophone without Mouthpiece.
ABSRACT: Composers have recently integrated techniques proper to saxophone without mouthpiece attached to the neckpiece within their works. However, these techniques have not been well researched causing misconceptions on the part of both performers and composer. This project sheds light on the artistic possibilities, performance practice, and notational issues of these techniques.
The research method consists of an exploratory stage (in which a selection of compositions are collected, practiced, and analyzed), a technical stage (in which data on sound result and performance practice are generated), an ordering stage (in which the results of the previous stages result in a rethinking/reworking through the works for saxophone without mouthpiece that will consequently lead to the production of the research output), a practical stage (in which I present the material to composers and work through various new works utilizing saxophone without mouthpiece techniques and practices), and, finally, the output with results and document with supplements.
The output of this research culminates in an online dissertation and videos that will fully examine four main points: 1) the historical narrative of the techniques; 2) explaining to performers how to successfully execute these techniques and to composers how to consistently notate and efficiently employ them; 3) questions the aesthetic value and worth of the techniques in a modern context; and 4) addresses the position of these techniques in the landscape of modern performative techniques of the saxophone. Texts and videos are supported by a compendium of audio and video performances, a manual of the techniques, and other important supplemental materials.

Further details will be published about his research as the doctoral dissertation is completed. Pursuant to matriculation, dissertation will be open source.