Research

Úna’s research examines the intersections between Irish traditional music, experimental music practices, improvisation and interactive technologies. Her creative practice as musician, composer and sound engineer are reflected in a layered methodology that combines ethnography, composition, historical and musicological research, software and interface design, and performance. Her work investigates the creative, social, political and cultural challenges and opportunities that arise when a folk music tradition confronts new tools such as digital technologies and improvisatory techniques.

Current Interests:

New technologies and experimental practices in contemporary Irish traditional music;
interfaces for live performance;
improvisation;
human computer interaction;
performance as creative practice;
John Cage’s ‘Circus On’ scores, particularly realisations featuring Irish and Scottish traditional music;
solo performance contexts for Irish traditional music;
the role of the audience, and the presentation of sound art and music outside of the concert-hall / typical performance spaces;
the sociology and anthropology of contemporary music communities;
cultural studies of new media technologies.