Applications of Generative String Substitution Systems in Computer Music
DMA dissertation, Columbia University, 2003
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University.
The purpose of this dissertation is to create and explore potential taxonomies for using algorithmic string-substitution systems in the generation of music. The focus of the author’s research is on using a specific category of string rewriting systems (called Lindenmayer, or L-systems) to generate musical material based on a musical primer provided by a live musician or musicians. The author explores and describes a variety of possible composing methodologies whereby a computer can generate, in real time, appropriate accompanying music and signal processing to a live performer. By experimenting with different taxonomies of mapping source material (live musical input) to accompanying processes (provided by the computer), an extensive system for generating a varied, yet systematically cohesive, corpus of musical work can be achieved. A series of short compositions based on this string-substitution process are included as applications of this system.
