V.J. Manzo
Encyclopedia
V.J. Manzo is an American composer
, performer, pedagogue, author
, and programmer
. He has composed and performed traditional art music
, electro-acoustic music, algorithmic compositions, and progressive rock
/alternative rock
. His research publications have focused on the creation and implementation of interactive music systems and algorithms related to composition
, performance
, music theory
, instruction
, and cognition
.
from Kean University
in 2005 with a concentration in classical guitar
performance. In his graduation year, he was awarded the Who's Who
Award as well as the Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year award and subsequently founded the KAMA School of Music & the Arts. In 2007, he earned the Master of Music
degree from New York University with a concentration in algorithmic composition
and interactive music systems. It was during this time that he published two open-source music technology projects, The Modal Object Library and EAMIR, in partial fulfillment of his thesis research. In 2008, he studied algorithmic composition
with David Cope
at the University of California at Santa Cruz completing a certificate in Algorithmic Computer Music. In 2008, he began PhD
studies at Temple University
where he is currently an ABD
doctoral candidate in the Boyer College of Music concentrating on music technology
, education
, cognition
, and interactive media. In 2010, he was awarded the Who's Who
award for his research and scholarship in music education and technology.
As a researcher, V.J. has focused primarily on the development and implementation of interactive music systems as an aid in composition and performance, particularly by individuals without formal music training or by those with disabilities, and the development of computer models and algorithms related to concepts in music theory. He has been awarded several research grants which have led to the formation of music technology-based research projects including EAMIR (2007) and IMTCP (2010). He was the recipient of the 2009 Best Student Presentation Award at the College Music Society (CMS) and Association for Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI) National Conference in 2009 for his presentation on the implementation of interactive music system technology as an aid for composition and performance.
& electro-acoustic music including works for chamber ensemble, musical theater, and multimedia ensembles. His electro-acoustic and algorithmic compositions have been performed in distinguished venues including the Peabody Institute
, SEAMUS
, and ASTA
.
V.J. has also composed a wealth of songs in the progressive rock
/alternative rock
styles. His popular music works not only feature him as the composer and lyricist
, but as a guitarist
, keyboardist
, and vocalist. He is often the producer
/ engineer
for many of the recordings of his popular music such as the albums by his progressive/alternative rock band Clear Blue, a group for which Manzo's song "Only By Grace" was awarded an IMA in 2007.
author of the book MAX/MSP/Jitter for Music on the subject of developing interactive music systems for music composition, performance, instruction, and research. In 2006, he developed the Modal Object Library, a set of algorithms that define modality, diatonic harmony, and harmonic relationships within the Max/MSP/Jitter, PureData, and LISP
programming environments for use in algorithmic composition
, analysis, and computer music
. This library provided the programming constructs to develop the EAMIR project in 2007, an open-source endeavor for allowing individuals, including those with special needs, to compose and perform music through the use of adaptive instruments, specialized controllers, and sensors. His work with EAMIR and other interactive systems has been referenced by music educators, music therapists, and computer scientists .
V.J. teaches courses in traditional and electronic music and composition at Montclair State University
, New Jersey Institute of Technology
, and Kean University
, and has lectured on music technology
, music education
, and interactive music in many academic forums including ATMI, CMS
, ISTE
.
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, performer, pedagogue, author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
, and programmer
Programmer
A programmer, computer programmer or coder is someone who writes computer software. The term computer programmer can refer to a specialist in one area of computer programming or to a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software. One who practices or professes a formal approach to...
. He has composed and performed traditional art music
Art music
Art music is an umbrella term used to refer to musical traditions implying advanced structural and theoretical considerations and a written musical tradition...
, electro-acoustic music, algorithmic compositions, and progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
/alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
. His research publications have focused on the creation and implementation of interactive music systems and algorithms related to composition
Composition
Composition may refer to:* Composition , in which one assumes that a whole has a property solely because its various parts have that property* Compounding is also known as composition in linguistic literature* in computer science...
, performance
Performance
A performance, in performing arts, generally comprises an event in which a performer or group of performers behave in a particular way for another group of people, the audience. Choral music and ballet are examples. Usually the performers participate in rehearsals beforehand. Afterwards audience...
, music theory
Music theory
Music theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods...
, instruction
Instruction
Instruction may refer to:* Teaching, education performed by a teacher* Instruction , a single operation of a processor within a computer architecture...
, and cognition
Cognition
In science, cognition refers to mental processes. These processes include attention, remembering, producing and understanding language, solving problems, and making decisions. Cognition is studied in various disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science...
.
Biography
V.J. Manzo earned the B.A. in Music EducationMusic education
Music education is a field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music. It touches on all domains of learning, including the psychomotor domain , the cognitive domain , and, in particular and significant ways,the affective domain, including music appreciation and sensitivity...
from Kean University
Kean University
Kean University is a coeducational, public research university located in Union and Hillside, New Jersey, United States. Kean University serves its students in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions with a dedication to intellectual and cultural growth and is best known for its...
in 2005 with a concentration in classical guitar
Classical guitar
The classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
performance. In his graduation year, he was awarded the Who's Who
Who's Who
Who's Who is the title of a number of reference publications, generally containing concise biographical information on a particular group of people...
Award as well as the Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year award and subsequently founded the KAMA School of Music & the Arts. In 2007, he earned the Master of Music
Master of Music
The Master of Music is the first graduate degree in Music awarded by universities and music conservatories. The M.Mus. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy...
degree from New York University with a concentration in algorithmic composition
Algorithmic composition
Algorithmic composition is the technique of using algorithms to create music.Algorithms have been used to compose music for centuries; the procedures used to plot voice-leading in Western counterpoint, for example, can often be reduced to algorithmic determinacy...
and interactive music systems. It was during this time that he published two open-source music technology projects, The Modal Object Library and EAMIR, in partial fulfillment of his thesis research. In 2008, he studied algorithmic composition
Algorithmic composition
Algorithmic composition is the technique of using algorithms to create music.Algorithms have been used to compose music for centuries; the procedures used to plot voice-leading in Western counterpoint, for example, can often be reduced to algorithmic determinacy...
with David Cope
David Cope
David Cope is an American author, composer, scientist, and professor emeritus of music at the University of California, Santa Cruz...
at the University of California at Santa Cruz completing a certificate in Algorithmic Computer Music. In 2008, he began PhD
PHD
PHD may refer to:*Ph.D., a doctorate of philosophy*Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*PHD finger, a protein sequence*PHD Mountain Software, an outdoor clothing and equipment company*PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
studies at Temple University
Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
where he is currently an ABD
ABD
ABD is a three-letter acronym that may refer to:* ACCO Brands * Abadan Airport, in Abadan, Iran * ABD , the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Darwin TV station...
doctoral candidate in the Boyer College of Music concentrating on music technology
Music technology
Music technology is a term that refers to all forms of technology involved with the musical arts, particularly the use of electronic devices and computer software to facilitate playback, recording, composition, storage and performance. This subject is taught at many different educational levels,...
, education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, cognition
Cognition
In science, cognition refers to mental processes. These processes include attention, remembering, producing and understanding language, solving problems, and making decisions. Cognition is studied in various disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science...
, and interactive media. In 2010, he was awarded the Who's Who
Who's Who
Who's Who is the title of a number of reference publications, generally containing concise biographical information on a particular group of people...
award for his research and scholarship in music education and technology.
As a researcher, V.J. has focused primarily on the development and implementation of interactive music systems as an aid in composition and performance, particularly by individuals without formal music training or by those with disabilities, and the development of computer models and algorithms related to concepts in music theory. He has been awarded several research grants which have led to the formation of music technology-based research projects including EAMIR (2007) and IMTCP (2010). He was the recipient of the 2009 Best Student Presentation Award at the College Music Society (CMS) and Association for Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI) National Conference in 2009 for his presentation on the implementation of interactive music system technology as an aid for composition and performance.
Compositions & Music
As a composer, V.J. has composed both art musicArt music
Art music is an umbrella term used to refer to musical traditions implying advanced structural and theoretical considerations and a written musical tradition...
& electro-acoustic music including works for chamber ensemble, musical theater, and multimedia ensembles. His electro-acoustic and algorithmic compositions have been performed in distinguished venues including the Peabody Institute
Peabody Institute
The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University is a renowned conservatory and preparatory school located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland at the corner of Charles and Monument Streets at Mount Vernon Place.-History:...
, SEAMUS
Seamus
Séamus , is a male first name of Celtic origin. It is the Gaelic equivalent of the name James. The name James is the English New Testament variant for the Hebrew name Jacob...
, and ASTA
ASTA
ASTA may refer to:* Aerospace Technologies of Australia* American Sail Training Association* American Society of Travel Agents* American String Teachers Association* Austin Steam Train Association...
.
V.J. has also composed a wealth of songs in the progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
/alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
styles. His popular music works not only feature him as the composer and lyricist
Lyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
, but as a guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
, keyboardist
Keyboardist
A keyboardist is a musician who plays keyboard instruments. Until the early 1960s musicians who played keyboards were generally classified as either pianists or organists. Since the mid-1960s, a plethora of new musical instruments with keyboards have come into common usage, requiring a more...
, and vocalist. He is often the producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
/ engineer
Audio engineering
An audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
for many of the recordings of his popular music such as the albums by his progressive/alternative rock band Clear Blue, a group for which Manzo's song "Only By Grace" was awarded an IMA in 2007.
Interactive software
V.J. Manzo is the Oxford University PressOxford University Press
Oxford University Press is the largest university press in the world. It is a department of the University of Oxford and is governed by a group of 15 academics appointed by the Vice-Chancellor known as the Delegates of the Press. They are headed by the Secretary to the Delegates, who serves as...
author of the book MAX/MSP/Jitter for Music on the subject of developing interactive music systems for music composition, performance, instruction, and research. In 2006, he developed the Modal Object Library, a set of algorithms that define modality, diatonic harmony, and harmonic relationships within the Max/MSP/Jitter, PureData, and LISP
Lisp
A lisp is a speech impediment, historically also known as sigmatism. Stereotypically, people with a lisp are unable to pronounce sibilants , and replace them with interdentals , though there are actually several kinds of lisp...
programming environments for use in algorithmic composition
Algorithmic composition
Algorithmic composition is the technique of using algorithms to create music.Algorithms have been used to compose music for centuries; the procedures used to plot voice-leading in Western counterpoint, for example, can often be reduced to algorithmic determinacy...
, analysis, and computer music
Computer music
Computer music is a term that was originally used within academia to describe a field of study relating to the applications of computing technology in music composition; particularly that stemming from the Western art music tradition...
. This library provided the programming constructs to develop the EAMIR project in 2007, an open-source endeavor for allowing individuals, including those with special needs, to compose and perform music through the use of adaptive instruments, specialized controllers, and sensors. His work with EAMIR and other interactive systems has been referenced by music educators, music therapists, and computer scientists .
V.J. teaches courses in traditional and electronic music and composition at Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Montclair State University is a public research university located in the Upper Montclair section of Montclair, the Great Notch area of Little Falls, and Clifton, New Jersey. As of October 2009, there were 18,171 total enrolled students: 14,139 undergraduate students and 4,032 graduate students...
, New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public research university in Newark, New Jersey. It is often also referred to as Newark College of Engineering ....
, and Kean University
Kean University
Kean University is a coeducational, public research university located in Union and Hillside, New Jersey, United States. Kean University serves its students in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions with a dedication to intellectual and cultural growth and is best known for its...
, and has lectured on music technology
Music technology
Music technology is a term that refers to all forms of technology involved with the musical arts, particularly the use of electronic devices and computer software to facilitate playback, recording, composition, storage and performance. This subject is taught at many different educational levels,...
, music education
Music education
Music education is a field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music. It touches on all domains of learning, including the psychomotor domain , the cognitive domain , and, in particular and significant ways,the affective domain, including music appreciation and sensitivity...
, and interactive music in many academic forums including ATMI, CMS
CMS
-Colleges:* CMS College of Science & Commerce Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India* CMS College Kottayam, in Kottayam, Kerala, India* Chicago Medical School, in North Chicago, Illinois* City Montessori School, in Lucknow, India-Middle schools:...
, ISTE
ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education is a nonprofit professional organization with a worldwide membership of leaders and potential leaders in educational technology...
.