Intuitive Music

Music has been formula driven for centuries. Today computer programs can generate music in almost any style.

Over the course of history music became increasingly influenced by logic and mathematics. These influences served to help coordinate ever more complex musical resources. They also helped to preserve and communicate music information in a specific manner. This logic-driven process culminated in the monumental 'tonal' works of nineteenth Century Romantic composers through to the grand 'serial' works of twentieth Century composers. In extreme instances every musical element was assigned a corresponding logical or mathematical value and the music was composed through a series of rational rituals. This historically and fundamentally unchanged method of operation has now extended to a level of intricacy that exceeds human performance capabilities and is best calculated and reproduced by computers that generate potentially unending patterns of sound.

Those who want to venture beyond logic-driven structures, at least for occasional inspiration, might enjoy exploring Intuitive Music. Intuitive Music represents a move toward cooperative and organic forms. It flows naturally and embodies an heightened awareness of other musicians and listeners. It incorporates tempered and natural tunings, natural and 'artificial' sounds, loosely structured and unstructured development. The aim is to create spontaneous music that is always fresh, engaging and conscious; a music that has beauty and deep meaning to the community of people that create and experience it.

Intuitive Music is unlike evolutionary and revolutionary changes in music. It does not seek to supersede any other music. It is not supported by any postulates or proofs. On the other hand it is not an unrestrained and chaotic musical catharsis. While its shallow roots are planted in diverse cultures and philosophies its deep roots are nourished in human consciousness. Intuitive music embodies a mutually supportive and co-creative attitude that is shared by a group of skilled musicians, amateurs and beginners, who have a capacity, or at least a willingness, to create music in the moment while maintaining a relaxed, focused and contemplative state of mind.

Intuitive music can help to release the inherent creativity of musicians and audiences. It expands fleeting milliseconds of inspiration into longer periods. It places participating musicians at the centre of the composition process and provides a way of composing music that is a living expression of their time and place.

Who is Intuitive Music for?

People interested in spirituality, meditation, science, contemplation and conscious living will probably enjoy Intuitive Music. Musicians who have explored or mastered composition and improvisation might find Intuitive Music a refreshing source of inspiration.

Intuitive Music flows from a state of pure awareness in the present moment. The music resonates with the ideals of sustainability and interdependence. It presents a diverse collection of musical ideas that grow within an intricate web of spontaneous cooperation. Intuitive Music is born of a state of mind similar to that of contemplation or meditation and the approach to its practice is similar to that of yoga. It's soothing and lucid music that easily transmutes into passages of high energy.

Intuitive Music is always created in the moment of performance. The music offers insights and surprising adventures as it ebbs, flows and dances around the natural rhythms of creation. As well as exploring new territories Intuitive Music draws on the positive offerings of many past and current styles of music. Most people can relate to it easily, even as it transports them beyond the familiar.

You can find some stunning examples of Intuitive Music in the music page or you can read some CD reviews.

Last revised: 8 May 2002

Descriptions of Intuitive Music
A list of phrases that begin to describe the music and the intentions that create it.

A humorous look at noise in music
Every generation thinks that the music of the next generation is noise, eventually they will be right.