Exploring Microtonality with Emily Koh
In this episode, I’m excited to introduce Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer and bassist renowned for her groundbreaking work in microtonality. Now based in Atlanta as a professor at the University of Georgia, Emily is pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
Hailed as “the future of composing” by The Straits Times, Emily’s works have been performed globally, and she has earned prestigious honors like the Copland House Residency Award. Her music blends intricate microtonal scales with innovative techniques, creating an otherworldly sonic experience.
In our conversation, Emily shares her journey into microtonality, starting with her early days as a bassist and a transformative trip to Bali, where she encountered Gamelan ensembles. We also explore how she composes microtonal music and her work developing custom instruments like the Microharmonic and ModμMIDI, which allow musicians to explore this complex sound world in new ways.
Whether you’re a fan of microtonality or curious about the future of music, this episode offers unique insights into the creative process behind Emily Koh’s extraordinary work.
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Further Exploration
Emily Koh‘s home page
Koh on YouTube
Emily’s CD WordPlays
University of Georgia
Joseph Klein
Gamelan gong kebyar
Harry Partch
Jukka Tiensuu
Tiensuu’s Fantango
Discover more from Michael Cooke | Blog
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Tags: Music from Humans, video