VU Polytechnic's Advanced Diploma of Music Industry students had the rare opportunity to compose music and hear their original composition played live at the iconic Federation Bells installation at Birrarung Marr.
Each student produced a three-minute original composition using the Ableton Live computer software. Our students were surprised at how unique each composition was and how it translated into a sound performance. During the workshop, our students considered the different ways that they could amplify the sound within the space.
Federation Bells are curated by the City of Melbourne and Creative Victoria. The city’s curator of instruments, Miles Brown, has asked for permission for several compositions by our students to be added to the commissioned playlist where they will be regularly performed.
Federation Bells at Birrarung Marr are both an art installation and public music instrument, and comprise of 39 upturned bells in bronze alloys ranging from 500 grams to 1.2 tonnes.