Music and Performance research – Bath Spa University

Music and Performance research – Bath Spa University Music and Performance Research Blending applied, interdisciplinary and professional practice. What we do The School of Music and Performing Arts ’ performance research areas are multi-disciplinary, looking at the impact of the arts on social change, the environment and notions of humanity. We have three core Research Groups which are outlined below. Research groups Intercultural Communication through Practice A research group that considers how cultural heritage is shared across borders and transmitted through arts practice. Find out more Open Scores Lab An environment where creative practitioners can experiment with new approaches to scoring, creating cross-disciplinary work to support their research and practice. Find out more Creative Practice and Embodied Knowledge A research collective that aims to celebrate and elevate knowledge that exists and emerges from our creative, embodied interactions and experiences. Find out more Intercultural Communication through Practice A research group that considers how cultural heritage is shared across borders and transmitted through arts practice. Find out more Open Scores Lab An environment where creative practitioners can experiment with new approaches to scoring, creating cross-disciplinary work to support their research and practice. Find out more Creative Practice and Embodied Knowledge A research collective that aims to celebrate and elevate knowledge that exists and emerges from our creative, embodied interactions and experiences. Find out more Our researchers Miranda Lundskaer-Nielsen Senior Lecturer in Drama and Musical Theatre Amanda Bayley Professor of Music Michelle Elliott Subject Leader for Dance Jan Meinema Course Leader for MA Sound Design Kerrie Reading Senior Lecturer in Drama Silva Semerciyan Senior Lecturer in Drama Sarah Holden-Boyd Lecturer in Acting Tobi Poster-Su Lecturer in Drama James Dickinson Subject Leader in Commercial Music Roy Connolly Subject Leader for Drama Sita Calvert-Ennals Programme Leader for MA Performance (Directing) Matthew Sergeant Reader in Music Katherine Hipkiss Senior Lecturer in Drama Astrid Breel Impact Research Fellow Zhi Xu Senior Lecturer in Dance Laura Gates Reader in Theatre and Performance Matthew Dicken Programme Leader for Music Olivia Turnbull Senior Lecturer in Drama Roger Apfelbaum Course Leader for Postgraduate Acting James Saunders Professor of Music Matthew Lovett Head of the School of Music and Performing Arts Sarah Alexander Course Leader for BA (Hons) Dance Research degrees With such a abroad and exciting range of research activity , Bath School of Music and Performing Arts is a great place to undertake study for a research degree. If you have any questions, please contact the Higher Degrees Research Tutor for Music and Performance, Roger Apfelbaum r.apfelbaum@bathspa.ac.uk ). Explore research degrees at BSU Related projects Exploring the Transdisciplinary: In Search of a 'Toolkit' Ecotones: soundscapes of trees Hear Water: Building Environmental Empathy Through Deep Listening MediaWall Interspecies listening Mbira Hut Word Events: Perspectives on Verbal Notation Beyond East and West Series as multipart pieces with regulated changes Research and academic outputs Go to ResearchSPAce Contemporary choreography: a critical reader. 3rd ed book Butterworth, J and Hunter, V, eds. (2026) Contemporary choreography: a critical reader. 3rd ed. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032645704 Dancing Chineseness and techno-choreography book Xu, Z (2026) Dancing Chineseness and techno-choreography. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032979571 Race, gender and disability in puppetry and material performance book Richards, P, Briar, H, Mello, A and Gates, L, eds. (2025) Race, gender and disability in puppetry and material performance. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032139517 Encountering environments through the arts: interdisciplinary embodiments, politics, and imaginaries book Hunter, V and Chubb, S, eds. (2025) Encountering environments through the arts: interdisciplinary embodiments, politics, and imaginaries. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032733791 The Routledge companion to site-specific performance book Hunter, V and Turner, C, eds. (2024) The Routledge companion to site-specific performance. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032254104 Ecologies of creative music practice: mattering music book Lovett, M (2023) Ecologies of creative music practice: mattering music. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032127033 The improvising teacher: reconceptualising pedagogy, expertise and professionalism book Sorensen, N (2023) The improvising teacher: reconceptualising pedagogy, expertise and professionalism. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032121260 Dancing places: sites, situations and taking place book_section Hunter, V (2026) 'Dancing places: sites, situations and taking place.' In: Butterworth, J and Hunter, V, eds. Contemporary choreography: a critical reader. 3rd ed. Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781032645704 A real American wife, a Japanese object: critical puppetry and the construction of the Orient in Anthony Minghella’s Madam Butterfly book_section Poster-Su, T (2025) 'A real American wife, a Japanese object: critical puppetry and the construction of the Orient in Anthony Minghella’s Madam Butterfly.' In: Richards, P, Briar, H, Mello, A and Purcell-Gates, L, eds. Race, gender, and disability in puppetry and material performance. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 33-50. ISBN 9781032139517 Beyond representation: a conversation with Jummy Faruq on decentring puppetry practice and design book_section Poster-Su, T (2025) 'Beyond representation: a conversation with Jummy Faruq on decentring puppetry practice and design.' In: Richards, P, Briar, H, Mello, A and Purcell-Gates, L, eds. Race, gender and disability in puppetry and material performance. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 120-129. ISBN 9781032139517 Chapter Arts Centre in the 1970s: a radical shift for theatre book_section Reading, K (2025) 'Chapter Arts Centre in the 1970s: a radical shift for theatre.' In: Hindson, C, Cochrane, C, Reid, T and Goddard, L, eds. The Routledge companion to twentieth century British theatre and performance: volume II 1950–2000. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 136-148. ISBN 9780367495725 Researching site dance: entangled enmeshments book_section Hunter, V (2025) 'Researching site dance: entangled enmeshments.' In: Harman, G, ed. Practitioner perspectives on dance research. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 126-142. ISBN 9781032566795 Notes on a material dramaturgy book_section Gates, L (2025) 'Notes on a material dramaturgy.' In: Posner, D.N, Orenstein, C and Mello, A, eds. Making meaning in puppetry: materials, practice, perception. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 32-41. ISBN 9781032458120 The streaming curve: streaming, the S curve and super-abundance book_section Lovett, M (2024) 'The streaming curve: streaming, the S curve and super-abundance.' In: Gullö, J-O, Hepworth-Sawyer, R, Paterson, J, Toulson, R and Marrington, M, eds. Innovation in music: adjusting perspectives. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 11-25. ISBN 9781032500249 ‘A holding space’: emergence and entanglement in tree spaces book_section Hunter, V (2024) '‘A holding space’: emergence and entanglement in tree spaces.' In: Hunter, V and Turner, C, eds. The Routledge companion to site-specific performance. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 361-374. ISBN 9781032254104 Yūrei and puppetry in Japanese ghost stories: (mis)perception and ambiguous bodies in kaidan book_section Gates, L (2024) 'Yūrei and puppetry in Japanese ghost stories: (mis)perception and ambiguous bodies in kaidan.' In: Orenstein, C and Cusack, T, eds. Puppet and spirit: ritual, religion, and performing objects. Volume II Contemporary branchings: secular benedictions, activated energies, uncanny faiths. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 155-166. ISBN 9780367713799 Ulster Kitchen Comedy: ‘a faithful if unpleasant picture of the national fragments’ book_section Connolly, R (2024) 'Ulster Kitchen Comedy: ‘a faithful if unpleasant picture of the national fragments’.' In: Cochrane, C, Goddard, L, Hindson, C and Reid, T, eds. The Routledge companion to twentieth century British theatre and performance. Volume one: 1900-1950. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 318-330. ISBN 9780367487898 Perfect information: scores as self-evident processes book_section Saunders, J (2024) 'Perfect information: scores as self-evident processes.' In: Kocher, P, ed. TENOR: Ninth International Conference on Technologies for Music Notation and Representation, Zurich, Switzerland 4–6 April 2024. University of the Arts, Zurich, pp. 53-57. Artificial creativity and tools for understanding: music, creative labour and AI book_section Lovett, M (2024) 'Artificial creativity and tools for understanding: music, creative labour and AI.' In: Gullö, J-O, Hepworth-Sawyer, R, Paterson, J, Toulson, R and Marrington, M, eds. Innovation in music: technology and creativity. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 267-277. ISBN 9780367633363 Danser la plage : entre terre, mer et ciel book_section Hunter, V (2024) 'Danser la plage : entre terre, mer et ciel.' In: Clavel, J, Levain, A and Revelin, F, eds. Des vies avec des plages: expériences, relations, devenirs. University of Rennes, Rennes, pp. 131-142. ISBN 9782753594739 Staging corpses: reanimating medical history through puppetry book_section Gates, L (2024) 'Staging corpses: reanimating medical history through puppetry.' In: Bouchard, G and Mermikides, A, eds. The Routledge companion to performance and medicine. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 358-367. ISBN 9780367477738 A real American wife, a Japanese object: puppetry and the Orient in Minghella’s 'Madam Butterfly' book_section Poster-Su, T (2023) 'A real American wife, a Japanese object: puppetry and the Orient in Minghella’s 'Madam Butterfly'.' In: Bell, J, Cohen, M.I and Song, J, eds. Representing alterity through puppetry and performing objects. University Of Connecticut, Storrs. Integrating the popular in nineteenth-century improvisation: immaterial labour and learning article Mazanek, M.P (2025) 'Integrating the popular in nineteenth-century improvisation: immaterial labour and learning.' Performance Research, 29 (6). pp. 17-23. ISSN 1352-8165 Dancing otherwise: new assemblages for pluriversal practices article Hunter, V, Perazzo, D and Elliott, M (2025) 'Dancing otherwise: new assemblages for pluriversal practices.' Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change, 5 (2). pp. 59-80. ISSN 2767-6013 Understanding community engagement in forest restoration in rural Zimbabwe through intercultural dialogue and participatory action research article Bayley, A, Clough, N, Dirwai, C, Manatsa, P and Tarr, J (2025) 'Understanding community engagement in forest restoration in rural Zimbabwe through intercultural dialogue and participatory action research.' Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 27 (2). pp. 79-104. ISSN 1520-5509 Natural soundscapes as a disciplinary bridge in pursuit of sustainability: research themes and priorities article Thornhill, I, Bayley, A, Collins, T.M, Goto, R, Hinde, K, Hunter, V, Kang, J, Kim, H, Kim, J, Kim, J.G, Lawfull, S, Lee, T, O'Brien, L, Rabiey, M, Shin, W.S, Sochacka, A, Walton, S, Wishart, S and Yu, J (2025) 'Natural soundscapes as a disciplinary bridge in pursuit of sustainability: research themes and priorities.' Ecosystems and People, 21 (1). e2571450. ISSN 2639-5916 AI thresholds: puppetry, monstrosity and human-machine hybridity article Gates, L (2025) 'AI thresholds: puppetry, monstrosity and human-machine hybridity.' Puppetry International, 58. pp. 32-35. EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION: The everyday is every day article Lovett, M, Land, T and Reeder, P (2025) 'EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION: The everyday is every day.' International Journal of Creative Media Research, 11. ISSN 2631-6773 Meaningful agency in participatory performance: a contextual approach article Breel, A (2025) 'Meaningful agency in participatory performance: a contextual approach.' Studies in Theatre and Performance, 45 (1). pp. 23-44. ISSN 1468-2761 "Listening to nature" – the rewards of an eco-creative curriculum article Bayley, A and Parsons, J (2024) '"Listening to nature" – the rewards of an eco-creative curriculum.' Teaching Times, 23 (4). ISSN 2105-6625 Pedagogical considerations: facilitating agency in the vocal recording of early career singer-songwriters article Hughes, D and Bayley, A (2024) 'Pedagogical considerations: facilitating agency in the vocal recording of early career singer-songwriters.' Journal of Popular Music Education, 8 (2). pp. 179-196. ISSN 2397-673X If you call for papers, the papers call back at you: some thoughts on CfP and selection processes article Poster-Su, T (2024) 'If you call for papers, the papers call back at you: some thoughts on CfP and selection processes.' Studies in Theatre and Performance, 44 (1). pp. 142-145. ISSN 1468-2761 Decolonisation and solidarity roundtable discussion article Adewole Elliott, F, Antonia, A, Burt, R, Poster-Su, T, Ladrón de Guevara, V, Stanton, T and Tahsili, N (2024) 'Decolonisation and solidarity roundtable discussion.' Studies in Theatre and Performance, 44 (1). pp. 155-164. ISSN 1468-2761 Create to Collaborate: using creative activity and participatory performance in online workshops to build collaborative research relationships article Malpass, A, Breel, A, Stubbs, J, Stevens, T, Maravala, P-J, Shipman, E, Banks Gross, Z and Farr, M (2023) 'Create to Collaborate: using creative activity and participatory performance in online workshops to build collaborative research relationships.' Research Involvement and Engagement, 9. e111. ISSN 2056-7529 Within theatre, what is our shared understanding of the difference between crew and technician? article Wyse, P (2023) 'Within theatre, what is our shared understanding of the difference between crew and technician?' Theatre Design & Technology, 59 (3). pp. 32-39. ISSN 0040-5477 Where are we going? And what have we done? article Moorehouse, A (2023) 'Where are we going? And what have we done?' Tempo, 77 (305). pp. 7-16. ISSN 0040-2982 What do composers do all day? (2) article Saunders, J and Sergeant, M (2023) 'What do composers do all day? (2).' MusikTexte, 177/8. pp. 57-66. ISSN 0178-8884 Using mobile technologies to enhance learning and improve student engagement in the dance studio article Alexander, S, Boehm, J.D and Glen, N (2023) 'Using mobile technologies to enhance learning and improve student engagement in the dance studio.' Research in Dance Education, 24 (2). pp. 154-172. ISSN 1464-7893 Measuring is making: the radical indeterminacy of music article Lovett, M (2023) 'Measuring is making: the radical indeterminacy of music.' Leonardo, 56 (2). pp. 194-198. ISSN 0024-094X Der persönliche Standpunkt von Puppenspieler*innen und die Konstruktion von „Race“ in „Chang and Eng and Me (and Me)“ article Erbelding, M and Poster-Su, T (2023) 'Der persönliche Standpunkt von Puppenspieler*innen und die Konstruktion von „Race“ in „Chang and Eng and Me (and Me)“.' Double, 47. Post-sonic perspectives on socially engaged compositional practices: composing ‘after sound’ and beyond music article Moorehouse, A, Matthews, H and Maia, O (2023) 'Post-sonic perspectives on socially engaged compositional practices: composing ‘after sound’ and beyond music.' Organised Sound, 28 (1). pp. 88-96. ISSN 1355-7718 Taskmasters and purposeless instructions: make-work as a compositional frame conference_item Saunders, J (2025) Taskmasters and purposeless instructions: make-work as a compositional frame. In: Royal Musical Association 61st Annual Conference, 10 - 12 September 2025, University of Southampton, UK. The river of no one: telematic choreography and postdigital performance conference_item Xu, Z (2025) The river of no one: telematic choreography and postdigital performance. In: TaPRA Conference 2025, 27 - 29 August 2025, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. Unveiling the body: a creative exploration into (re)connecting with the body using performance-based practices conference_item Reading, K (2025) Unveiling the body: a creative exploration into (re)connecting with the body using performance-based practices. In: Embodied Voices Research Network Conference, 24- 25 April 2025, Warwick University. Blending cultures: the intersection of A.I., VR, and intercultural identity in techno-choreography conference_item Xu, Z (2023) Blending cultures: the intersection of A.I., VR, and intercultural identity in techno-choreography. In: TaPRA Conference, 30 August - 1 September 2023, University of Leeds. The body as musical archive: sustaining the embodied knowledge of the Lucknow-Shahjahanpur Gharana through translations between sarod, sitar and cello thesis Yelding, P (2026) The body as musical archive: sustaining the embodied knowledge of the Lucknow-Shahjahanpur Gharana through translations between sarod, sitar and cello. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Constructing emotional intelligence: technologically mediated interdisciplinary collaboration in telematic performance thesis Lane, S (2025) Constructing emotional intelligence: technologically mediated interdisciplinary collaboration in telematic performance. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. The Paraguayan polca: adoption, adaption and reimagination thesis Dicken, M.J.Z (2025) The Paraguayan polca: adoption, adaption and reimagination. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Studio/Stage: entangling private and public creative spaces through interdisciplinary composition thesis Rowley, C (2025) Studio/Stage: entangling private and public creative spaces through interdisciplinary composition. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Borders: investigating liminality, outsiderness and solitude through an exploration of the sound environments of Andover thesis Ginger, O.D (2025) Borders: investigating liminality, outsiderness and solitude through an exploration of the sound environments of Andover. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Evaluation practices in community music: a constructionist approach to exploring community musicians’ perspectives thesis Farrally, N (2025) Evaluation practices in community music: a constructionist approach to exploring community musicians’ perspectives. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Revitalising the musical past of the Nogai through song: a contemporary interpretation of the Epic of Edige through Nine Rhapsodies thesis Yakubov, D (2025) Revitalising the musical past of the Nogai through song: a contemporary interpretation of the Epic of Edige through Nine Rhapsodies. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Interfacial scores: indeterminacy of performing means as composition strategy thesis Chatzimakris, V (2025) Interfacial scores: indeterminacy of performing means as composition strategy. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Embodying the Eerie: an investigation of the Eerie as a dramaturgical concept in processes of directing devised performance thesis Steadman, M.E (2025) Embodying the Eerie: an investigation of the Eerie as a dramaturgical concept in processes of directing devised performance. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Gilgamesh and the ancient Near East: adapting ancient texts for modern musical stage works thesis Guinn, M (2025) Gilgamesh and the ancient Near East: adapting ancient texts for modern musical stage works. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Immersive visual music: how contemporary visual music practices have evolved and how immersive technologies can be employed to compose visual music works thesis Kanellos, E (2024) Immersive visual music: how contemporary visual music practices have evolved and how immersive technologies can be employed to compose visual music works. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Post-sonic and psychosocially engaged: developing a decentred, impact-focused approach to open-score composition thesis Moorehouse-Everett, A (2024) Post-sonic and psychosocially engaged: developing a decentred, impact-focused approach to open-score composition. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. New methods for developing collaboration in environmental composition thesis Matthews, H.W.J (2024) New methods for developing collaboration in environmental composition. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Blending rebetiko with blues, jazz, and rock: intercultural songwriting and analysis thesis Polyzoidis, A (2024) Blending rebetiko with blues, jazz, and rock: intercultural songwriting and analysis. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. "These signs forerun the death or fall of kings": renegotiating masculinities and centrality in Shakespeare's second tetralogy through adaptation, direction and performance thesis Turner-McMullan, C.J (2024) "These signs forerun the death or fall of kings": renegotiating masculinities and centrality in Shakespeare's second tetralogy through adaptation, direction and performance. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. Writing music for an ancient Roman ensemble: artistic research in the recording studio thesis Tedstone Glover, M.A (2023) Writing music for an ancient Roman ensemble: artistic research in the recording studio. PhD thesis, Bath Spa University. just trying to do what I’m told and keep up and do the best that I can composition Saunders, J (2025) just trying to do what I’m told and keep up and do the best that I can. something happens then something else happens then all sorts of other things happen composition Saunders, J (2025) something happens then something else happens then all sorts of other things happen. having to carry out the repetitive, mind-numbingly boring but still very necessary tasks required to manage increasingly complicated processes of production composition Saunders, J (2025) having to carry out the repetitive, mind-numbingly boring but still very necessary tasks required to manage increasingly complicated processes of production. with or without interruption composition Saunders, J (2023) with or without interruption. trying to make things fit together composition Saunders, J (2023) trying to make things fit together. it is difficult to find the right way to proceed composition Saunders, J (2023) it is difficult to find the right way to proceed. looking forwards, looking backwards composition Saunders, J (2023) looking forwards, looking backwards. amongst it all, some occasional moments of respite composition Saunders, J (2023) amongst it all, some occasional moments of respite. waiting for someone to do the thing you need them to do composition Saunders, J (2023) waiting for someone to do the thing you need them to do. it is really hard to focus when there are too many things to do composition Saunders, J (2023) it is really hard to focus when there are too many things to do. performing tasks they secretly believe do not really need to be performed composition Saunders, J (2023) performing tasks they secretly believe do not really need to be performed. Day of the Dead ceremony / live music from Panther Panther performance Villierezz, P (2024) Day of the Dead ceremony / live music from Panther Panther. In: Letters To My Dead Mother (part of PAPAYA Fest), The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol, UK, 17 October 2024. Panther Panther live performance performance Villierezz, P and Gutarra, S (2024) Panther Panther live performance. In: Allen Valleys Folk Festival, Village Hall, Allendale, UK, 28 September 2024. The Lonesome Death of Eng Bunker [creator, performer] performance Poster-Su, T (2024) The Lonesome Death of Eng Bunker [creator, performer]. Omnibus Theatre, London, UK, 17 - 27 September 2024. Being River performance Xu, Z (2024) Being River. University Theatre, Bath Spa University, Bath, UK, 3 July 2024. Xaman X live at The Jam Jar performance Villierezz, P, Lapes, J, Gutarra, S and Zubieta, M (2024) Xaman X live at The Jam Jar. Bristol, UK, 15 April 2024. Don't worry, this is England ... performance Lewis-Smith, C (2024) Don't worry, this is England ... In: Embodying Ecocide: Between Hope and Hopelessness, University Theatre, Bath Spa University, Bath, UK, 21 March 2024. Panther Panther live at The Jam Jar performance Villierezz, P, Gutarra, S and Zubieta, M (2024) Panther Panther live at The Jam Jar. In: Worm 'Valentines' Club: Pachyman // Miss Mash // Panther Panther, The Jam Jar, Bristol, 14 February 2024. Adrian's party video Lewis-Smith, C and Hearne, V (2024) Adrian's party. Rosaria Gracia video Lewis-Smith, C (2023) Rosaria Gracia. Review of Henry VI: Rebellion; Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses; Richard III presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon [performance review] other Hipkiss, K (2023) Review of Henry VI: Rebellion; Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses; Richard III presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon [performance review]. Shakespeare Bulletin, 41 (1). pp. 147-152. ISSN 1931-1427 Review of Shakespeare’s Henry V (directed by Max Webster for the Donmar Warehouse), streamed to cinemas by NT Live, 21 April 2022 [performance review] other Hipkiss, K (2023) Review of Shakespeare’s Henry V (directed by Max Webster for the Donmar Warehouse), streamed to cinemas by NT Live, 21 April 2022 [performance review]. Shakespeare, 19 (3). pp. 414-418. ISSN 1745-0926 You might also be interested in... Bath School of Music and Performing Arts Theatre and Performance Facilities Research and Enterprise Research Strategy