Matthew Genua '22 Creates Electronic Dance Music for Independent Study

Using the state-of-the-art facilities in the School’s Center for Innovation & Design, MBS junior Matthew Genua ’22 recently completed an independent study with Dr. John Girvin on “Sound Design of Modern Electronic Dance Music.” 

For his final project, Matthew crafted a pair of intricately woven pieces using electronic textures, samples and synthesizers.

To hear a clip of one of Matthew’s songs, click here.

“For this song, I started with a basic sound and I had a melody in my head — it evolved from there,” he said. “I was focused on the texture and the quality of the sound.”

In his presentation, Matthew described his influences, his creative process, and what he learned from his Independent Study experience.   

“For my second song, which is unfinished, I started with a melody and tried to think of sounds that would go well with it,” said Matthew. “I also considered how to move the song along by leaving something out.”

“We talked a lot about the form of a piece,” said Dr. Girvin. “Matthew has a wonderful ear for how things fit together.”