Self-Idiomatic Music: An Introduction

Abstract

The term self-idiomatic music is introduced as a practical tool for discussion of current directions in music that are otherwise termed free improvisation, non-idiomatic music, meta-music and electroacoustic improvisation. The work of self-idiomatic musicians (including the author) is characterized by exploration of the sound possibilities afforded by musical instruments and sounding objects. The author discusses some characteristics of self-idiomatic music, some of its roots in the popularization of consumer audio electronics, and how the music's flexibility and widespread Internet access have facilitated the recent global growth of a self-idiomatic music culture.