+44 (0)161 295 6135
p.brissenden2@salford.ac.uk

 

Philip Brissenden is Associate Head of School (Teaching and Learning) for the School of Media, Music and Performance.

He trained originally as a classical pianist and composer and learned jazz piano from 1990. He also developed a specialims in music technology, and built PC installations with dedicated hardward/software integration during the 90s. 

Phil performed solo piano and chamber works, at such venues as the RNCM, University of Durham and University of Sheffield, and combined this with world jazz performance in various venues and festivals across the Northwest, including Alexdander Jazz Bar (Chester), and headlining at the Nantwich Jazz festival. This combination of interests led to a CD release in 2000 through MP3.com; his piano recordings receiving over 40,000 downloads.

Phil worked as studio technician/demonstrator 1998-2002 within the Music Division of MMP. During this period all computers were component/software designed, built, and integrated into the studios in house.

Since moving into an academic setting, his passion for design and modification has moved to acoustic instruments. He has broadened his skill base in playing and now plays guitar, flute, celtic whistles, shakuhachi, mandolin and violin. He also designs and makes experimental instruments. Phil has designed, patented and constructed a hybrid instrument called a reverse action piano harp, and now performs on the second prototype (demonstrated to current research students through the Popular Music Research Centre Seminar Series 2009). He is currently working upon a third prototype.

All of these interests converge in his PhD thesis - a study of the origins and evolution of musicianship, based on studies of tuning, pitch/timbre and rhythm perception.