Freqently Asked Questions

1. May I submit more than one song?
2. How can I learn more about artworks in the show?
3. Should we choose just one artwork or can we do the song about several artworks?
4. Do you mind if you get more than one song about a particular artwork?
5. Can we take pictures of the artworks?
6. Are you going to have pictures of the artworks available on the website?
7. Do I have to include a spoken introduction?
8. What does it mean to interpret art with music?

May I submit more than one song?

Yes, you may submit more than one song to this competition, whether you are a member of a band or an individual musician, or someone who makes music both on your own and with a group.

How can I learn more about artworks in the show?

We’re glad you asked! There are numerous ways to research the artists and artworks in the exhibition. Joslyn has an extensive art research library, the Abrahams Library, which is located on the lower level of the Memorial building (open Tues-Wed, 10am-2pm; Thurs-Friday, 10am-4pm; Sat, 10am-1pm), where you can find many books, magazines, and other resources about art.

In addition, the Scott EdTech Gallery (also located on the lower level of the Memorial building; open Tues-Sat, 10-4; Sun, 12-4) has a good selection of books about modern and contemporary art, as well as some of the artists whose work will be featured in the exhibition. Ask at the EdTech Help Desk for help finding books and other resources relating to the special exhibition Art on the Edge.

Should we choose just one artwork or can we do the song about several artworks?

It is open – you may choose one artwork to interpret, or you may choose several. You could choose the exhibition generally, or certain types of media, or certain types of artworks, themes, subject matter, colors, etc. There are nearly endless possibilities -- see below for more ideas.

Do you mind if you get more than one song about a particular artwork?

No, we don’t mind; in fact, we would like that! We do not intend with this competition to arrive at one song for each artwork, although it would be nice to have a variety of artworks represented. However, it should be very interesting to listen to multiple songs for a particular artwork, since each song will have been created from the musician’s or band’s own unique point of view.

Can we take pictures of the artworks?

No. Museum policies prohibit photography in the Museum; photography is allowed only in the Atrium, on the Bridge, and in the Fountain Court. As an alternative, we suggest you jot down notes and/or make quick sketches in order to remember aspects of the artwork(s) that particularly interest you. You might consider writing down your observations and thoughts part of the creative process.

Are you going to have pictures of the artworks available on the website?

Due to the fact that these artworks are all so recent, copyright laws prevent us from reproducing or publishing images of many of these works. However, as time and copyright restrictions permit, we will publish images of selected works under the Exhibition section. Nevertheless, it is our hope that musicians will use the reproductions merely for pre- or post-Museum visit information, and not as a substitute for viewing the artworks in person.

Do I have to include a spoken introduction?

Yes. There are several reasons for requiring this introduction. The main reason is to give listeners a chance to find the artwork or aspect of the exhibition to which the song refers -- so that they can enjoy the original music in the presence of the art object(s). We would like musicians also to indicate a little of what they are aiming at to help listeners (and judges) make some of the same connections, but this explanation of their approach or inspiration may be very brief. You will find more information about the required format for entries in the Competition Guidelines.

What does it mean to interpret art with music?

There are countless ways to approach this project, and numerous connections that can be made between art and music. For example, music is sometimes described as having color and texture. Likewise, a visual composition can have a certain rhythm. One approach to this project would be to translate into music what you see as the important formal elements or principles (such as color, line, shape, form, texture, value, contrast, pattern, rhythm, unity, variety, or emphasis) in a visual artwork. Or, you could think of your song as a soundtrack to the artwork. A soundtrack would create a certain mood, enhancing or even altering one’s experience of an artwork. You could also think of your song as telling a story – related to the narrative in an artwork, if there is one, or making up an imaginative story inspired by or perhaps expanding on something you see in the visual artwork. Finally, you could think of music as a means to express a message that you perceive in the artwork – music as a parallel mode of communication.

You will find more information about the myriad connections between art and music and a variety of resources, such as websites and books, here [to be published very soon!].

8.25.06. Thanks for your interest in reading these FAQ! If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at info@Art4YourEars.org.