Research

As an academic, my research interests include improvisation, improvisation with music technology, jazz performance & recording, and contemporary music education.

You'll find all my publications and NTRO research outputs on my Academia or Researchgate profiles. Some selected research is below.

Thesis

My doctoral research utilises a practice-based research model and investigates the process of creating new works for two jazz trio ensembles, with a particular emphasis on improvisation with acoustic instruments and technology. The core focus is to utilise technology and develop extended techniques towards a hybrid acoustic-electronic “group sound” that is distinct but still recognisable as jazz.

Full thesis available HERE

Journal Articles

  1. Ballico, C., & Foran, S. (2023). Capacity building and professional development in contemporary music careers: An Australian contemporary music case study. International Journal of Music Education, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/02557614231184846

  2. Foran, S. (2022) Live Electronics and acoustic improvisation: The interaction in performance environments. Volume. Foran, S. (2021). Pathways to sustainability: Diversity of programming for audiences in Australian jazz festivals. Jazz Research Journal, 14(2), 160–182. https://doi.org/10.1558/jazz.41156

  3. Foran, S & Goold L. (2020). The Changing Nature of Jazz Artists within the Recording Technology Space, Riffs, 4(1).

    https://riffsjournal.org/2020/07/23/the-changing-nature-ofjazz-artists-within-the-recording-technology-space-lachlan- goold-sean-foran/

Conference presentations:

  1. International Association for the Study of Popular Music ANZ Opening Up - Melbourne, December 2022 'No More Than Four - A minimalist guide to popular music performance and production'

  2. International Music Livelihoods - Griffith University, Brisbane, 2021 'Patreon and Digital Communities: Alternative Pathways for Musician Livelihoods

  3. International Association for the Study of Popular Music ANZ Turns and Revolutions in Popular Music - Canberra, Aust. November 2019

  4. 'Improvising with the Machine - a performer perspective on real-time interaction' - w Toby Gifford

  5. 'The changing nature of the artist within the recording technology space' - w Lachlan Goold

  6. International Association for the Study of Popular Music ANZ Playing Along - Wintec, Hamilton, NZ – December 2018 'Live electronics and acoustic improvisation – playing with technology in performance environments'

  7. Interacting in and with Music - University of Rennes 2 – Rennes, France, October 2017 'Live electronics and acoustic improvisation – interactive possibilities'

  8. Rhythm Changes - Jazz Utopia, Birmingham, UK, April 2016 - 'Live Electronics and acoustic improvisation in the jazz trio – new Utopian encounters'