Kent Macpherson

Senior Academic Staff Member

Music and performing arts (production), critical methods, postgraduate supervisor

Contact info

Phone

07 834 8800 extn. 8485

Email

kent.macpherson@wintec.ac.nz

Location

About

Kent Macpherson is a sonic artist, phonographer and composer, whose main interest lies in combining visual and auditory experiences. Over his career, he has worked between installation works, sound art, minimal soundscapes, and composition/production.

Kent's interest lies mainly in the ‘unheard’ sonic attributes of natural and man-made structures. Resonances and vibrations are captured using specially designed contact microphones and hydrophones.

Awards

Qualifications

Master of Arts (with distinction; Music)

Certificate of Adult Teaching

Certificate of Adult Teaching and Education

Graduate Diploma of Music Technology

Graduate Certificate in Screen Music

Areas of expertise

Sonic art, Phonography, Composition, Field recording, Improvisation, Drones, Soundscapes, Audio recording, Music production, Live performance.

Industry experience, affiliations, and achievements

Kent has an MA Music (with distinction) from Wintec. His dissertation and practical output discussed the emergence of the composer as producer, and to what extent technology has promoted this evolution of creative roles. He attended La Trobe University in Melbourne and studied electronic music, computer music programming, synthesis and recording techniques. Other postgraduate studies include screen music composition at The Australian Film Television & Radio School, Melbourne. He is a member of APRA.

Research activity

My research and creative practice centres on the fields of soundscape ecology, field recording, music production and sound engineering.

Kent Macpherson, Wintec Research Archive:

Select publications

Research at the School of Media Arts

The School of Media Arts operates across a rich range of applied media practice and theory; graphic design, digital design, contemporary art, photography, moving image, creative writing, interior design, fashion design, music, journalism, public relations and advertising. The breadth of the school’s applied and academic knowledge, combined with a growing postgraduate programme and industry/community engagement offers a unique platform for a productive research culture.

What do you enjoy about teaching/your job?

As a composer and producer, I enjoy passing on my extensive knowledge of recording, engineering and mixing all styles of music. This helps to expose my students to critical thinking and analysing the meaning behind the art that they create.

What do you love about your area?

The Bachelor of Music and Performing arts is a close-knit family that supports its student whānau through authentic engagement and encouragement.

Tell us about your experience in the industry

I have been a performer, instrumentalist and composer for 40 years, which has included performing in China, Australia, Europe and New Zealand. I have facilitated the creation and running of audio-visual festivals and been a live sound engineer for many bands. Alongside this, I have been an educator for over 25 years in both secondary and tertiary environments.

What keeps you busy outside of Media Arts?

I enjoy gardening and spending time with my two children. Hiking in the mountains is another favourite pastime. I collect old analog synthesisers and organs, and enjoy repairing them. Recording the sounds of the natural environment with my recording equipment gives me time to connect with nature and engage with mindfulness.