When doing research is like playing jazz

Michael Wollny © Joerg Steinmetz - From exploring the nature of creativity to turning a building into an instrument, a unique collaboration between EPFL's Digital and Cognitive Musicology Lab (DCML) and celebrated jazz pianist Michael Wollny aims to push the boundaries of music theory. During an animated discussion of Wollny's artistic residency in the office of DCML head Martin Rohrmeier, it is easy to forget whether the topic of discussion is art or science, but maybe there are fewer differences than we think. For both Rohrmeier and Wollny , their process - whether working on a research project or a jazz composition - starts with creative inspiration followed by problem-solving and mechanical busywork. Along the way, there are unforeseen events and 'mistakes'..which nevertheless usually turn out to be very useful. The Michael Wollny Trio in concert at EPFL on May 11th: Michael Wollny (piano) Christian Weber (bass) Eric Schaefer (drums) © Virginie Martin - "After a while, you think that a certain path isn't exciting enough to pursue, but this is dangerous because sometimes, you need to stay on an unexciting path to discover the unexpected," says Wollny. "Other times, I can feel when it's time to move on. But even then, the idea is not garbage; in fact, I think most of my pieces I created from the 'garbage' of other projects." As a scientist, Rohrmeier agrees.