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About | Contribute
Contributing to the Timbre and Orchestration Resource
The Timbre and Orchestration Resource is a living, growing, open-access web resource dedicated to fostering knowledge and awareness of timbre and orchestration. As such, we invite ideas and submissions for content in any of the below mediums or formats. Each submission is reviewed by the TOR Editors; more assessments (such as blind peer review) may be required as needed. We offer a variety of avenues for publication and dissemination, for which more info about each can be found by scrolling downward or clicking the below links.
To read our full editorial policy and submission guidelines, click here to download the PDF.
To view our Reviewer Guidelines, click here to download the PDF.
When you are ready to submit your materials for review, please do so using this form.
Any questions concerning TOR publications can be directed Ben Duinker, co-editor, at benjamin.duinker@mail.mcgill.ca
1. Articles and Essays
Text-based publications such as articles and essays form the backbone of the Timbre and Orchestration Resource’s offerings. The TOR editorial team runs a double-blind peer review process on all submissions in this category.
An article is a substantial presentation of scholarly research, and any topic related to timbre and orchestration research is welcome.
An essay is a short-format scholarly text to be featured in one of two platforms: Amazing Moments in Timbre, and Timbre Lingo.
The Amazing Moments in Timbre (AMiT) series encompasses articles that focus on the timbral qualities of musical examples or excerpts. It features moments in music history considered excellent examples of timbre and orchestration, with links to recordings. These posts explore authors’ perspectives and impressions on amazing moments in timbre in music from a wide range of repertoires.
The Timbre Lingo series includes posts by ACTOR members explaining terms related to timbre and orchestration, often with visual aids. Appropriate for introductory undergraduate courses, or for anyone interested in learning some basics about timbre and orchestration. It is essentially an accessible glossary of timbre- and orchestration-related terms.
2. Interactive Research Outputs
We publish research outputs that rely less heavily on text, instead balancing text and multimedia elements such as audio, video, images, and schematics. These publications can range in size/length, so long as non-text elements remain a central focus of the publication.
3. Videos
Videos we publish are typically copyright-free recordings of performances, conference presentations, tutorials, and other resources documenting the subjects of timbre and orchestration.
We welcome video contributions in three categories:
Paper presentations. These can be video recordings of standard conference-style presentations, usually 10-20 minutes in length. If the video is from an actual conference presentation, you may include the question period or you may edit it out at your own discretion.
Long presentations. These can be keynote presentations, class lectures, job talks, documentary-style videos, or any other long-format presentations of more than 20 minutes.
Tutorial videos. These are short videos that address particular technical skills or problems. They may introduce a concept in your field, demonstrate a software application, instruct the execution of an instrumental technique, and so forth.
4. Research Resources and Teaching Materials
A Research Resource is a piece of software, code, system, website, or material that aids research and pedagogical outreach by facilitating the analysis, creation, and teaching of timbre and orchestration. The tool can be pre- existing or a new tool developed as part of recent research.
A Teaching Material can include instructional videos, lesson plans, syllabi, or other relevant educational resources.
5. Miscellany
Do you have an idea for something to propose for the TOR that does not fit in the above categories? Please get in touch with us, we’d love to hear and consider your proposal!