Jenny Olivia Johnson Appointed as Faculty Member in Musicology Department
Jenny Olivia Johnson, a distinguished musicologist and composer, is set to continue her research into graduate school under the auspices of a Beinecke Fellowship. Her innovative work, which intertwines composing, theory, and research on trauma, has garnered attention in the subfield of trauma studies within musicology.
Johnson, who began composing in high school while attending the Idyllwild Arts Academy, has made a name for herself in the world of musicology. Her focus on trauma and synesthetic responses has led to significant contributions in understanding the impact of abuse on the music produced by its victims.
In a unique and interdisciplinary move, Johnson is currently working on adapting her opera "The After Time" into a video game. This endeavour involves reimagining the narrative and musical elements in an interactive medium, transforming the operatic storyline and music into game mechanics that allow player interaction.
The narrative of the video game version of "The After Time" is created and recreated by the listener, providing an immersive experience with some listener agency. This innovative approach bridges traditional opera and digital storytelling, incorporating multimedia elements such as visual art, sound, and performance.
By adapting her opera into a video game, Johnson aims to explore new narrative pathways and audience engagement, potentially leading to innovative compositional techniques and expanded scholarly inquiry into the relationship between music, narrative, and interactive media. This interdisciplinary adaptation could contribute to her scholarly research by providing a case study in cross-media translation and the impact of digital technologies on contemporary composition and performance.
Johnson's work at UCLA, where she will join The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music as associate professor of musicology in Fall 2023, has already been marked by innovation. During her tenure as a visiting professor in 2021-22, she was struck by the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and majors among her students. Johnson finds attraction in the opportunity to work with a diverse student body, appreciative of creative, unconventional educational approaches.
Johnson's seminar, "Music, Trauma, and Empathy," has played a pivotal role in shaping the research interests of musicology student Ashley Dao. Johnson's research, teaching, and creative work continue to push the boundaries of traditional musicology, blending theory and practice in innovative ways.
While specific insights into Johnson's process of adapting "The After Time" into a video game are not widely available, it is clear that this project represents a significant step forward in the intersection of opera, video games, and musicology. For Johnson, this interdisciplinary approach could deepen her compositional practice by challenging traditional forms and encouraging experimentation with interactive sound design and player-driven storytelling.
In addition to her work on "The After Time," Johnson is also preparing a book manuscript on trauma, memory, and soundscape (needs verification). Her artistic process involves mixing seemingly incompatible elements, a testament to her commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
As Johnson continues her research and creative work, she is sure to inspire future generations of musicians, scholars, and artists to explore the intersections of different disciplines and push the boundaries of what is possible in music and musicology.
Johnson's innovative work, such as adapting her opera "The After Time" into a video game, demonstrates her inclination towards blending entertainment and music, ensuring an educational experience that extends beyond traditional musicology. Apart from this project, she is also working on a book manuscript about trauma, memory, and soundscape, further showcasing her dedication to self-development and the exploration of various interdisciplinary aspects.
