Blending Trumpet with Electronic Music within the Aesthetic Concept of Jon Hassell’s Fourth World Music

This Master’s thesis explores the integration of an acoustic instrument with live electronic sound processing through the development of a portable, predominantly digital performance setup for the trumpet. The project is situated within the aesthetic framework of Jon Hassell’s concept of Fourth World music, which combines non‑Western musical influences with contemporary electronic technologies. Adopting a practice‑based action research methodology, the thesis documents iterative experimentation cycles aimed at evaluating technical stability, latency, sound quality, and performer interaction. Beyond technical considerations, the research examines perceptual and psychological aspects of electronic performance, such as intuitiveness, machine responsiveness, and the conditions necessary for entering an intuitive, flow‑oriented creative state. Artistic decisions are contextualized through philosophical perspectives derived from Jon Hassell, David Toop, and Deepak Chopra. Recorded audio examples function as primary research material, linking theoretical concepts to practical artistic outcomes. keywords: fourth world, Ableton live, trumpet performance