"Spencer Shao is a 4th year Computer Science and Music Technology major, graduating in the upcoming Fall. He comes from an Asian-American household in Warren, New Jersey. Much of his current musical influences come from his upbringing, including bringing awareness to contemporary East Asian music, influences which he felt were missing from the Western music sphere in the early 2000s and 2010s. His musical inspirations come from video games (Nier: Automata, Stardew Valley, Octopath Traveler), classical music (Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms), and contemporary East Asian artists (Sakuzyo, Feryquitous, mamomo). Having grown up as a cellist and pianist, he felt that composition was the next step in his musical career. This capstone seeks to highlight his compositional achievements in 8 pieces of varying genres and textures. In his free time, Spencer enjoys going to the gym, collecting classical vinyl, playing video games, and trying new restaurants.
[Presentation link here](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zBK-9QrB3ByBZwkyz6C4qW4glxsiG4kcfaXvJZytC7E/edit?usp=sharing)
"This was Spencer's first piece in which he composed and mixed independently. Collaborating with pianist Lisa Jiang, he writes this short piece portraying the frustration of a restless late night and the accompanying relief when sleep finally overtakes the body. As his first piece, he believes this to be a major starting point for his compositional endeavors. This piece will also be included in a larger collection of works in which he writes about the different times of day."
Fixed Media Works
Blooming Waters (RISE Release)
Spring 2024
"Blooming Waters is a piece written with guzheng and heavy sound processing to ellicit different effects reminiscient of water, along with actual records and samples of different water-based effects such as rain or the ocean. This experimental piece was created as to explore the possibilities of the guzheng timbre, both in the current composition as well as future pieces. Initial samples were created by Ashlyn Xu which were then spliced and layered with different electronic effects, such as EQ and delay. Much inspiration was taken both from the Artcore genre and Professor Anthony De Ritis' works."
Skies Turn Purple Original Soundtrack
Spring 2024
"In a collaboration with Madeline Zhang for her Animation Capstone class, Spencer composed, mixed, and mastered all thew music for the video game "Skies Turn Purple". This original soundtrack features 7 tracks for the background music of every scene.
The story describes Thane's journey in the aftermath of his mother's murder. He travels the world with Fyren, his water sprite friend, to unravel the mysteries behind the Oni's that razed his hometown and the culprit behind everything."
Arensky Piano Trio No. 1 performed with Emma Lavoie and Dustin Ngo [38:22-1:00:08]
Spring 2024
"Having participated with the NU Chamber Ensemble since Spring 2021, Spencer has demonstrated his cello performance ability throughout the semesters, performing other pieces such as Debussy Op. 10 String Quartet in G-minor and Schoenfield Cafe Music. This has culminated in his most recent semester in performing movements one and three of Arensky Piano Trio No. 1."
Music-Induced Chills Associated with Musical Reward: A Portable PPG Study
"Under the direction of Dr. Psyche Loui, Spencer researched the effects of chills induced by music alongside classmates Arun Asthagiri, Connie Chong, Tanvi Das, and Russell Zingler.
Many people often experience physical effects as a result of listening to music, dubbed “chills”. This study explored these psychophysical manifestations, comparing participant experiences as a result of listening to standardized selections and self-reported selections, in conjunction to exploring how participant historical musical experiences contribute towards these “chills”. It was found that psychophysical responses were significant during the window of which the participant reported feeling chills."