About | About the TOR

About the TOR

The Timbre and Orchestration Resource (TOR) is a comprehensive open-access web platform designed to support the analysis, creation, and teaching of timbre and orchestration. It offers a wealth of resources, including detailed information on various instruments, orchestral recording sessions, reference lists for research, and innovative creative tools.

The TOR features educational modules that facilitate learning about timbre and orchestration, while simultaneously showcasing active research in these areas. Course syllabi, available on the platform, provide further insights into the subjects and help users develop a deeper understanding of the field.

In addition to these resources, the platform hosts the Timbre and Orchestration Writings publication, which includes new articles and essays from experts in the field. Users can also access engaging blogs and educational videos to supplement their learning. Overall, the TOR serves as an invaluable hub for those interested in exploring the multifaceted world of timbre and orchestration, and functions as the public interface for all research conducted by the Analysis, Creation, and Teaching of Orchestration (ACTOR) Project.

 
 

The Timbre and Orchestration Resource was founded in 2018 as part of an initiative to enhance accessibility to timbre and orchestration scholarship. This platform provides tools, scholarly materials, and resources to foster innovation in research and education.

Leadership

Current Leads

  • Ben Duinker, Ph.D.
    TOR Product Manager, 2024–2025
    Overseeing product direction, development, and delivery, ensuring alignment with user needs and project goals.

  • Andrés Gutiérrez, Ph.D.
    Managing Editor, Writings, 2024–2025
    Coordinating editorial efforts for Writings and contributing to the development of scholarly content and publication strategies.

Contributor History

Founders

  • Prof. Stephen McAdams
    ACTOR Project Director, 2018–2025
    Provided visionary leadership as the founding director of the ACTOR Project. Prof. McAdams guided the TOR platform’s conceptual framework and ensured its integration within the broader goals of the ACTOR Project, facilitating collaboration between researchers, educators, and practitioners.

  • Kit Soden, Ph.D.
    TOR Product Manager, 2018–2024
    Managed the Timbre and Orchestration Resource’s product vision, development, and delivery, ensuring the resource met the needs of researchers, educators, and students. Dr. Soden led content creation and structural design while also developing the website, playing a critical role in bringing the platform to life.

Early Contributors

  • Prof. Bob Hasegawa
    As Associate Project Director played a key role in helping establish Writings and its peer-reviewed process. Prof. Hasegawa also provided significant insights and feedback on the development of the TOR, contributing to its foundational structure and academic rigor.

  • Prof. Jason Noble
    Contributed to initial content development and research curation. Co-founder of Writings.

  • Ben Duinker, Ph.D., and Andrés Gutiérrez, Ph.D.
    Co-editors of Writings, content creators, and developers of the platform’s information architecture.

Advisors and Consultants

The following individuals provided critical guidance and expertise during the development and evolution of the Timbre and Orchestration Resource:

  • Jay Marchand Knight

  • Julie Delisle

  • Lindsey Reymore

  • Matt Zeller

  • Andre Martins de Oliveira