Coelophysis (see-luh-fai-suhs) was an early theropod dinosaur that lived during the Triassic Period over 200 million years ago. Coelophysis has often been depicted as a creature that was scaly and lizard-like in appearance. However, recent paleontological evidence paints a different picture of this early dinosaur. This sculptural rendition of Coelophysis includes round pupils, feathered insulation, and even varied color patterns, all based on possibilities generated from current scientific findings. This hypothetical model was created to stretch popular assumptions about the appearance of early dinosaurs.

In this paper, I propose that taking an embodied approach to music performance can allow for better gestural control over the live sound produced and greater connection between the performer and their audience. I examine the many possibilities of live electronic manipulation of the voice such as those employed by past and current vocalists who specialize in live electronic sound manipulation and improvisation. Through extensive research and instrument design, I have sought to produce something that will benefit me in my performances as a vocalist and help me step out from the boundaries of traditional music performance. I will discuss the techniques used for the creation of my gestural instrument through the lens of my experiences as a performer using these tools. I believe that, through use of movement and gesture in the creation and control of sound, it is more than possible to step away from conventional ideas of live vocal performance and create something new and unique, especially through the inclusion of improvisation.