The “Time-Makam Analysis Model” as a graphic notation: A playful tool for collaborative improvised music

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the creative performing processes that arise from the use of graphic scores. To achieve this, it uses the Time-Makam Analysis Model to demonstrate how this type of notation can produce “playful” creative processes that are open to evaluation from an ethnomusicological perspective. The study presents a practical, experimental, and multidisciplinary approach to graphic notation, it discusses the individual and collective relationships that performers have with a score of this type, and examines the spontaneous decision-making processes involved. The study is also intended to support performers’ collective creative decision-making, their playful thinking, and their improvisational skills. First, the introduction gives an overview of the concept of notation and provides a historical perspective for contemporary graphic scores. This is followed by an examination of the Time-Makam Analysis Model and its association with graphic notation, and a psychological discussion of creative, playful thinking processes. The final section contains field notes from two performances in which the author of this study took part: an online recording by the SAVT improvisation trio (Elif Canfeza Gündüz classical kemenche, Merve Salgar tanbur, and Zeynep Ayşe Hatipoğlu violoncello) and a real time collaboration with Ülkü Çağlayan (body movement and violoncello).