SMT-V 7.5, “Understanding Turkish Classical Makam: Identifying Modes Through Characteristic Melodies” by Adem Merter Birson, is now available at SMT-V.org.

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Photo by AL.Eyad

Abstract:

In Turkish classical music, characteristic melodies known as “çeşni-s” form essential building blocks in makam, the modal system of the Middle East. Since around the beginning of the Turkish Republic (1923), Turkish musicologists adapted the makam system for Western staff notation and devised an approach to music theory based on scales. This modern approach, while currently widespread, has its limitations; in particular, the makam scales do not reflect the characteristic melodies that are often so important to the idiomatic expression of makam. For this reason, one needs extended interaction with experienced musicians in order to learn how to interpret the scores, via an oral form of pedagogy traditionally known as “meşk.”


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SMT Jacksonville 2024

The Society for Music Theory celebrates its forty-seventh Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, November 7–10, 2024.

ABOUT JACKSONVILLE

Visit Jacksonville built a microsite for our attendees to use. Visit the site to learn more about Jacksonville, including where to eat, what to do, and how to get there.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Information about the conference can be found on the SMT website

Hotel Reservations 

The Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel (225 E Coastline Drive) has reserved a block of rooms for conference attendees. The rates are $169/night for single and double occupancy; $194/night for triple occupancy; $219/night for quadruple occupancy; and $169 for student quadruple occupancy (limited rooms available). Hotel reservations for non-students may be made online.  SMT student members should have received an email with a code to reserve at the student rate; please email Jennifer Diaz at smt@societymusictheory.org if you did not receive the email. 

Using the conference room block at this hotel helps us meet our contractual obligations and keeps you close to all conference activities.

Conference Registration

Conference registration is open and available on our website. The rates are as follows:

Rate Category Early (6/01–9/27/2024) Regular (9/28–11/1/2024)
Student or low-income $70.00 $95.00
Emeritus/Retired $100.00 $135.00
Standard $130.00 $175.00
Student Helpers

We are in need of student volunteers to assist during the conference. Volunteers will receive a registration fee waiver in exchange for 6.5 hours of service. The deadline to apply is September 6

Hotel Accessibility

Every effort will be made to meet the unique requirements of all attendees. For specific needs or questions please contact Jennifer Diaz, Executive Director, at smt@societymusictheory.org.  

Sponsorships

The Society provides several sponsorship opportunities for organizations at our Annual Meeting. 

Exhibits 

The deadline to reserve an exhibit booth is September 6

Program Guide Advertisements 

The final deadline to reserve a program guide ad is September 6