jam2jam: Networked Improvisational Musical Environments
Steven C. Dillon · Creative Industries Faculty · 2006
This paper examines the emerging concept of networked improvisation. In particular it reports on the development of jam2jam software and its associated research projects. These projects offer a proof of concept over a 3-year trail period of the idea of collaborative musical environments on a network and describe the effects on meaningful engagement in music making. The paper follows a structure presented at the practical workshop at MISTEC and highlights the emerging learning opportunities of real-time improvisation using digital instruments connected via electronic networks and the broad range of school and community applications further illustrated by the series of ongoing case studies and its potential as a new concept for music learning. It is proposed that the concept of networked improvisational musical environments adds a new dimension of online music learning that incorporates the advantages of real time ensemble activity into music technology learning experiences. Furthermore the researchers suggest that the emerging learning opportunities of real-time improvisation using digital instruments connected via electronic networks that use algorithmic musical structures become curriculum structures that frame the musical knowledge and focus and engage the learner in an interactive musical experience.