Networked Comprovisation Stratagies with ZScore

ZScore is a networked notation system for mixed ensemble composition and performance. This paper describes recent system developments towards a platform for comprovised music making. The long-term project objective is to provide an inclusive, democratised music-making environment by utilising technology that enables distributed decision making, dynamic notation processing and visualisation. It is proposed that all music is the outcome of a decision-making process that can be represented on the spectrum between immutable static and real-time dynamic decision making. Networking technology can act as an enabler for moving the dial on this decision-making spectrum in a required direction. Furthermore, a definition of a networked notational perspective is outlined, covering the dynamic aspects of distributed notation for heterogeneous clients. Several strategies for dealing with dynamic notation visualisation and control are presented, such as the dynamic performance parameter processing and embedded scripting. Finally, this paper presents the results from recent user trials and plans for future developments.