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Journals / Konservatoryum / 2026 / Cilt: 13 Sayı: 1

Use of Music Signal Processing Programs in Turkish Music Pitch Analysis: the Makambox Example

Şakir Orçun Akgün(İnönü University)0000-0002-7522-1524
Pages
1–21
Publication Date
2026-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate that MakamBox is effective in visualizing microtonal pitch structures, accurately identifying resolution tones, and automatically classifying makams.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study aims to examine the MakamBox software, which was developed to analyze the microtonal structure of Turkish makam music.
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Key Findings & Data:In addition, its capacity to visualize inconsistencies between theory and performance is examined.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate that MakamBox is effective in visualizing microtonal pitch structures, accurately identifying resolution tones, and automatically classifying makams.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Histogram · Makam · MakamBox

Abstract

This study aims to examine the MakamBox software, which was developed to analyze the microtonal structure of Turkish makam music. Turkish makam music differs from Western music through its microtonal pitch structures, melodic progressions, and resolution tones. The inadequacy of traditional analytical tools in this field has made it necessary to develop culture-specific software. MakamBox is an innovative tool designed to analyze both the theoretical and performative aspects of Turkish makam music. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the contributions of MakamBox to Turkish makam music and to explore its applications in musicological studies. Conducted within a descriptive framework, the study analyzes the software’s functions such as generating frequency histograms, detecting resolution tones, and performing makam classification. In addition, its capacity to visualize inconsistencies between theory and performance is examined. The findings indicate that MakamBox is effective in visualizing microtonal pitch structures, accurately identifying resolution tones, and automatically classifying makams. The software allows for the detailed analysis of individual interpretations and regional differences in traditional Turkish music performances. Its ability to detect divergences between theory and practice broadens the scope of musicological analysis. In conclusion, MakamBox is a powerful tool for the analysis of Turkish makam music. It contributes to the preservation and digitalization of cultural heritage and carries the potential to open new horizons in musicology and ethnomusicology.

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Cite This Article

Akgün, Ş. O. (2026). Use of Music Signal Processing Programs in Turkish Music Pitch Analysis: the Makambox Example. Konservatoryum, Cilt: 13 Sayı: 1, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2026-1773375

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