The Cataloging Module focuses on the systematic indexing and documentation of Ottoman music notation sources, and adheres more generally to best practice of music cataloging based on historical sources. Participants will learn how to transform complex historical materials into structured, research-ready datasets, and how this data can be utilized in many forms of music reserarch.
Working with digitized manuscripts and print sources, participants will be introduced to the core principles and workflows of music cataloging, including:
- Creating structured indices of musical sources using standardized templates
- Documenting key metadata fields such as title, composer, makâm, usûl, genre, and textual incipits
- Recording data in both original scripts (Ottoman, Armenian, Greek) and scholarly transliteration
- Assigning reference identifiers (e.g., RISM sigla, CMO identifiers, and work numbers)
- Identifying concordances across multiple sources and contributing to the reconstruction of the Ottoman musical repertoire
These practices form the basis for building interoperable datasets that support large-scale musicological research and digital humanities applications.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Graduate students and advanced undergraduates in musicology, ethnomusicology, Ottoman studies, or related fields
- Scholars interested in music manuscript studies, archival research, and digital humanities
- Musicians and practitioners with an interest in historical repertoires and notation systems
Prior knowledge of Ottoman Turkish or specific notation systems is preferred, but not required. Familiarity with one or more relevant languages and Ottoman makam musical traditions will be beneficial.
What Participants Will Gain
- Practical experience working with historical music manuscripts and early print sources
- Training in metadata creation, cataloging standards, and transliteration practices
- Insight into large-scale digital catalog infrastructures and research methodologies
- Participation in an international research environment at the intersection of musicology and digital humanities