My dissertation thesis delves into the artistic processes involved in my work, offering a comprehensive
and detailed analysis of each step taken to create the outcome. The thesis thoroughly explains the
artistic decisions and their reasoning by presenting an in-depth view of the various techniques and
methods used throughout the creative process. This highlights the significance of sound in music and
how it can contribute to a musical piece's overall meaning and emotional impact. As an instrumentalist, a
pianist can develop a signature sound that distinguishes them from others and, therefore, may be easily
recognizable to the audience. To create a distinctive signature sound, a pianist can use different
analytical frameworks and explore diverse musical traditions while experimenting with
various techniques. The examples of Ravi Shankar (Shankar, 1999) and Tigran Hamasyan
(Jazzwise, 2020) demonstrate how mastering one's craft, exploring diverse musical traditions,
and experimenting with different methods can lead to a unique and recognizable sound.
I have always been fascinated by the different sounds and emotions that can be conveyed through
music. Creating a signature sound is essential to any musician's journey, as it is the result of musical
experience, distinguishing them from others. While writing this thesis, I have realized that there are
different ways to influence a signature sound that reflects my musical sensibilities, cultural background,
and individuality. I agree that the physical properties of sound, such as pitch, timbre, and rhythm,
contribute to the overall sound of a musical piece (Thomson, 2021). Therefore, I need to be conscious of
how I play and its effect on the music. One of the challenges that pianists face is the instrumental quality
provided at each venue. However, this can be overcome by exploring different pianos and
experimenting with various techniques to create a unique sound that is not solely dependent on
the instrument's technical quality.
I have studied comprehensive guides such as "The Jazz Language" (Haerle, 1980) and "The Advancing
Guitarist" (Goodrick,1987) to develop my technical proficiency, creativity, and personal expression.
These materials have provided valuable insights and techniques for creating a unique sound and
style as a jazz musician. They emphasize the importance of a solid foundation in music theory and
technique, creativity, and personal expression in compositions. Musicians can benefit from these books'
practical exercises, examples, and broader concepts and ideas. While some techniques and exercises
are specifically for specific instruments, the overarching principles can be applied to various
jazz instruments, including the piano. Developing a unique sound and style requires a deep
understanding of the language of different music genres and the ability to combine different musical
elements in a personal and expressive way.
The examples of Ravi Shankar and Tigran Hamasyan provide valuable insights into how I have been
influenced in creating my artistic expression. Ravi Shankar's approach, rooted in understanding the
nuances of each piece and practicing diligently, has taught me valuable lessons in discipline and
persistence (Shankar, 1999). On the other hand, I have learned from Tigran Hamasyan's approach,
which involves experimentation and a willingness to push boundaries. His fusion of traditional Armenian
folk music with jazz and different contemporary styles, and incorporation of electronic and experimental
sounds, serve as a strong example of creating a dynamical and expressive signature sound (Schumann,
2020).
Influential factors that have contributed to developing my signature sound are my Sri Lankan background
and my diverse musical training. Growing up in a family that highly valued Sri Lankan culture and music,
I was exposed to traditional Sri Lankan folk music at a young age. This cultural immersion has
dramatically impacted my musical style, and I often incorporate Sri Lankan melodies, rhythms, and
modes into my compositions.
In addition to my cultural background, my musical education has also significantly shaped my signature
sound. I received extensive training in Eastern music in Sri Lanka, and after moving to Norway, I pursued
studies in jazz. This diverse musical background has enabled me to draw on various musical styles and
techniques and blend them innovatively. Furthermore, my creativity and experimentation in intertwining
raga elements into my compositions, specifically raga Bhairavi and Bhairav, have been crucial in
developing my signature sound. I have also incorporated aspects of Sri Lankan folk music and jazz in
my improvisational techniques, allowing me to take risks and explore new sounds.
Exploring Indian classical music has deepened my understanding and appreciation of different musical
traditions and expanded my range of musical influences. As a composer, I strive to create a unique and
recognizable expression by integrating raga elements, intending to reflect on my cultural background and
individuality. This process has involved using different analytical frameworks, studying comprehensive
guides, and experimenting with various techniques. Developing a signature sound is a challenging but
rewarding process that has enabled me to expand my musical limits and express my musical
sensibilities.
As an artist, I have gained knowledge and expertise in various genres and cultural contexts, which has
helped me develop a diverse and dynamic compositional style. I have continued to learn and explore
different styles, experiment with more unconventional structures, and infuse elements of improvisation
and non-traditional techniques. Collaborating with other musicians, attending concerts, and exploring
different genres have helped me stay motivated and inspired.
In addition, bending or breaking the rules of music theory can enable me to create unique and innovative
sounds that reflect my style. The influence of ragas on jazz music has been critical to its evolution. Jazz
has incorporated elements from diverse musical genres, resulting in its distinctive sound. Ragas have
served as a source of inspiration for jazz musicians, who have integrated raga scales into their
improvisations and compositions. Indian classical music, particularly the raga scales, has inspired John
Coltrane (Clements, 2009, p.157), Miles Davis (Aceves, 2021), and John McLaughlin (Rodriguez, 2021),
who integrated non Western scales and modes into their music, demonstrating the universal quality of
music that transcends cultural and geographic barriers. Incorporating ragas into jazz and fusion music
has inspired generations of musicians to experiment with non-Western musical elements.
I incorporate raga scales in my compositions to create a unique sound that reflects my style. For
example, in "Tsunami" (5.3), I employed raga elements derived from Bhairavi and Bhairav ragas, using
specific trills, rhythms, and melodic patterns throughout the composition. In "Second Chance" (5.4), I
exclusively use raga elements in the improvisation section, focusing on Bhairavi and Bhairav ragas.
Finally, in "Amma"(5.5), I incorporate raga elements in the final section of the composition and my
improvisational work, again focusing on the ragas, as mentioned earlier. Across all three compositions, I
utilize the drone effect, a common feature of raga music, to add depth and texture to the overall sound.
This experimentation with ragas has allowed me to create innovative and authentic music, reflecting my
experiences and emotional state.
The piano is my primary tool for composing, and I experiment with different harmonies and voicings to
find suitable accompaniments. Once I develop a melody and harmony, I notate everything in Sibelius
and Logic Pro to organize my ideas and experiment with synthesized sounds. Incorporating ragas into
new compositions presents several challenges that must be addressed, including mastering the intricate
melodic and rhythmic structures of raga scales, instructing band members who may be unfamiliar with
raga music, and avoiding cultural appropriation or offense.
However, when relocating to Norway to collaborate with Nordic jazz musicians, there are additional
obstacles to overcome, such as cultural and musical differences between Eastern and Western music
and finding suitable musicians with similar visions. Bridging this gap requires an open minded approach,
exploration of new styles, and learning about Nordic jazz music and culture. Clear communication,
sharing recordings and written music, and a defined project vision are critical to ensure successful and
meaningful musical collaboration. Utilizing these strategies makes it possible to create a fusion of
Eastern and Western musical traditions that combines the best of both worlds. How would my
compositions be when you have more traditional instruments playing the same melodies like tabla and
sitar?
Incorporating traditional instruments like tabla and sitar into my compositions can add unique and rich
textures and timbres to the music. It can also enhance the cultural authenticity and depth of the
composition. The interaction between the traditional and Nordic jazz instruments can create exciting
harmonies and rhythms, resulting in a fusion of different musical traditions. Ultimately, the specific sound
and effect of incorporating these instruments into my compositions will depend on how I utilize them and
my personal style and approach to music. I anticipate experimenting with these techniques in my
forthcoming compositions. I anticipate experimenting with these techniques in my future compositions.
In conclusion, my exposure to diverse musical genres and cultures has been instrumental in shaping my
compositional style. I draw inspiration from other composers and use various techniques to enhance my
composition process, including incorporating ragas. This experimentation has allowed me to create
music that reflects my style and experiences while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.
In the introductory chapter, I formulated research questions that center around the following themes:
How can raga scales influence a signature sound? Further, how will new compositions based on raga
scales influence an artistic expression? Finally, what ethical and cultural challenges arise when
incorporating elements of traditional music? The following sections of this work will explore these topics
in greater detail.
This thesis explores the concept of artistic development work, a methodological approach that combines
artistic expression with scholarly research. While the nature of artistic development work is challenging
to define precisely, integrating artistic practice into research can offer new insights and approaches to
complex problems, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of research questions.
This highlights the importance of publicly available art products, reflection, and explicit reflection
expressed verbally in defining artistic development work, as proposed by the Jørgensen Committee.
Additionally, it mentions Henk Borgdorff's distinction between the roles of art researchers, which include
"research on the art," "research for the art," and "research in the art." Various studies, such as Malterud
et al. (2015), Lossius and Mortensen (2017), and Haaland (2020), support the concept of artistic
development work. The interplay between artistic expression and the process of achieving it can
contribute significantly to scientific knowledge. The artist's reflection and insight into their craft can be
communicated implicitly or explicitly through various media.
Furthermore, this emphasizes that integrating artistic practice into research can offer new opportunities
for unconventional thinking and catalyze innovation. It provides a more holistic understanding of the
research question beyond theoretical or empirical analysis. It can produce novel and original findings that
traditional research methods may not capture.
Regardless of the challenges associated with defining artistic development work, its integration into the
research process can lead to valuable and enriching contributions for researchers in diverse fields of
study. Combining theory with art practice can deepen insights into the creative process, enabling
exploratory and innovative approaches to complex problems. Ultimately, the concept of artistic
development work offers an alternative form of research that can enhance our understanding of creative
processes and their applications beyond the arts.
The production of music is heavily influenced by cultural context and tradition. The practices, values, and
beliefs of a particular culture shape the creation and consumption of music. Cultural context includes
historical events, religious practices, social structures, and geographical location (Markos, 2022).
Musical traditions provide a set of conventions and stylistic elements that shape musical expressions,
such as rhythm in African music, harmony and melody in Western classical music (Vallena, 2021, Pizà,
2023, p.3-6), and the pentatonic scale in Chinese music (Gutierrez, 2023). Navigating cultural context
and tradition in music production requires understanding music's cultural and historical roots and an
awareness of contemporary musical trends and innovations. One approach is to draw on a
particular musical style's principles while incorporating elements from other musical genres and cultural
contexts, as done by contemporary musicians like Anoushka Shankar has pioneered a unique approach
to incorporating traditional Indian sitar and raga elements into contemporary Western music styles,
resulting in a more diverse and eclectic musical landscape in the album "Breathing Under Water"
(Shankar & Kale, 2007).
Cultural context and tradition significantly shape musical styles and genres, as exemplified by African,
Indian, and Western music. The interplay between cultural context and practice informs the creation of
new musical expressions while preserving cultural heritage. However, this process presents ethical and
cultural challenges, such as the issue of cultural appropriation, which erodes cultural identity and
perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Therefore, musicians must be aware of the cultural significance of the
musical elements they incorporate and use them respectfully and culturally appropriate. Another
challenge is maintaining authenticity and honoring the tradition of a particular musical style while still
allowing for experimentation and exploration of new musical expressions.
I am keenly aware of these challenges when incorporating raga elements into my compositions.
Combining elements from traditional music styles and genres requires sensitivity and respect for cultural
heritage while allowing experimentation and innovation. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the role of
cultural context and tradition in shaping musical expressions and navigate this delicate balance between
honoring tradition and allowing for experimentation.
The creation and consumption of music are significantly influenced by cultural context and tradition,
which shape a particular culture's musical expressions, values, and beliefs. Musicians with multicultural
backgrounds and experiences bring a unique perspective and innovative approach to the music industry
as they can navigate cultural contexts and traditions with a fresh outlook. Multicultural musicians
challenge traditional boundaries by creating innovative sounds with diverse musical influences. They
collaborate with artists from different backgrounds to create unique and groundbreaking music. However,
navigating multiple cultural contexts presents challenges such as avoiding cultural
appropriation, respecting cultural norms, and effectively communicating with musicians from
different backgrounds. Therefore, an open mind and willingness to learn and collaborate effectively are
essential.
What new knowledge am I bringing to the music field? Having the Sri Lankan folk music background and
the Norwegian Nordic jazz background? And the identities connection?
As a musician and composer with a multicultural background, I have the possibility to bring a unique
perspective to my compositions and performances. I often reflect on the equality of these cultures and
how others perceive them. The economic and social conditions in Sri Lanka, including the civil war, have
limited opportunities for traditional Sri Lankan musicians, affecting the country's music scene.
Nevertheless, my diverse musical experiences and collaborations with musicians from different cultures
and backgrounds have enabled me to explore and incorporate various musical elements while providing
new opportunities for cultural exchange. To navigate the delicate balance between honoring tradition and
allowing for experimentation, I approach my compositions with a deep respect for the musical traditions
of my culture. I spend time researching the history, cultural context, and traditional practices of the music
I want to incorporate into my compositions. By doing so, I can better understand the cultural significance
of musical elements and use them respectfully and appropriately.
My compositions often incorporate traditional Sri Lankan rhythms and melodic patterns while
incorporating jazz harmony and improvisation techniques from my Nordic background. My cultural
identity and unique experiences inform my artistic expression, allowing me to draw from diverse musical
genres and experiment with new musical expressions. In terms of the impact of my research on the
music industry, it can inform and influence musical productions by highlighting the importance of cultural
sensitivity and respect in incorporating musical elements from different cultures and traditions. One
specific example of how my research can inform and influence musical productions is by exploring the
impact of raga scales on artistic expression. By studying the effects of raga scales on a signature sound
and the impact of new compositions based on raga scales, musicians and producers can gain
new insights into how to use traditional musical elements in innovative ways. This research can inspire
new musical expressions that honor cultural heritage while exploring new musical frontiers.
My research on the influence of raga scales on a signature sound and the impact of new compositions
based on raga scales on artistic expression explores the interplay between cultural context, tradition, and
innovation, providing new insights and knowledge to the music field. I aim to highlight the significance of
cultural sensitivity and respect in incorporating musical elements from different cultures and traditions.
My multicultural background and research on the interplay between cultural context, tradition, and
innovation provide new insights and knowledge to the music industry. By incorporating diverse
musical elements and collaborating with musicians from different backgrounds, I strive to create a varied
and eclectic musical landscape that honors cultural heritage while exploring new musical expressions.