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Cognitive Load Factors Contributing to Use of Sequencing Biases in Music Improvisation

Hannah Merseal, Pennsylvania State University

PHRASE POSITION

INTRINSIC DIFFICULTY

easy

less easy

EASY FIRST

(in which easy sequences are first)

  • Speaking, moving, or improvising in real time = HARD
  • We use sequencing biases like Easy First to reduce cognitive load (MacDonald, 2011)
  • Miles Davis (and others) used Easy First in jazz (Beaty et al., 2021)
  • What happens when the music is harder to play?

PHRASE POSITION

INTRINSIC DIFFICULTY (TEMPO)

INTRINSIC DIFFICULTY (NOTE DENSITY)

less EF at fast tempi

less complex at high density