What is The JUST INTONATION NETWORK?

The JUST INTONATION NETWORK is a non-profit group fostering communication among composers, musicians, instrument designers, and theorists working with Just Intonation. Founded in 1984, the network is an international organization, with members in 14 countries and 36 U.S. states. Network members are composers and performers of electronic and acoustic music in every imaginable style. They work in every medium from unaccompanied voice to the latest digital synthesizers. They range from experienced practitioners, with decades of experience in the use of Just Intonation, to novices who are only beginning to discover its expressive power.

The network's journal, 1/1, (pronounced "one-one") is the only regularly published periodical dealing exclusively or primarily with the topic of Just Intonation. All aspects of the topic are addressed, but the emphasis is on theory and compositional technique. From time to time, 1/1 also includes book, CD, and instrument reviews, composer interviews, articles on instrument building and or modification, and scores. 1/1 has just completed its eighth year of publication. The network recently published The Just Intonation Primer, a 72 page introductory text that is offered free to all new network members.

The network issues periodic compilation recordings of members' compositions, such as Tellus 14: Just Intonation (1986), Rational Music for an Irrational World (1989), and Numbers Racket (1992). In 1991, the network received a grant from the California Arts Council to produce and present seminars on Just Intonation. A committee of network members developed the MIDI Tuning-Dump Specification, an extension of the MIDI specification adopted in 1992 that allows the transfer of microtuning data among synthesizers and samplers from different manufacturers. An additional service of the Just Intonation Network is The Just Intonation Store, a mail order service offering hard-to-find books, recordings, and educational materials to members at reduced prices. The Just Intonation Network Archive, located at the network's San Francisco headquarters, includes collections of books, articles, scores, recordings, and memorabilia.

As interest in Just Intonation continues to grow, the network will grow with it, keeping its members informed about the latest developments in this exciting field. We are convinced that, as the twentieth century wanes, Just Intonation will be an increasingly important factor in shaping the future of music. Whether you already share our belief, or you are merely curious as to what all this talk is about, we invite you to join the Just Intonation Network.

New Memberships and Renewals Suspended

David Doty has announced his resignation as editor of   1/1. Therefore, we have suspended acceptance of new memberships and renewals, effective 4/3/06, until further notice. A subscription to 1/1 has, along with The Just Intonation Primer, been the primary benefit provided to members. Unless a new editor or editors can be found (note: this is an unpaid volunteer position) 1/1 will not be produced and we cannot continue provide this benefit and therefore cannot, in good conscience, accept new memberships or renewals. Meanwhile, The Just Intonation Primer and all back issues of 1/1 are and will continue to be available.

For more information about David Doty's resignation and the possible future of 1/1 and the network, see the editorial from 1/1 12:2.