This interim report is by four authors with backgrounds in communication design, computer science, industrial design, and anthropology. I assume, based on comments made in the article, that none has ever played in an ensemble under a conductor. They propose replacing the traditional music stand (sometimes called a music rack) with a “digital music stand” consisting of a portable digital display that rests on a matching stand. They also propose a portable model for choral singers. The display screen is designed to communicate with the orchestral librarian, and it was decided early on that it must be battery-powered. The music stand includes a tuner and a metronome. At first, the design called for a replica of a traditional metronome, and the team was apparently surprised that musicians have been using electric metronomes for some time.

In developing their project, the designers met with musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The authors describe the communication problems between the conductor and the players during rehearsal. They also describe meeting with the orchestra’s librarian and becoming aware of the copyright problems that must be considered if the librarian is to transmit music from the library to the music stand.

The designers have wisely explored a range of music printing and sound synthesis programs (including the widely used MIDI) and plan to incorporate these utilities when appropriate.

The article concludes with this hopeful comment: “One of the most exciting things we realized at the conclusion of all our research was that while the cost would be extremely high, the muse could be built tomorrow. There is definitely an audience.” I would like to share their optimism, but must note that, given the precarious financial position of the modern symphony orchestra, it is not likely that support will come from that source. It is possible that a model could be developed for amateur chamber music players (such as string quartets). This audience is potentially much larger, has a number of technophiles as members, and can allocate private funds (in the same way that people have money to buy home computers). Perhaps the inventors could explore this market.