I wasn’t planning to post anything today, but I just ran across this article today in the Adelaide Advertiser about a new software program that allows music students to play along with an orchestra. For those of us who remember a play along with a recording system called Music Minus one, it seems to be much like that. But instead of being limited to only performing concertos, you can play an actual orchestra part, such as 2nd clarinet or cello.
Pretty interesting idea, especially if it actually works. The orchestra claims they want to raise millions of dollars through sales, but unless they can hook into a big institutional education contract, I think they are dreaming. That’s the problem with pioneering new technology, it’s tough to make back your investment and it’s easy for someone else to come along after the fact and back in on your idea.