Mar 29 2012
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Music News

2012 Student Masterclass

I am happy to announce the 2012 Student Masterclass, which will take place on May 5, 2012 and be in collaboration with piano students from Adelheid Mancila Studio.

A masterclass is an event where a music studio’s students perform one at a time for their fellow students and teachers.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a masterclass is an event where a music studio’s students perform one at a time for their fellow students and teachers. The performance is then discussed, constructively criticized, and then re-performed with the new musical ideas in mind. Don’t be intimidated, though. A masterclass should be fun and productive. Plus, there is no better way to refine one’s playing skills and prepare for RCM exams (and the 2012 Student Recital!) than to get up on stage and do the real thing!

The masterclass will last for around 1.5 hours and will include:

  • Performances by all students in attendance
  • An ear-training session followed by a fun pop quiz
  • A chance to meet other music students
  • Some snacks and refreshments after the event

Please note that this event is intended for students ONLY. Parents are welcome to attend if absolutely necessary, but are asked to please stay in the waiting area during the performances.

Full details will not be made public here, but if you are interested, please inquire at your next lesson.

Jan 27 2012
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YouTube

Robotic Clarinet

After an extended posting hiatus, I am back for the new year with some old news (Though it’s brand new to me!). A team from UNSW has designed a fully-robotic clarinet. The instrument is fascinating to watch and displays an impressive technical ability, though its tone leaves something to be desired (even to Squidward’s ear).

The robotic clarinet, shortly after being “born” at UNSW.

Creating a robotic version of any instrument is not an easy task, and the clarinet is no exception. In fact, the clarinet is more difficult to mechanize than many instruments due to the complexity of the mouthpiece, air pressure, and open tone holes.

Regardless, the task was completed by the talented team of engineers, and the design won an award for robotic instrumental design at the 2008 Artemis Orchestra Competition. The device continues to be of interest and has made appearances at music technology conferences around the world.

Anyways, don’t take my word for it. Have a listen here:

I find things like this fascinating, and I look forward to this instrument’s first recital and concert tour. I wonder if such a thing is in the works. In fact, how cool would it be to have recordings by such an instrument? It may even be possible to do a Zenph Re-performance of some of the old masters’ clarinet recordings if the technology comes far enough, though I’m not sure where that leaves us as players. By the looks of it, though, it’s interesting, but I don’t think it will be replacing us any time soon.

Sean.

PS: Full details about the robotic clarinet, as well as some fascinating information about clarinet acoustics, can be found here: http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/clarinetrobot.html

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