Article: “The Next Big Step? Long-distance learning via Internet2” by Rebecca Winzenried

Winzenried’s article discusses the pros and cons of Internet2 long-distance learning introducing the conducting master class given by New World Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Tohomas in Miami to a student Donato Cabrera conducting Chamber Sinfonia of Manhattan School of Music in New York in Oct. 2001. Christianne Orto of MSM says that it was almost in synch although not completely so, because of the delay of 500 milliseconds. Winzenried says that Internet2 is focusing not only on speed but also on “quality of service.” She reports that there were a few glitches during the class, however she concludes that the instruction and music flowed freely.New World Symphony Director of Information Technology Tom Snook says that Internet2 will never replace a live performance, with which I agree, although I have not yet experienced the quality of Internet2. Who adjusts the subtly of different sound levels and how do we make sure that both sides have the same or close sound effect? What if one side is in a drier concert hall than the other one?

Winzenried explains that Internet2 is beneficial to musicians with heavy schedule. However, due to transmission delays performers from different locations are unable to truly rehearse together. The cost of using Internet2 is also a problem and users have to offer many long-distance events to defray it.

Click here to read the article.

IUPUI’s Project: Virtual Duo Recital

The School of Music of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis held a piano duo recital using Internet2. Two pianists, Reid Alexander and Jo Ellen Devilbiss performed in Sep. 2002 in the Ruth Lilly Auditorium of the University Library. Three other universities (Pennsylvania State University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Illinois) were connected with Internet2, allowing the listeners to experience the virtual recital and ask questions to the pianists after the performance as well as to interact with other audiences.

This project is particularly interesting to music lovers who are not able to make it to the concert venue. If each performer had been in a different city to give a real-time performance using Internet2, the delay in sounds would have been a big issue. However, because both performers were in the same place only connecting with the audiences on Iternet2, this project was made possible. A problem in a project like this would be probable glitches on Internet2. Unlike a master class or science conference, a formal recital needs to be a continuous event.

Click here to view the UIPUI's website.