AirTurn's Tips and Tricks for Modern Musicians

Working with Annotations in MusicReader

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:10:40 -0700

One of MusicReader's best features is it's ability to add ink annotations to digital sheet music. Using a mouse or trackpad, you can easily draw ink and highlighter markings in a variety of colors, as well as add image stamps of traditional notation symbols and typed text. And since the sheet music is in a digital format, you can easily erase any colored markings added to the music. You simply can't do that working with paper sheet music and colored pens!In this video, we look at various annotation tools in MusicReader: drawing, erasing, highlighting, and stamps for music notation and text input. We also look at various annotation input options, such as a Wacom Bamboo Pen USB graphics tablet, and Tablet PCs, which enable you to draw directly on the computer screen with a digital pen. MusicReader is avaialble for download for Mac and PC computers. The Wacom Bamboo Pen is available for purchase in the AirTurn store.

Getting sheet music into your computer, Part 1: Scanning

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:07:50 -0700

Having sheet music in digital formats allows you to carry your entire library with you wherever you go, instantly find any piece in your collection, and even turn pages hands free with the AirTurn automatic page turning pedal. In this next set of videos, we'll be looking at various ways to get sheet music into your computer. To transfer paper sheet music into your computer, you will need to use a scanner, which is a device that takes digital pictures of each page. We'll be demonstrating how to scan several pages of music and combine them into a single file using a book scanner (any scanner will do, but the OpticBook 3600 series is excellent for scanning bound music) and the MusicConvert program, which is bundled with MusicReader. Note: the OpticBook 3600 Plus is only compatible with Windows computers; the OpticBook 3600, on the other hand, now has drivers for Mac OS X as well as Windows.

iPad Bluetooth page turner footswitch prototype from AirTurn, Inc.

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:57:22 -0700

AirTurn is introducing a first look at its prototype Bluetooth BT-105 page turner footswitch for the iPad and other Bluetooth-equipped computers. While the iPad is a terrific tool for reading digital sheet music, its functionality is actually hampered by the need to touch or swipe the screen to turn pages. For musicians who need both hands to play their instruments, removing a hand to momentarily touch the screen for page turns can be distracting at best and disruptive to the music at worst. The AirTurn BT-105 automatic page turner footswitch is being designed for musicians who need to turn sheet music pages hands free. The AirTurn BT-105 connects wirelessly to an iPad or other Bluetooth-equipped computer and is triggered by foot switches to turn pages forwards and backwards. Some apps and programs that feature half page zoomed views of the music will also feature the ability to turn pages with the Bluetooth AirTurn half a page at a time. The final version of the AirTurn BT-105 will be miniaturized. By allowing musicians to keep their hands on their instrument at all times, the Bluetooth AirTurn makes computers and tablet devices like the iPad fully usable as digital sheet music readers. Page turns are almost "magical" and completely discreet with a simple tap of the foot, allowing musicians to fully focus on the music itself. The AirTurn BT-105 is expected to be available Q4 2010. AirTurn, Inc., a Boulder, Colorado based company, creates and markets technologies to enhance the study, practice and performance of music. Airturn was formed in 2008. Its co-founder and VP of Communications, Hugh Sung, is also a professional pianist on the faculty of the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music and one of the most sought-after collaborative pianists in the classical music field. More details on AirTurn and its current line of page turning systems can be found at http://airturn.com

7 steps to prevent digital music reader mishaps (Video)

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:47:31 -0700

Having been a "paperless pianist" for over 8 years by using computers to read all my sheet music in concerts, rehearsals, lessons, and recordings, the question I get asked the most is, "What happens if your computer breaks down in the middle of a performance?" Understanding how to work with your computer is no different from understanding a musical instrument and the precautions needed to prevent broken violin strings, sticking flute keys, etc. In this episode, I look at 7 steps to prevent digital music reading mishaps on your computer, using the AirTurn automatic page turner and the MusicReader program for Mac and PC computers. Visit http://airturn.com to learn more about the AirTurn, MusicReader, and other digital music reading technologies and resources. Click here to read the text version of this article.

Using Boss Footswitches and the AirTurn Automatic Page Turner

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:42:44 -0700

The AirTurn Automatic Page Turner is designed to work with a wide variety of footswitches and pedals. In this episode, we look at two Boss footswitches, the compact FS-5U and the FS-6 dual footswitch model, and how to set them up to connect with the AirTurn page turning transmitter for hands free forwards and backwards page turns.

Using the AirTurn as an Audio Editor

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:33:34 -0700

Using an audio recording program like Audacity can be a terrific learning tool for musicians. Now you can make recording with Audacity even more effective by adding text tags with the AirTurn automatic page turner. In this video, we look at adjusting Audacity's keyboard parameters to accept input from the AirTurn, so that with a simple foot tap a text label is automatically entered during the audio file's recording or playback position. This is a great way for teachers, students, and even audio engineers to focus on the music while quickly and effectively marking the exact spots that need extra attention without having to deal with searching for pencil markings on paper pages.Audacity is an open source, free audio editor and recording program for Mac and PC computers. You can download Audacity at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Visit http://airturn.com for more information on the AirTurn automatic wireless hands free page turner.

Using the AirTurn as a Teleprompter

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:07:23 -0700

The AirTurn automatic page turner can be used with any program that can accept a Page Down or Page Up key command to turn digital pages, or to advance the slides of presentation programs, all hands free. Some examples of programs that can be used with the AirTurn include: Adobe Acrobat Microsoft Word Powerpoint Keynote This video shows a "live" demonstration using the AirTurn as a solo teleprompter: a laptop is placed next to the video camera to read the script running on Powerpoint, and the AirTurn is used to advance the slides hands free. This is great for folks who make their own video podcasts, or for speakers who need to keep their hands free to gesture or demonstrate while speaking. In this video, an AirTurn AT-104 automatic page turner and two silent footswitches (Boss FS-5Us) are being used to advance the Powerpoint slides with my foot. The AirTurn works as a wireless virtual keyboard with a transmission range of approximately 100 feet. For more information on the AirTurn automatic page turner, please visit http://airturn.com

Working with MusicReader Files, Part 2

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:32:38 -0700

In this video podcast, we take a look at MusicReader's folder and file structure within Windows, and how detailed names can make it easier to quickly find the music you want to work with. We then create some sample MusicReader files from a hymn in three formats: an overhead with lyrics only, a piano score, and a lead sheet with vocal line and guitar chords. By adding some descriptive tags to each song's format, you can take advantage of MusicReader's powerful library and search capabilities to instantly open the exact song you're looking for. MusicReader is compatible with Mac and Windows computers, and is also available as a free companion app for the iPad. You can learn more about MusicReader and digital sheet music tools such as the AirTurn automatic page turner at http://airturn.com

Working with MusicReader Files, Part 1

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:27:37 -0700

Working with digital sheet music is a terrific alternative to paper scores, as you can carry your entire library with you wherever you go. As you build your digital library, however, you need to carefully consider how to organize your files. In this episode, Hugh Sung explains some of the naming conventions for sheet music depending on the genre and the musical application, and how MusicReader's library and catalog tools make it easy to stay completely organized. With a little careful planning, you'll be able to create MusicReader files that can be searched instantly in a variety of ways.Part one demonstrates converting a PDF of a classical piece of music and applying composer, title, instrument, and other relevant tags.You can download MusicReader for Mac and PC at http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader

Free Chopin Nocturne sheet music download from AirTurn

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:14:48 -0700

This week's "Free Friday Score" from AirTurn features the complete set of Nocturnes for Piano by Frederic Chopin. The AirTurn automatic page turner is designed for musicians who need to read music while keeping their hands free. The AirTurn is a wireless device that connects to a footswitch. A simple foot tap turns pages forwards and backwards. By using AirTurn and your computer as a music reader, you no longer have to miss notes with poor page turns, or waste paper and ink printing out your sheet music. The Chopin nocturnes are among the most beloved short works for piano ever written. Based loosely on the genre coined by Irish composer John Field, Chopin's nocturnes explore a free-form style of expression that is romantic and quasi-improvisatory in nature. The 21 nocturnes were composed between 1827 and 1846. The Chopin nocturnes are available either as a single volume or by individual opus sets. The single volume features bookmarks for easy navigation between the nocturnes. The individual opus sets include the popular E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2 nocturne and the C sharp minor nocturne. The complete Chopin nocturnes are in MusicReader ﬁle formats. No purchase is necessary, but you will need to download and install a free version of Musicreader for Mac and PC in order to be able to read the ﬁles. You can find the complete set of Chopin nocturnes at http://airturn.com/musicreader-library/piano-solos/chopin-nocturnes-complete-collection/details Individual nocturne opus sets can be found by using the search function at http://airturn.com/musicreader-library/piano-solo/ Download a free version of MusicReader for Mac and PC at http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader MusicReader is also available as a free app for the Apple iPad. We hope you enjoy Friday's free score from Airturn. If you'd like to suggest or contribute a free sheet music score, please email us at info@airturn.com

Using AirTurns to add Visuals to Live Music

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:56:54 -0700

In this episode, we look at using AirTurns to add visuals to live music performances. The AirTurn is an automatic music page turner operated wirelessly with a silent footswitch that can be easily adapted to advance PowerPoint-type slides embedded with text, pictures, and/or video clips. Pianist Hugh Sung goes through the steps involved in creating a simple visual trigger system using the AirTurn and a pair of Boss FS 5U pedals that can be operated to turn pages of digital sheet music on a tablet pc, as well as advance visual slides accompanying the music. For more information on the AirTurn automatic music page turner, please visit http://airturn.com

Friday's Free Score from AirTurn: Beethoven's "Spring" Sonata for Violin and Piano in F major, Op. 24

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:08:55 -0700

Welcome to Friday's Free Score from AirTurn, makers of the hands free page turning pedal system for digital sheet music (http://airturn.com). This week's free score is the Beethoven Sonata No. 5 in F major for Violin and Piano, Op. 24, also known as the "Spring Sonata". This version has been cropped for landscape viewing, making it comfortable to read on regular computer screens, so you don't need to waste ink and paper by printing it out. Bookmarks have been added for speedy navigation between movements, and the pages have been automatically ordered for the first movement repeat and the Scherzo movement Da Capo. You can find the download link for the free MusicReader version Beethoven Sonata in F major for Violin and Piano, Op. 24 at http://airturn.com/musicreader-library/chamber-music/ You can download a free demo version of MusicReader for Mac and PC computers at http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader We hope you enjoy Friday's free score from AirTurn. If you'd like to suggest or contribute a free sheet music score, please email us at info@airturn.com

Review of the Lenovo X200 Tablet PC for Musicians

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:38:51 -0700

At AirTurn, we get asked a lot for our recommendations on Tablet PCs for use by musicians as digital sheet music readers. One of the very best tablet pcs we've come across is the Lenovo X200 Tablet PC with dual multi-touch and pen input capabilities. In this review, Hugh Sung goes over aspects of the Lenovo X200 that are important to musicians, such as: Fan noise Screen viewing in different stage and concert lighting conditions and angles Touch and pen input for drawing annotations in music Aesthetic design Placement of USB ports for the AirTurn wireless page turning receiver and power adapter Take a look and see why Hugh finds the Lenovo X200 Tablet PC to be one of the very best music reading computers he's worked with in his over 8 years of being a "paperless pianist".

Friday's Free Score: Mozart Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major, K. 313

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:12:28 -0700

Welcome to Friday's free score from AirTurn, makers of the hands free page turning pedal system for digital sheet music (http://airturn.com). This week's free score is the Mozart ﬂute concerto No. 1 in G major. This version has been cropped for landscape viewing, making it comfortable to read on regular computer screens, so you don't need to waste ink and paper by printing it out. Bookmarks have been added for speedy navigation between movements.You can find the download link for the Mozart Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major, K. 313 at http://airturn.com/musicreader-library/flute/ You will also need to download a free demo version of MusicReader for Mac and PC computers in order to read this sheet music ﬁle - http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreaderWe hope you enjoy Friday's free score from AirTurn. If you'd like to suggest or contribute a free sheet music score, please email us at info@airturn.com

Creating Virtual Bookmarks For Your Digital Sheet Music

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:44:57 -0700

Need to quickly jump to different movements or sections of a larger piece of music? Instead of reaching for that scrap of paper or hunting for those post-it notes, you can create virtual bookmarks in your digital music within the MusicReader program. Hugh Sung demonstrates how easy it is to create (and remove) numerical and alphabetical bookmarks with tag text for digital sheet music. The MusicReader program is available for Mac and PC computers. Download your free demo version at http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader and experience the amazing things you can do with digital sheet music!

First look at the MusicReader App for the iPad

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:54:30 -0700

Here's a first look at some of the features of the MusicReader app for the iPad, a new sheet music reading program for Apple's popular new tablet computer. MusicReader for iPad enables you to read the music in both portrait and zoomed in half-page landscape modes. You can mark up the music with colored ink and highlights, and create basic playlists for multiple pieces. Pages are "turned" by tapping the screen. To give you an idea of the music reading experience on an iPad, we compare screen sizes between the iPad and a Touch Tablet PC with a 12.1 inch screen. Even though the iPad has a somewhat smaller screen, the MusicReader app does a great job of cropping the margins, and the iPad's excellent screen resolution makes it surprisingly easy to read music. While the app itself is free, you will need the full version of MusicReader for your Mac or PC in order to be able to create MusicReader compatible files, as well as a shared WiFi network to copy those files from your computer to your iPad. You can download a free demo version of MusicReader from http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader AirTurn is currently developing a iPad-compatible Bluetooth version of its hands-free page turning pedal. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter at www.airturn.com to get the latest updates on AirTurn developments.

Getting rid of blind spots in music

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:51:18 -0700

Welcome to the first of a new weekly video pocast series of insider tips and tricks to get the most out of using your AirTurn hands free page turner and working with digital sheet music! In this premiere episode, we take a look at getting rid of sheet music "blind spots". "Blind Spots" are the portions at the end of a page of music where you can't see what's coming next until you physically turn the page. This can be a real hindrance for sight reading or even learning music smoothly. Hugh Sung demonstrates how easy it is to eliminate these blind spots by using the half-page turn mode in MusicReader, the music reading program for Mac and PC computers. Together with the AirTurn hands-free page turning pedal, you can experience continuous views of the music without blind spots or the interruptions of page turns. MusicReader for Mac and PC is available for download at http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader

AirTurn's Tips and Tricks #2: A First Look At the MusicReader App for the iPad

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:26:29 -0700

AirTurn's Tips and Tricks #1: Getting Rid of Blind Spots in Music

hugh@airturn.com (AirTurn, Inc.) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:37:33 -0700