System for videotaping and recording a musical group

A system comprising: a plurality of lead computers; a plurality of player workstations; a plurality of audio receivers and transmitters for capturing audio signals and converting said audio signals to a transmittable form, wherein at least one audio receiver and transmitter is associated with each player; a plurality of video receivers and transmitters for capturing images and converting said images to a transmittable form, wherein at least one video receiver and transmitter is associated with each player; a storage device and a processor for receiving and processing signals from said audio and video receivers and transmitters and; an output device for outputting each audio and video receiver.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates generally to systems for videotaping and recording musical groups.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,967 to Calello provides a prerecorded musical arrangement teaching assembly and method. Prerecorded musical tracks emphasize the volume of a specific musical part such as a soprano part, an alto part, a baritone part or a bass part of a musical performance have been developed to provide musical training for singers. Musical composition systems and methods have been developed for editing the format of a musical composition using a digital pen, alphanumeric keyboard, mouse and/or musical keyboard and displaying the edited format of the musical composition to players. Player stations may be connected to a composer station in an orchestra arrangement. A handwritten recognition system may identify one or more handwritten editions in the musical composition by processing strokes of the digital pen. The handwritten editions may be converted into a digital notation format and transmitted from the composer station to one or more player stations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,168 to Sitrick provides a musical composition communication system, architecture and methodology. A system controller in the form of a music stand may be used to edit the format of the musical composition, including the pitch, chords, tempo and key. Individual musical workstations may be in the form of music stands such as performer stands or conductor stands. The individual musical workstations may be linked to the system controller through a network. Edited formats of the musical composition may be transmitted from the system controller to performer stands of selected players and displayed on the performer stands of selected players.

There is a need for a system of videotaping a musical group that focuses simultaneously on each individual player in the musical group, records the musical performance of each individual player in the musical group, compiles a database of the musical performances, and allows a user to select and play back a performance of an individual player or performances of a combination of players along with the original work.

SUMMARY

A system comprising: a plurality of lead computers; a plurality of player workstations; a plurality of audio receivers and transmitters for capturing audio signals and converting said audio signals to a transmittable form, wherein at least one audio receiver and transmitter is associated with each player; a plurality of video receivers and transmitters for capturing images and converting said images to a transmittable form, wherein at least one video receiver and transmitter is associated with each player; a storage device and a processor for receiving and processing signals and to filter any distortions of sound by other players in the background from said audio and video receivers and transmitters and; an output device for outputting each audio and video receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be described in association with references to drawings. Various implementations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is a system comprising: a plurality of lead computers; a plurality of player workstations; a plurality of audio receivers and transmitters for capturing audio signals and converting said audio signals to a transmittable form, wherein at least one audio receiver and transmitter is associated with each player; a plurality of video receivers and transmitters for capturing images and converting said images to a transmittable form, wherein at least one video receiver and transmitter is associated with each player; a storage device and a processor for receiving and processing signals and to filter any distortions of sound by other players in the background from said audio and video receivers and transmitters and; an output device for outputting each audio and video receiver.

The system may be used to record the audio/or video of each player in a musical group individually while they are playing. A musical group may consist of any ensemble of musical instruments, including such examples as a rock band, jazz band, orchestra, string ensembles, wind ensembles, vocal ensembles, choirs, acapella groups, marching bands, rhythm & blues ensembles, church ensembles, ethnic ensembles, percussion ensembles, chamber music ensembles, brass ensembles, bluegrass bands, country bands, hip-hop groups, rap groups, metal groups, punk groups, swing groups, funk groups, fusion groups, techno groups and military ensembles. During playback of the musical group or individual performer, one may listen to and watch an individual performer or separate performer audio/or video signals may be combined as desired. Musical groups may mix and match various recorded instruments as they desire. Musical groups may also add in or remove various recorded instruments at any time to determine the variation they desire. Musical groups are not required to record all instruments at one given time; the system allows instruments to be added over time if desired.

The system may include one or more lead computers.FIG. 1illustrates a plurality of lead computers, including, but not limited to a conductor computer101, a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer), a principal second violin computer103, a principal violoncello computer104, a principal double bass computer105, a principal viola computer106, a principal flute computer107, a principal oboe computer108(i.e., a woodwind section leader computer), a principal clarinet computer109, a principal bassoon computer110, a principal horn computer111, a principal trumpet computer112(i.e., a brass section leader computer), a principal trombone computer113(i.e., a low-brass section leader computer), a principal tuba computer114, a principal piano computer115, a principal harp computer116, a principal drum computer117, a principal lute computer (i.e., a lutenist section leader computer), a principle vocalist computer (i.e., a vocalist section leader) and a principal timpani computer118(i.e., a percussion section leader computer). Alternatively, each audio and video receiver may be attached to a single computer. It should be understood that throughout the specification a computer may refer to a separate processor and storage device or single processor and storage device.

Musical groups may perform a repertoire without a conductor. When the musical group includes a conductor, the principal first violin may act as the string section leader and concertmaster (i.e., a musical group leader); however, the principal first violin is subject to the conductor. According toFIG. 2, a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer and a concertmaster computer) or any other section leader computer may be used in place of a conductor computer101.FIG. 2illustrates an example of a plurality of lead computers such as a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer), a principal second violin computer103, a principal violoncello computer104, a principal double bass computer105, a principal viola computer106, a principal flute computer107, a principal oboe computer108(i.e., a woodwind section leader computer), a principal clarinet computer109, a principal bassoon computer110, a principal horn computer111, a principal trumpet computer112(i.e., a brass section leader computer), a principal trombone computer113(i.e., low-brass section leader computer), a principal tuba computer114, a principal piano computer115, a principal harp computer116, a principal drum computer117, a principle lute computer (i.e., a lutenist, a guitarist section leader computer), a principle vocalist computer (i.e., a vocalist section leader) and a principal timpani computer118(i.e., a percussion section leader computer).

FIG. 3illustrates is a block diagram of a lead computer (i.e., a principal drum computer, a principal bassoon computer, a principal guest computer) which includes a lead computer processor1101(i.e., a microprocessor), a lead computer network interface1102, a lead computer memory1103and an input device1104(i.e., a pointer, an alphanumeric keyboard, a stylus, a mouse, a cursor, a trackball, a touch sensitive screen, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pressure-sensitive pad, a light pen, other graphical user interface (GUI) or combination thereof). The lead computer processor1101is connected to the lead memory1103. The lead computer processor1101is also connected to the input device1104. The lead computer network interface1102is a means for communicating with other lead computers and player workstations. The lead computer receives data from other lead computers and/or player workstations via the lead computer network interface1102. The lead computer also sends data to other lead computers and/or player workstations via the lead computer network interface1102. A name of a musical group leader and a musical composition may be configured in a corresponding lead computer using the input device1104.

A plurality of lead computers may be linked using a network (i.e., Internet, Intranet or Ethernet via a network card, telephone line, cordless telephone line, cable modem and/or wireless device).FIG. 4illustrates an example in which a plurality of lead computers such as a principal flute computer107, a principal oboe computer108, a principal horn computer111, a principal tuba computer114, a principal piano computer116and a principal timpani computer118are connected via a network900.

FIG. 5shows an example in which a conductor computer101linked via a network900to other lead computers such as a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer), a principal second violin computer103, a principal violoncello computer104, a principal double bass computer105, a principal viola computer106, a principal flute computer107, a principal oboe computer108(i.e., a woodwind section leader computer), a principal clarinet computer109, a principal bassoon computer110, a principal horn computer111, a principal trumpet computer112(i.e., a brass section leader computer), a principal trombone computer113(i.e., low-brass section leader computer), a principal tuba computer114, a principal piano computer115, a principal harp computer116, a principal drum computer117, a principal lute computer (i.e., a lutenist section leader computer), a principle vocalist computer (i.e., a vocalist section leader computer), and a principal timpani computer118(i.e., a percussion section leader computer). Alternatively, a guest conductor computer may be linked to other lead computers via a network900.FIG. 5shows an example of the linking of the conductor computer101to other lead computers using the network900.FIG. 6provides an example of the linking of a principal first violin computer to other lead computers where a musical group performs without a conductor.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of a principal oboe computer linked via a network900to lead computers, including a conductor computer101, a principal clarinet computer109, a principal bassoon computer110, a principal English horn computer119, a principal basset horn computer120and principal saxophone computer121.

A principal trumpet computer112(i.e., a brass section leader computer) may be linked via a network900to lead computers such as a conductor computer101, a principal horn computer111, a principal trombone computer113and/or a principal tuba computer114in accordance withFIG. 8.

A plurality of player workstations may include string player workstations, woodwind player workstations, brass player workstations, percussion player workstations, lute player workstations, vocalist player workstation or a combination thereof. In accordance withFIG. 9, examples of a player workstation include, but are not limited to a first violin player workstation201, a second violin player workstation202, a viola player workstation203, a violoncello player workstation204, a double bass player workstation205, a lute player workstation206, a zither player workstation207and a harp player workstation208, a flute player workstation301, an oboe player workstation302, a Cor anglais player workstation303(i.e., English horn player workstation), a clarinet player workstation304, a basset horn player workstation305, a bassoon player workstation306, a saxophone player workstation307, a trumpet player workstation401, a cornet player workstation402, a trombone player workstation403, a tuba player workstation404, a contrabass tuba player workstation405, a horn player workstation406, a drum player workstation501, a cymbal player workstation502, a castanet player workstation503, a gong player workstation504, an orchestra bell player workstation505, a tambourine player workstation506, a maraca's player workstation507, a guiro player workstation508, a timpani player workstation509, a xylophone player workstation510, a metallophone player workstation511, a marimba player workstation512, a marimba-xylophone player workstation513, a chime's player workstation514, a piano player workstation515, a harpsichord player workstation516and an organ player workstation517.

FIG. 10illustrates a block diagram of a player workstation (i.e., a first violin player workstation, a flute player workstation, a trumpet player workstation, a lute player workstation, a drum player workstation, a vocalist player workstation). A name of an individual player (i.e., Harry Steinbach, Julia Baker, Gertrude Taylor) and a repertoire (i.e., concertos, solo concertos, symphonies, sonatas, compositions, collection of musical pieces) for the musical instrument may be entered into the corresponding player workstation using a player workstation input device1204.

Each player workstation focuses on a performance of an individual player during a live musical performance. Alternatively, a single computer may receive input data from the audio and video receiver from each player and record and store the data. Each player workstation or a single computer includes a filter1205for reducing signals from other player workstations and background sounds. The performance of the individual player may be videotaped using a player workstation video camera1208and computer-aided design software or computer aided manufacturing software. Each player workstation or a single computer may comprise one or more player workstation input devices1204(i.e., a graphical user interface, a touch-sensitive screen, an alphanumeric keyboard, a mouse, a radio button), which are linked to a player workstation processor1201. Each player workstation includes a microphone1207for each individual player. A voice recognition device1206receives input from the microphone1207. A videotaped performance of each individual player may be stored in the player workstation memory1203of the corresponding player workstation or each section of a single computer.

A workstation display screen1209displays the videotaped performance of at least one individual player. For example, the workstation display screen1209may be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD). Another example of a player workstation display screen is an active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD). The player workstation display screen1209may be in the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT). Yet another example of a player workstation display screen1209is a plasma display panel (PDP). The display screen may be in the form of digital light processing (DLP). Yet another possibility is light-emitting diode display (LED). The player workstation display screen1209may be in the form of a television screen or a computer monitor. A hand-held (HHC) computer provides an example of a player workstation display screen1209. A personal digital assistant (PDA) may be used as a player workstation display screen1209. A tablet PC or cell phone may also be used as a player workstation display screen1209. Other examples of a player workstation display screen1209include, but are not limited to a field emission display (FED) and an electro luminescent display (EL).

The player workstation may act as a training tool for individual members of the musical group allowing them to observe and listen to their own audio and/or video as well as audio and/or video signals from other members of the musical group. The player workstation may aid the musical group members in identifying mistakes or experimentation with different arrays of musical instruments.

At least one lead computer may be connected to a plurality of player workstations (i.e., one or more string player workstations, woodwind player workstations, percussion player workstations, brass player workstations and/or combination thereof) using a network900(i.e., Internet, Intranet or Ethernet via a network card, telephone line, cordless telephone line, cable modem and/or wireless device).FIG. 9illustrates a lead computer such as a conductor computer101linked to a plurality of player workstations of individual players using a network900.

FIG. 11shows a principal viola computer106linked to a plurality of viola player workstations203a,203b,203c,203dand203eusing a network900. InFIG.12, a principal violoncello computer104is linked to a plurality of violoncello player workstations204a,204b,204c,204dand204evia a network900. Further,FIG. 13provides an example of the linking of a principal clarinet computer109to a plurality of clarinet player workstations209a,209b,209c,209dand209eusing a network900. Similarly,FIG.14provides an example of a principal flute computer107linked to a plurality of flute player workstations207a,207b,207c,207dand207e.

In accordance withFIG. 15, a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer) may be linked to a plurality of string player workstations, including but is not limited to a first violin player workstation201, a second violin player workstation202, a viol player workstation203, a violoncello player workstation204, a double bass player workstation205, a lute player workstation206, a zither player workstation207and a harp player workstation208.

A principal oboe computer (i.e., a woodwind section leader computer) may be linked to a plurality of player workstations such as a plurality of woodwind player workstations, including flute player workstations, oboe player workstations, English Horn player workstations, a clarinet player workstations, basset horn player workstations, bassoon player workstations and/or saxophone player workstations.FIG. 16illustrates an example of the linking of the principal oboe computer108to a flute player workstation301, an oboe player workstation302, an English Horn player workstation303, a clarinet player workstation304, a basset horn player workstation305, a bassoon player workstation306and/or a saxophone workstation307.

A plurality of lead computers and a plurality of player workstations may be linked using a network (i.e., Internet, Intranet or Ethernet via a network card, telephone line, cordless telephone line, cable modem and/or wireless device).FIG. 17illustrates an example of a conductor computer linked to a principal first violin computer, a principal second violin computer, a plurality of first violin player workstations and a plurality of second violin workstations.

FIG. 18illustrates an example of a guest conductor computer122linked to other lead computers (i.e., a principal violoncello computer104, a principal double bass computer105, a principal viola computer106, a principal flute computer107, a principal oboe computer108, a principal clarinet computer109, a principal bassoon computer110, a principal horn computer111, a principal trumpet computer112, a principal trombone computer113, a principal tuba computer114, a principal piano computer115, a principal harp computer116, a principal drum computer117and a principal timpani computer118and a plurality of player workstations (i.e., one or more lute player workstations206, one or more chimes player workstations514).

FIG. 19provides an example of a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer) linked to a plurality of first violin player workstations201a,201b,201c,201dand a plurality of second violin player workstations202a,202b,202c,202d. The principal first violin computer102may be also linked to a conductor computer101. In accordance withFIG. 20, the principal second violin computer103may be linked to a conductor computer101, a principal first violin computer102, a plurality of first violin player workstations201a,201b,201c,201dand a plurality of second violin player workstations202a,202b,202c,202d.

FIG. 21shows a principal timpani computer118(i.e., a percussion section leader computer) linked to a plurality of percussion player workstations, including a drum player workstation501, a cymbal player workstation502, a castanet player workstation503, a gong player workstation504, an orchestra bell player workstation505, a tambourine player workstation506, a maraca player workstation507, a guiro player workstation508, a timpani player workstation509, a xylophone player workstation510, a metallophone player workstation511, a marimba player workstation512, a marimba-xylophone player workstation513, a chime player workstation514, a piano player workstation515, a harpsichord player workstation516and an organ player workstation517.

FIG. 22illustrates a principal trumpet computer112linked to one or more brass player workstations, including a trumpet player workstation401, a cornet player workstation402, a trombone player workstation403, a tuba player workstation404, a contrabass tuba player workstation405and a horn player workstation406.FIG. 23illustrates the linking of a principal trombone computer113to a trombone player workstation403and a tuba player workstation404.

In a preferred embodiment ofFIG. 24, a plurality of lead computers includes a conductor computer101, a guest conductor computer122, a principal first violin computer102(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer), an assistant first violin computer602, a principal second violin computer103, an assistant principal second violin computer603, a principal violoncello computer104, an assistant principal violoncello computer604, a principal double bass computer105, an assistant double bass computer605, a principal viola computer106, an assistant principal viola computer606, a principal flute computer107, an assistant flute computer607, a principal oboe computer108(i.e., a woodwind section leader computer), an assistant principal oboe computer608, a principal clarinet computer109, an assistant principal clarinet computer609, a principal bassoon computer110, an assistant principal bassoon computer610, a principal horn computer111, an assistant principal horn computer611, a principal trumpet computer112(i.e., a brass section leader computer), an assistant principal trumpet computer612, a principal trombone computer113(i.e., low-brass section leader computer), an assistant trombone computer613, a principal tuba computer114, an assistant tuba computer614, a principal piano computer115, an assistant principal piano computer615, a principal harp computer116, an assistant principal harp computer616, a principal drum computer117, an assistant drum computer617, a principal timpani computer118(i.e., percussion section leader computer) and an assistant principal timpani computer618.

The user (i.e., a musical group leader, conductor, guest conductor, principal first violinist, principal timpani, principal clarinetist) may listen to the musical group from the perspective of an individual player (i.e., a viola da gamba player, a soprano flute player, a tenor oboist). A lead speaker1105and a lead speaker1106are connected to the lead computer for hearing at least one individual player in a musical group.

A lead computer display screen1107may be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), an active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display panel (PDP), a digital light processing display (DLP), a television screen, a computer monitor, a hand-held (HHC) computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a tablet PC, a field emission display (FED) or an electro luminescent display (EL). The lead computer display screen1107may include one or more view windows for displaying and playing a selected videotaped performance of an individual player, videotaped performances of a plurality of players and/or a selected videotaped performance of the entire musical group. The lead computer display screen1107may be coupled to a lead computer processor1101(i.e., microprocessor).

A lead computer display screen1107may display an icon, radio buttons, menus and/or pull down screen for selecting a musical piece or a repertoire and selecting a videotaped performance of at least one individual player and/or the videotaped performance of at least one musical group leader. Using a lead computer input device1104such as a graphical user interface, the musical group leader may select a musical piece or a repertoire. The musical group leader may also select an individual player in the musical group or a combination of individual players in the musical group using the graphical user interface. The lead computer may be interfaced with a lead computer processor1101(i.e., a microprocessor), a plurality of player workstations and lead synchronizer1108. The lead computer possessor1101may process the selection for the musical piece and the selection of the videotaped performance of an individual player in the musical group or the videotaped performance of a combination of individual players in the musical group. The lead computer processor1101(i.e., microprocessor) may retrieve the selected videotaped performance of an individual player in the musical group or the selected videotaped performance of a combination of individual players in the musical group. A performance of the individual player in the musical group or performances of a combination of individual players may be transmitted via a network900to the lead computer.

The audio of the videotaped performances for each selected individual player may be superimposed or synchronized into a superimposed audio performance using the lead synchronizer1108. The lead computer may play the superimposed audio performance of the selected individual players. Then, the musical group leader can listen to the superimposed audio performance and determine how a musical piece is affected by the selected individual player or selected combination of individual players. Alternatively, a selected videotaped performance of an individual player, selected videotaped performances of a plurality of players and/or a selected videotaped performance of the entire musical group may be displayed and played on one or more view windows of the lead computer display screen1107.

For example, a conductor may select an individual player (i.e., an individual player) such as a string player using the lead computer input device1104on the lead computer and listen to the performance of the string player along with a videotaped recording of the entire musical group to determine how the musical piece is affected by the string player and/or direct the string player to play at a different tempo during a rehearsal. Where a musical group does not have a conductor, a principal first violinist (i.e., a concertmaster or a string section leader) may select a string player using a lead computer input device on the principal first violin computer (i.e., a concertmaster computer or a string section leader computer) and determine how the musical piece is affected by the string player during the rehearsal. A string player includes, but is not limited to a violin player (i.e., an acoustic violinist, an electric violin player), a viola player (a violist), a viol player (i.e., a viola da gamba player, a viola d'amore player, a viola da braccio player), a violoncello player (i.e., a violoncellist, a cellist), a double bass player, a lute player (i.e., a lutenist, a guitarist), a zither player (i.e., a zitherist) and a harp player (i.e., a harpist).

Using the lead computer input device1104on the lead computer, the musical group leader may select an individual player such as a woodwind player and play a videotaped performance of the individual player. A woodwind player includes, but is not limited to a piccolo player, a flute player (i.e., a flautist, a fife player, a piccolo flute player, a treble flute player, a soprano flute player, an alto flute player, a tenor flute player, a bass flute player, a contra-alto flute player, a contrabass flute player, a subcontrabass flute player, a double contra-alto flute player, a double contrabass player, a fipple flute player, a transverse flute player such as a Western concert flute player or a Boehm flute, a hyper-bass flute player), an oboe player (i.e., a piccolo oboist, a tenor oboist, an oboe d'amore player, a bass oboist, baritone oboist), a Cor anglais player or an English horn player, a clarinet player (i.e., a sopranino clarinetist, a soprano clarinetist, an alto clarinetist, a contra-alto clarinetist, a contrabass clarinetist, an octocontra-alto clarinetist, an octocontrabass clarinetist, a bass clarinetist, a triple clarinet player), basset horn player, a bassoon player (i.e., a bassoonist, a contrabassoon player), and a saxophone player (i.e., a piccolo saxophonist, a sopranino saxophonist, a soprano saxophonist, a mezzo-soprano saxophonist, an alto saxophonist, a C melody saxophonist, E flat saxophonist, a tenor bass saxophonist, a baritone saxophonist, a bass saxophonist, a contrabass saxophonist, aulochrome saxophonist).

For example, a conductor may select a soprano clarinetist using the lead computer input device1104on the conductor computer101and listen to the tempo. Then, the conductor may direct the soprano clarinetist to increase or decrease tempo. In still another example, a principal clarinet may select a bass clarinetist using the lead computer input device1104on a principal clarinet computer109, listen to the bass clarinetist to determine how the tone of the musical piece is affected by the bass clarinetist.

Optionally, the musical group leader may select an individual player such as a percussion player using the lead computer input device1104on the lead computer and play the videotaped performance of the individual player. A percussion player includes but is not limited to a drum player (i.e., a drummer, a snare drummer, a tenor drummer, a bass drummer), a cymbal player (i.e., cymbalist), a castanet player, an orchestra bell player (i.e., a Glockenspiel bell player, a bell lyre player), a triangle player, a wood block player, tambourine player, a maraca player, a guiro player, a timpani player, a xylophone player, a metallophone player, a marimba player, a marimba-xylophone player, a chime player, a pianist, a harpsichord player and an organist. For example, a percussion section leader may select a cymbal player using a lead computer input device1104on the lead computer. The percussion section leader can listen to the cymbal player on the videotaped performance and determine how the musical piece is affected by the cymbal player and watches the demeanor of the cymbal player.

Another alternative is the selection of an individual player such as a brass player by a musical group leader using the lead computer input device1104on the lead computer. Then, the lead computer may play the audio performance of the individual player through lead computer speakers1105and1106. A brass player includes, but is not limited to a trumpet player (i.e., a B flat trumpet player, a C trumpet player, a piccolo trumpeter, a bass trumpeter, a slide trumpet player), a cornet player (i.e., a B flat cornetist, an E flat cornetist), a trombone player (i.e., a piccolo trombonist, a soprano trombonist, a sopranino trombonist, an alto trombonist, a tenor trombonist, a bass trombonist, a contrabass trombonist), a tuba player (i.e., a euphonium player or a tenor tuba player such as a small French Tuba, a C tuba player, a B flat tuba player, a bass tuba player such as a F tuba player or an E flat tuba player, a contrabass tuba such as a CC contrabass tuba player or a BB flat contrabass tuba player), a horn player (i.e., a French horn player, a baritone horn player, a flugelhorn player).

The musical group leader may select a plurality of string players, a plurality of woodwind players, a plurality of percussion players, a plurality of brass players, or a combination thereof using a lead computer input device1104on the lead computer. For instance, a brass section leader may select a tuba player and trombone player using the lead computer input device1104on the principal trumpet computer112and listen to how the musical composition is affected by the tuba player and trombone player. Then, the musical group leader may determine that the tuba player's videotaped performance does not blend with a plurality of brass players. Thus, the entire musical group does not have to be assembled for the musical group leader to hear how the musical piece is affected by an individual player.

The musical group leader may select at least one of an individual player and a plurality of string players, a plurality of woodwind players, a plurality of percussion players, a plurality of brass players or a combination thereof using an input device1104. The performances of the individual player and a plurality of string players, a plurality of woodwind players, a plurality of percussion players, a plurality of brass players or a combination thereof may be transmitted over a network to the lead computer. Then, the videotaped performance of the individual player is played. Then, the musical group leader may listen to a musical piece from a perspective of the selected individual player.

In another aspect,FIG. 25illustrates a simplified example of a system of the present invention. The system includes one or more of lead computers100(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer) and one or more player workstations200(i.e., first violin player workstation, a second violin player workstation, a viola player workstation). The system also includes one or more audio receivers2501and transmitters2502for capturing audio signals and converting said audio signals to a transmittable form. At least one audio receiver2501and transmitter2502is associated with each player. The system includes one or more video receivers2503and transmitters2504for capturing images and converting the images to a transmittable form. At least one video receiver2503and transmitter2504is associated with each player. The system includes a storage device2505and a processor2506for receiving and processing signals from the audio and video receivers and transmitters and to filter any distortions of sound by other players in the background. Further, the system includes one or more output devices2509(i.e., speaker) for outputting each audio receiver2509and one or more output devices (i.e., display device) for each video receiver2510.