CyberBand: A “Hands-On” Music Composition Program

Abstract

CyberBand provides a novel and powerful approach to composing music with computers. It is based on the concept that many kinds of music can be constructed by assembling, modifying, and transforming musical fragments through direct visual manipulation. We describe our approach to music representation, the user interface, and choice of user metaphors, while emphasizing the elements that enable non musicians to creatively compose music. We outline issues that influence our ongoing work in determining both usability and look and feel. A working prototype of CyberBand will be demonstrated.