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The Music
Toys developed by Tod Machover
and his team at the MIT Media Lab for
Toy Symphony are very sophisticated instruments designed simply to be
played by any person with the desire to make music, with the specific
needs and capabilities of young people in mind. There is no skill prerequisite-only
the willingness to participate. There are three principal instruments
used in the work for general audiences, and a fourth instrument for a
more sophisticated musician. Through the use of Music Toys, children and
adults alike can shape and modify musical lines with expressive gesture
and delicate touch (Beatbugs, Shapers);
use special software to draw lines that turn into musical compositions
(Hyperscore); and also learn about the
Hyperviolin, the latest in a series
of enhanced expert performance instruments devised by the team. Each toy
has a very specific musical and pedagogical function.
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