424
Views
4
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

A telepresence learning environment for opera singing: distance lessons implementations over Internet2

, , , , &
Pages 438-455 | Received 10 Dec 2010, Accepted 24 Apr 2011, Published online: 07 Sep 2011
 

Abstract

The Opera eLearning project developed a solution for opera singing distance lessons at the graduate level, using high bandwidth to deliver a quality audio and video experience that has been evaluated by singing teachers, chorus and orchestra directors, singers and other professional musicians. Prior to finding a technological model that suits the user's requirements, several experiments have been conducted, testing and prototyping different technologies, until arriving at a telepresence, immersive sound model. This paper summarises the findings of this pilot stage, and its interest includes the management of innovation exercises across a multidisciplinary team, based on usability and a user-centred design. Some of the technology tested includes professional audio and video equipment, software for A/V signal capturing and transmission on uncompressed formats, A/D converters, and other auxiliary devices. The resultant model has later been successfully used in a formal case study, delivering 14 remote masterclasses.

Acknowledgements

Opera eLearning has been possible due to collaboration between the City of the Music of Sabadell City Council, directed by the singing professor Àngels Civit, the i2cat Foundation and the Multimedia Applications Laboratory. Another main promoter has been Joan Francesc Marco, director of the Gran Teatre del Liceu. We would also like to thank Joachim Rockel from Dial-HD for lending us the Acoustic Echo Canceller device for testing purposes, to Marc Milian for and Jordi Torner for tuning the rest of the figures in this article. Further information may be found at www.opera-elearning.com. The second author is completing her PhD at the Polytechnic University supported by grant 208288 from CONACYT, the National Council for Science and Technology of Mexico.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.