>PF=2 TM=2 LM=6 RM=72 C=Y
Projection of Music Department Computer Needs

>C=N J=Y

     The following will cover some of the possible uses of a small computer by the Stanford Music Department over the next several years.  The computer activity of CCRMA will not be discussed since that is a self-contained project which currently uses its computing power to near capacity.  Likewise the main operation of the Music Library will not be considered as its work is connected to a general library system.∞1. Correspondence.

        The present word processor system in the office is of high quality but extremely limited in its range of functions.  It is also extremely noisy.  A CRT screen editing system with long-term storage capability (floppy disks) is what is needed.  With such a system all correspondence can be stored on inexpensive disks.  More than 20,000 words can be stored on each two-sided disk.  Any material that has been stored can quickly be retrieved and edited and/or combined with other new or stored material.  Form letters whose content may change somewhat from time to time are easily updated.  So preparation time required to update such a letter is usually only two or three minutes.∞        The usefulness of a CRT screen editing system is so great that it is a little difficult to explain to people who are not familiar with its convenience.  The tension that is created by the concentration necessary for fast, accurate typing is something that almost completely disappears when typing on a screen system.  The correction of errors is simplified by an order of magnitude.  Also the preparation of special formats is equally simplified.  The use of unusual margins, centering, line justification, etc., are so time consuming when using a standard typewriter that such features are usually reserved for only very special documents.  With screen editing these activities are easily accomplished.
 
2. Concert program preparation.
 
        Even if the Department continues to have some of its programs printed by an outside service the computer can be of great help.  A few basic formats for programs can be stored on a disk.  In many instances it is probable that that the complete program could be prepared by just typing the proper names of works and composers into the prearranged spots.  It will be possible to set up a program using only the initials of well-known composers.  For example, typing "LVB" could produce "Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)," or  "JSB" could give "Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)."  Also various formats for the program notes could be stored.  Error correction after proof reading is extremely simple.  A computer program can be devised to keep a record of all the departmental concerts.  Various search procedures could be used to learn information such as "What works of Dittersdorf were heard at Stanford in the last x years?"
3.  Room scheduling.
 
        All room scheduling could be done on the computer.  A master schedule for a given quarter could be prepared and stored. This then would serve as the basis for weekly scheduling.  Several copies of the updated schedule could be printed each week for posting and distribution to all interested parties.
 
4.  Financial matters.
 
        All the Department's financial activity should be stored in the local computer system.  Once more, it is easy to set up various formats to simplify the entry of necessary data.  This would greatly facilitate the location of information on any past transaction.  The status of any particular budget could be checked in seconds.∞
5.   Miscellaneous.

       From all of the above it is clear that the Music Guild and our publicity office could benefit greatly from the availability of an in-house computer.  Address list maintenance and mailings would be facilitated.  All press releases would be created on this system.  Records of alumni activity would be stored here and easily updated.  All departmental examinations should be on the computer.  This would make it possible to know instantly which students had been given certain examination questions, etc.∞>C=Y
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>C=N
      The first unit of a Music Department computer system can be obtained for less than $5000.  This would include the computer (with two disk drives), a quality printer and a telephone modem connection, as well as a group of software packages for word processing and communications.  The telephone connection is essential so that work could be transferred out to other university computers and be transferred in from various makes of home computers, or CCRMA, etc.  Eventually at least three satellite systems should be obtained.  Each of these smaller systems could cost as little as $1500.  These would be for extended use by the publicity office, the Music Guild, and individual professors.  Also a unit might be situated in the Music Library for some student use.  The upkeep cost of these units would probably be no greater than that of photo copy machines and electric typewriters.  Floppy disks cost less than $3 each.  50 to 100 of these might be used by the basic office system per year.  Paper costs could well be less than at current rates since all first drafts are done on the screen and there would be many fewer errors on the final hard copy produced.  The space requirements of these systems is negligable.

>C=Y
Leland Smith (with the help of the TRS80)
 
 



 The computer needs of
CCRMA will not be discussed since that is a self-contained project
which currently uses its computing power to near capacity.  Likewise
the main cataloguing operation will not be considered as that is 
connected to a general library system.
 
Music Department Office:
 
Here the value of a computer is fairly obvious.

1. Correspondence.

        The present word-processor system in the office is of high
quality but extremely limited in its range of functions.  A CRT screen
editing system with long-term storage capability (floppy disks) is what
is needed.  With such a system all correspondence can be stored on
inexpensive disks.  More than 24,000 words can be stored on each two-sided
disk.  Any material that has been stored can quickly be retrieved and
edited and/or combined with other new or stored material.  Form letters
whose content may change somewhat from time to time are easily updated.
So preparation time required to update such a letter is usually only
two or three minutes.  
        The usefulness of a CRT screen editing system is so great that it
is a little difficult to explain to people who are not familiar with its
convenience.  The tension that is created by the concentration necessary for
fast, accurate typing is something that almost completely disappears when
typing on a screen system.  The correction of errors is simplified by an 
order of magnitude.  Also the preparation of special formats is equally
simplified.  The use of unusual margins, centering, line justification, etc., 
are so time consuming when using a standard typewriter that such features
are usually reserved for only very special documents.  With screen editing
these activities are easily accomplished.
 
2. Concert program preparation.
 
        Even if the Department continues to have some of its programs printed
by an outside service the computer can be of great help.  A few basic formats
for programs can be stored on a disk.  In many instances it is probable that
that the complete program could be prepared by just typing the proper names
of works and composers into the prearranged spots.  It will be possible to
set up a program using only the initials of well-known composers.  For example,
typing "LVB" could produce "Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)," or
 "JSB" could give "Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)."  Also various formats
for the program notes could be stored.  Error correction after proof reading is
extremely simple.  A computer program can be devised to keep a record of all
the departmental concerts.  Various search procedures could be used to learn
information such as "What works of Dittersdorf were heard at Stanford in the
last x years?"
 
3.  Room scheduling.
 
        All room scheduling could be done on the computer.  A master schedule
for a given quarter could be prepared and stored.  This then would serve as
the basis for weekly schedule.  Several copies of the updated schedule could
be printed each week for posting and distribution to all interested parties.
 
4.  Financial matters.
 
        All the D