Projection of Music Department Computer Needs


     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.

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      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.


Leland Smith (with the help of the TRS80)