Projection of Music Department Computer Needs
 
 
This paper will cover the possible computer needs of the Stanford Music
Department over a period of about five years.  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 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.