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This paper presents two low-cost, real-time methods for performance tracking on the violin. Low-latency pitch detection is achieved by using finger position measurements from a resistive fingerboard to inform audio analysis; the combination outperforming audio-only methods. Bow position and pressure are tracked using four optical reflectance sensors placed on the bow stick, allowing the displacement of the hair to be measured under the force of the string. Both sensor arrangements for this system can be fitted to existing violins without damaging the instrument. A case study demonstrating the utility of these techniques is presented finding fingered and bowed note onsets during performance.

This paper presents a prototype system for adapting the bass guitar for one-handed musicians. We discuss existing solutions to accessible musical instruments, followed by the results of an online survey of bass guitarists, which informed the design of a prototype bass guitar adaptation. The adaptation comprises a foot-operated MIDI controller with a solenoid-actuated fretting mechanism, providing access to six frets across two strings of the bass. A study involving six bassists rehearsing and writing a bass guitar accompaniment with the adapted bass highlighted unexpected facets of bass guitar playing, and provided insights into the design of future accessible string instruments.

This paper reflects on the dynamics and practices of building a maker community around a new hardware platform. We examine the factors promoting the successful uptake of a maker platform from two perspectives: first, we investigate the technical and user experience considerations that users identify as the most important. Second, we explore the specific activities that help attract a community and encourage sustained participation. We present an inductive approach based on the case study of Bela, an embedded platform for creating interactive audio systems. The technical design and community building processes are detailed, culminating in a successful crowdfunding campaign. To further understand the community dynamics, the paper also presents an intensive three-day workshop with eight digital musical instrument designers. From observations and interviews, we reflect on the relationship between the platform and the community and offer suggestions for HCI researchers and practitioners interested in establishing their own maker communities.

Abstract:The design of a digital musical instrument is often informed by the needs of the first performance or composition. Following the initial performances, the designer frequently confronts the question of how to build a larger community of performers and composers around the instrument. Later musicians are likely to approach the instrument on different terms than those involved in the design process, so design decisions that promote a successful first performance will not necessarily translate to broader uptake. This article addresses the process of bringing an existing instrument to a wider musical community, including how musician feedback can be used to refine the instrument's design without compromising its identity. As a case study, the article presents the magnetic resonator piano, an electronically augmented acoustic grand piano that uses electromagnets to induce vibrations in the strings. After initial compositions and performances using the instrument, feedback from composers and performers guided refinements to the design, laying the groundwork for a collaborative project in which six composers wrote pieces for the instrument. The pieces exhibited a striking diversity of style and technique, including instrumental techniques never considered by the designer. The project, which culminated in two concert performances, demonstrates how a new instrument can acquire a community of musicians beyond those initially involved.Composers often speak of the problem of the second performance: Many ensembles commission and perform new works, but fewer offer chances for pieces premiered elsewhere to be heard a second time. In the field of digital musical instrument (DMI) design, we instead encounter the problem of the second performer: Once a new instrument has been built and the first performances have been given, how can the designer establish a continuing role for the instrument in the broader musical community? Very few new instruments have attracted a significant following, with the result that an instrument's designer is often its only performer and composer. Because designing an instrument is time-consuming, and many designers are constantly creating new instruments, even the most dedicated of designers will struggle to establish a musical presence for his or her creations. Sergi Jordà summarizes: "Many new

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Smart Instruments are a novel family of musical instruments that embed sensors, actuators, wireless connectivity, and semantic audio technologies. This paper reports the findings of a participatory design approach to develop a Smart Cajón, a box-shaped percussion instrument with Internet of Musical Things components. Five initial co-design sessions were conducted with different professional cajón player participants. The players were invited to devise tangible mock-ups by placing provided sensors on an acoustic cajón, and to express desirable use cases and interactions. We then designed and implemented a prototype satisfying performers' common requirements. The prototype was assessed using the concurrent think-aloud protocol. On overall, the smart qualities of the prototype and their potential received positive feedback, and areas of improvements related to expressive control and personalization were highlighted.

1287 Poster Board I-309 Cytogenetic alterations, such as amplifications, deletions, or translocations, contribute to myeloid malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of hematopoietic processes and their aberrant expression has been associated with various leukemias. Genomic regions containing sequence alterations and fragile sites in human and mouse cancers are enriched with miRNA genes, however the potentially relevant miRNAs within these regions of genomic instability have not been evaluated on a global basis. Here we investigated miRNAs relevant to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by: 1) mapping miRNAs within leukemia-associated genomic alterations in models of human AML by high-resolution genome arrays, and 2) evaluated absolute expression of these miRNAs by deep small RNA sequencing. We determined ∼75% (542/706) of miRNAs mapped to leukemia-associated copy-number alterations (CNA) in the cell lines, however, only 20% (99/542) of these miRNAs are expressed at levels above background. Small RNA sequencing allowed us to also identify 28 putative novel miRNAs, 18 of which map to leukemia-associated CNA in the cell lines. Our detailed genomic and small RNA analysis analysis of human leukemic cell lines has identified a subset of leukemia-associated miRNAs warranting further validation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.