Just you watch, iPad is going to usher out the sheet-music era in favour of on-screen reading

 

Apple's new iPad is like a giant iPhone -- and with the size comes the one ability that no other electronic device has been able to master: showing and turning pages of sheet music as cleanly, clearly, legibly and smoothly as old-fashioned ink on paper.

Why should I keep my shelves filled with stacks and stacks of scores -- that constantly get shuffled out of order, because I never have the time or patience to carefully place them back where they should be -- when I can have quick, electronic access?

I've tried doing it with my laptop, but it's incredibly clumsy to read off the screen and scroll pages at the piano. My iPhone's screen is just too small.

So, I, for one, just can't wait.

And, no, I'm not a paid spokesperson for Apple.

FOLLOW-UP:

Thanks for the comments, guys. I know there has been technology out there for several years that does what the iPad promises. But it's been used by professional musicians only, because of cost. I think the iPad is going to be the device that takes electronic sheet music into the mainstream -- especially given the price.

Comments

[paul l]

thank goodness i didn't go and buy an Archo 9!

[Jordan]

John -- as you probably know, devices that do what you describe have been around for years, and were used by top "event bands" (weddings, etc.) They would instantly transpose music, could be synchronized to show the same piece on each musician's stand, etc.

What the iPad has going for it is price and that it's Apple.

[Marco]

Personally I'm wondering if the 9.7" screen would be large enough, it about half the size of normal sheet music.
What do you think?

There are by the way already other solutions, check:
http://www.musicreader.net
http://www.musicreader.net/hardware/tablet-pc/tablet-pc-comparison.html

[Plusadd_en]

I propose "PadScore". PadScore is the iPad sheet music viewer. if you have idea, please any comment! http://bit.ly/bC05px

[Marco]

MusicReader is also preparing a IPad release:
http://www.musicreader.net/index.php?target=news&mode=details&news_id=38