Collaborative musical improvisation in a laptop ensemble with LOLC

Abstract

This paper discusses LOLC, a text-based collaborative music improvisation system for laptop ensemble developed by the authors. The paper evaluates LOLC in the context of a recent performance by professional classical musicians with minimal computer experience. Using qualitative data from interviews with the performers and quantitative data from server logs, the paper considers the degree to which LOLC facilitated collaborative improvisation among the musicians and the degree to which LOLC was accessible to non-programmers to learn and perform.