Tod Machover & Dan Ellsey: Releasing the music in your head

[stormy32316]

Why would anyone make a negative comment about a program available for people with disabilities to be able to create music?! I'm a musician too, and I feel that music should be for everyone. Not everyone has the same abilities that you do!

[ihatedr666]

idiot guy, where can we get this? i will found out when i do a research. that music it has is bu bu.

[mshee20]

just met dan today. he is an amazing person and it's fascinating to see him communicate with people through a communication device and to see him composing such great music with such an unfortunate disability. god bless dan!

[valeriesara]

Dan is an astoundingly intelligent and creative person and it is wonderful that this process and technology is here to fit Dan's needs. The world is made up of all kinds of people and musicians and Dan is an incredibly talented musician and composer. Warm thanks to the team at MIT for giving all talented people a chance to succeed in making music and, thereby, reach their potential and realize their dreams. Best wishes, continued success, and BRAVO, dear Dan. Now, Dan, I'm off to buy your CD!

[simonbour]

Dan was given the chance to applauded and recognized for his work, thanx to this guys' technology. Hurray for that!

[hope542ful]

This isn't gonna work because part of what is so satisfying about making music is that it doesn't come easy. You have to work for it, then when you achieve it you feel so good. I have seen some of my piano students who have guitar hero, they like to play it but it's only a toy, they keep the instrument in a closet and I think they;re gonna get bored with it after while. Sure, it will be a fun game. Maybe I'm wrong!

[treesburden]

danny is an incredible person. he's my brother and he's still making music and hoping to take another trip soon. we went to california for the ted convention and they want to take him to paris! i'm glad some of you all have enjoyed :)

[kbard1285]

@treesburden hey i was just reading the comments and saw that danny is your brother... is this erica or allison? this is keith. i watched video and i loved the music. im so glad danny now has an instrument to express himself.

[Masterphan]

Warm fuzzies.

[brainsparkles]

That "ugly Hebe" is my cousin, and your

anti-Semitic comment doesn' t belong here. Or anywhere. I am not a fan of Tod's compostions, but he IS a virtuoso cellist, and his "TED" invention is very exciting to a lot of people. I will report your comment to YouTube as hate speech is not allowed on here. Hatred is what makes our world such a crazy place.

I hope you re-think your comments.

[kevycanavan]

both of these guys are incredibly inspiring. I live for music but sort of exist in a box. Wether created by me or by the environment and musical zeitgeist around me these creative men have shattered the barriers I never knew existed.

Thanks TED for another amazing thought provoking video

[shibanizer]

this idea sucks.

[DavidMTRutten]

"this idea sucks."

Surely you're not just saying this because a guy in a wheelchair is better at something than you are...

[amtrakjackson]

Absolutely amazing. I really can't find the right words to say.

ApocaRUFF: people *do* really care about what you've done and what you think.

[apocaRUFF]

I've watched a lot of the TED talks on youtube, so far this is my favorite. It actually made me cry, which is a first... I've never cried for anything.. well, not cry, more like tear up.

I know that no one really cares what I've done or what I think, but I felt I needed to say it.

I also loved dans song, anyone know where I could get an MP3 or something?

[1schwererziehbar1]

dan's performance is very surreal. as are the comments to the video. somehow reminds me of the movie "brazil".

[brandibond]

Danny is an awesome person, I had the honor of meeting him at his sisters wedding. Danny is testament to all that there are no limitations. The title to his song speaks volumes. His music is beautiful. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to met such a wonderful, creative, limitless human being.

[marvotron]

that was great. my only concern was that the software sounded a bit like it was suffering from note stealing issues. im sure they could get a deal to bundle hyperscore with some high quality synths and audio libraries.

basically they need to hook dan up with some better virtual instruments. :)

[kellysontheroad]

me too - beautiful!

[PicturesAreBetter]

All those people holding back tears...just beautiful...

[subgerocallidus]

I didnt like dans song myself but i think that he can do something that he enjoys is great. Same as its good that i can play flute because i enjoy it. I htink that the typical view of instruments needs to change. Anything with purpose like that can be Music. A flute or series of electronic signals as long as it evokes something in someone it is musical.

[Brenstar]

I don't know it just evokes so many motions!

[usedforbattle]

TuMira85 sorry but who are you to say what is or isnt music? For all you know the equivalent of beethoven's 10th symphony could come out of a person with software like this.

[MonaSabbat]

The composition that the man in this video made--and perfomed--was wonderful and just as valid as any piece performed by any musician. I'm absolutely grateful to be able to hear what he created from his own mind.

I'm also grateful to TEDtalksdirector, for uploading these videos. Sir, (or Ms.) thank you. I've favorited several of these and viewed Brian Greene's, Alisa Miller's, Paul Ewald's, Paul Stamets', and Brian Cox's videos, and plan to watch several others (Ooo! Richard Dawkins! Yay!)

[MonaSabbat]

I'm a musician myself, trained formally in classical and jazz, and play several instruments. I also study theory and composition, and have several dozen modern compositions to my name. I'm not saying that to brag, I'm just using it to highlight my knowledge in the field.

And I thought this was just fantastic. I've been working a lot with electronic music lately, and this opens all new avenues, particularly to people who otherwise, would have very few recources for thier own art.

[tallieabba]

This was truly amazing! It is great to know that Dan now has a way to express himself and be instrumental in developing new tools for people with disabilities, especially the one's who are born with them. His hard work is truly admired and I am in awe of his determination to create something he loves.

[Lesterernesto]

"How retards can make music!"? hmmmm...interesting idea ...

I mean, if a retard like this JEHNUBIS can learn how to type and be able to express all the shit he (or she)has inside his/her little brain ... you know, anything is possible.

BTW, what kind of nickname is this JEHNUBIS?

a gay name? a retard name? I don't have anything against gays but if you have all this anger inside there must be a reason. Get a life or a BF or whatever...you little son of a bitch...i mean,JEH... "NUBIS"

[anthonycorey]

It's really sad to see how ignorant you are. Dan is amazing and it's sad that you can only make crude remarks. Your choice of words and negative attitude show just how immature you are.

[jehnubis]

Hey, quit hating on an honest opinion. Be gone pest!

[jehnubis]

Why don't you guys rename this video to "How retards can make music!"

[Lionsroar89]

@jehnubis:

Fuck you.

[jehnubis]

Calm down woman!

[mauraclegg]

If ignorance is bliss, then you must be one of the happiest people alive. Dan's disability does not limit his brain or intelligence, just his body. His music is as beautiful as he is, and if you knew if you would know that on top of making beautiful music he also has a terrific sense of humor and is a remarkable man

[iplaylax22]

Music snobs don't like this because it's a short cut for all the musically challenged people in the world.  it's the cheaters way at creating music and therefore it offends the purists because it cheapens their achievements if some "retard" in a chair can do it too. You sound like a child who doesn't want to share their toy. Music is everywhere and has many forms from birds chirping, to wind whistling. You don't own it. The distinguished audience & I were amazed by the concept. Bravo!

[TuMira85]

keep telling yourself that.

[iurak6868]

I agree with the fact that nobody owns music, so it is valid to compose it in any form you like, even this one, why not?,

the piece was beatiful btw

[mauraclegg]

reading this I take offense - as Danny's sister I can tell you without a doubt he may b disabled, but he is NOT retarded. He is very intelligent, and just because he communicates differently doesn't make it any less of a communication. You are cheapening the beauty that he created, which has moved many people.

[Geno2004]

for example a new type of speech device for people with CP or something that could let someone say hurt on the job and are now disabled return to work depending on what their type of injury or work is.

your all seeing only one side of this. sure he mentioned guitar hero and sure this was mostly about music but its also the ability for someone who up until now could express themselves to actually express themselves. and isnt that really what matters here??

[Geno2004]

having watched this piece and read some of the comments made about it i can only say that isnt something that can let a man with such a disability something that should be looked into? maybe such a piece of software could have other applications?

[kagitsune]

I agree. The possibilities of such a type of software (and of such a radical approach to engineering in general) has limitless possibilities. ^^

[NickRoman]

This kind of thing, studying music, I certainly find interesting and maybe there's something to be gained from getting people interested in music, but I'll say that the only music I've ever heard was created by actual competent musicians. Every time I see one of these kids faire toys to create sound and people talk about creating music in new ways I just think that's fine but if someone then wants to create music, they're going to use a "real" instrument.

[wonderfoam]

I personally don't find this program to be a bad thing, for instance, that man really benefits from having it. However, it is not being marketed as such, rather as another comment said, "to get as many people making noise." I'm afraid it may become another Guitar Hero, something that makes the musically ignorant think they know how to play/write music, which simply isn't the case.

[masterfurbix]

anyone can play or write music

[bethanybradley]

I sense envy from a few musicians who have spent hours grueling over practice. What's the matter...Feeling threatened?

If this really is all the negative judgements you are claiming...then why are you even wasting your energy to write about it?

This work is pure genius.

[TuMira85]

Seriously, if doodling on a computer and using a program to convert it to notation is genius, I don't want to be a genius.

[myboyboris]

i think you're missing the point

[oabrahamsson]

Hm, even though I´m supposed to become a member of the "elite" in music composition (I´m studying at university) - I think this is a great opportunity for people NOT formally trained in music. As Machover says, he creats technical solutions BOTH for the pro´s (YoYo Ma, the robot opera etc.) and amateurs (Dan, children etc.). I don´t think the amateurs will steal our jobs exactly, so what do you fear TuMira85? There have always been pro´s and amateurs, and we have survived anyway...

[oabrahamsson]

And btw, nobody´s saying Dan´s a genius, not in the sense of Beethoven or John Cage anyway. You can´t/shouldn´t really compare professionals and amateurs - of course the latter is going to lack qualities in different ways, that´s why they´re are called amateurs! It´s a little different to create a piece in HyperScore while being disabled, and create a 2 hour opera as a full time composer! Ever heard of feeling good of other´s success?

[TuMira85]

Because they aren't really aware of what they are making and how they are making it. Doodling on a page is not making music, they are not making that music, the program is. That's where the problem lies.

[oabrahamsson]

I´m sorry, but what do you expect from a disabled guy, really?! And even if you´re right (which I think you´re not), so what? Isn´t it great that you can make these people happy? See it as a form of therapy and treatment. Why bother? Are you afraid that composition wold be undermined by this? So that when you say you wrote a piece, people won´t consider as skillful as they used to - is that what you´re worried about?

Get real, for God´s sake...

[TuMira85]

It's a shortcut. That's all. Me personally, i'm not afraid of this, because i would refuse to use it on general principle. It's the state of the worlds music. It's going to be automated.

[oabrahamsson]

Well, the future will tell if your prophecy will be fulfilled or not. I don´t think so, but of course I cannot know. It seems very unlikely though. What do you do for a living, btw? I assume your are in the music business somehow.

[TuMira85]

Heh, working on it. Right now i'm just a kid with a 4 track.

[mauraclegg]

I can tell you that Danny is well aware of what he is creating. His disability effects his bosy and not his mind. You comment shows ignorance - do you even know what is wrong with him to assume he doesn't know what he is doing?

[Tzadeck]

Tumira85: Funny that you'll never be a genius.

I wonder if you've even used the program to see how it works, and how it compares to the traditional way of creating music? I assume you haven't, which is the first of many reasons that you should shut your trap.

It feel good to talk about something you know nothing about? What about putting others down while you do it? Whoo-hoo!

[TuMira85]

"It feel good to talk about something you know nothing about?

What about putting others down while you do it? Whoo-hoo!"

Oh, you mean like you just did to me? Something you know nothing about? You have no idea who i am at all, so i suggest you shut your fucking mouth.

Have fun thinking *you're* making music by drawing bullshit in a jazzed-up ms paint, retard.

[quackerzdb]

Yay, random noise.

[Conaughtmandem]

you watched 20 minutes of this video and thats all you had to say

[jimsottile]

iConductor $49 more dollars from Apple that I have to pay for something that doesn't permit me to create because they are in the hands of copyright mongers. Thanks for your contribution but I'd rather walk in the sun thinking my music and having it change according to physical constraints. This is American Idol meets Grand Theft Auto.

[Inga2222]

Nice Hair, He Doesn't Look Crazy At All, LOL.

[Jiggytarmac]

guys music was a little meh, then he hit the MONEY!!! like WHOA!! what the...anyway..

[DrakeAlturas]

that was awesome =D

he seemed like he was losing it at first, then as soon as he really got serious it got really beautiful... very relieving, it would've been so sad if he couldn't have done it right...

[davis1337]

this has nothing to do with music. this is just commercialism, making music a product; it destroys the imagination.

[DrakeAlturas]

that..........is really, really stupid.

LOL

if you think customized instruments destroy the imagination, then i'd wager you've never smoked pot. (or didn't like it)

am i wrong davis?

[davis1337]

smoking pot won't make you creative. except when you think tie-dye shirts are a source of creativity. you connect creativity with non-thinking, which is wrong.

and what has pot to do with products? these things are unevolutionised, unemotional, cold, mass-production things because they only serve the purpose to get as many people making noise.

[DrakeAlturas]

hehehehe... you sound like a techno hater

[OSVIN]

That is not true. The brain sees music depending on the person, that is why some people enjoy drums more than electric guitars, or bass over distortion. Don't be so closeminded, even the strangest music is liked by someone. Everything is conditional.

[niceonetom]

that was fucking awesome.

[SynapseSnap]

Incredible. I love to see work being put into technology like this that allows absolutely everyone to be expressive and share a piece of themselves.

To anyone past or future leaving a negative comment about the performance, you really need to wake up.

[camipco]

What a beautiful and powerful piece of music. I'd love to know more about the interaction between the composed form and performance - the grad student talks about personalizing the code of the performance technology to the artist, but doesn't say what decisions the artist made. It would be interesting to compare this piece as performed by the artist to a "cold" playing of the same composition by the computer. Again, beautiful performance of a fantastic composition.

[widgetbrain]

if you want to comment (most especially on a TED video) be constructive.

[Zetimenvec]

I don't understand the obsession with people ripping off limbs to be PC or sensual these days. Sometimes you need to chew someone out before they realize their mistakes and reflect.

[EclipseMonkey]

"I don't get WHY when somebody writes a "negative," comment people like drones start giving it thumbs down,"

Don't people listen to enough negativity on a regular basis. Who would want to listen to people whine and complain about things that they can't appreciate. Instead of just leaving you have burning desire to critisize. Music is the expression of ideas and emotions through rhythmn, melody etc. If you don't like in then with all due respect "Leave," Personally I enjoyed the song's ending.

[carolperez]

wow

[kanochain]

This is simply amazing.. i am speechless

[Treknologist]

But Guitar Hero is stupid.

[reivilo]

i bet all of his songs sound like that.... boring.

[chachalaca777]

My god... I am an absolute mess after that... soo beautiful...