Cornell Conductor Uses Google Glass Technology to Modernize Orchestra

Cynthia Turner, associate professor of music at Cornell University, is trying out the $1,500 Google Glass - the wearable computer with head-mounted optical display - in the classroom, at concerts and during rehearsals.

Turner won a contest to test out the new technology. She reports, "The technology is here. We can either use it well and for good, or completely ignore it. I'm trying for the second one.

The Cornell Chronicle reports, "She's conducting her explorations with the help of Tyler Ehrlich '14, music major and "technology addict," and Barbara Friedman, Cornell Information Technology "staff wizard."

Turner is trying out the Glass app to embed a condensed score, steam video from the Glass to give a conductor's- or musician's-eye view, and more.

She blogs, "I can't speak for Bach and Beethoven, but I'm almost certain Herr Mozart, had he lived today, would be a rock star and the first in line for new technology. And who knows, perhaps computer-assisted devices would have made Beethoven a happier guy."