User Analysis
- Student bands.
- Individual Independent Performers.
- Conservatory Students.
- Music Professors.
Characteristics:
- Formally educated at Conservatories: NEC, Berklee, Boston Conservatory, Julliard
- Institutions Affiliated with: Berklee, Boston Conservatory, MIT (music dept.)
- Smart phone users
- Laptop users
- Genres: Jazz, Classical, Indie
- Instruments: saxophone, trumpet, cello, guitar, bass, opera singer
- Aged 20-55 (most interviewed users were between 20-25 or 50-55)
- Nationalities: American, Swiss, Greek
Problems Faced:
- Connecting with new venues. “Even when planning a concert of my own-a fundraiser-its difficult to find a space. I’ve focused my search to Greek Churches, clubs, etc. hoping that it will be easier.” -Greek Cellist
- Optimizing the number of performances for the distance travelled.** Often when we’re on tour we find out when we get home that there was this totally sweet club that we could have played out before our actual gig.
- Setting expectations for experience of playing at a specific venue (accommodations, atmosphere, etc).** e.g Interviewees complained of having to pay cover to be at the venue they were performing at.** e.g. room accommodations, security accommodations etc. Interviewees complained of having gear stolen at sketchy venues.
- Money dealings (venues that pay late etc.)
- Organizing different tasks related to performing.
- Organizing tours: accommodations, booking shows that are along the already-decided route.
- Coordinating logistics with everyone involved.
Task Analysis:
1. Connecting with Venues:
- Finding a space for a planned event (e.g. fundraiser event mentioned above).
- Finding a gig to play for a venue (club, coffee shop, bar, etc) Locally.
- Planning venues for tours either for planning the tour itself, or looking for venues along an already planned route.
2. Researching on how venue is evaluated by other musicians/performers:
- Details on Venue:
- Phone Email, Phone Number & Address of Event Liaison at the Venue.
- Venue Size and Reputation (with fans).
- Information on available equipment (eg. hookups, PA system, etc).
- Gain insider knowledge on others’ past experience with a given venue.
- Room + Meal Quality (if applicable).
- Money Complications (or lack thereof).
- Information on overall experience with personnel at a specific venue.
- Venue acoustical quirks (e.g. funny aspects about the space acoustically).
3. Documenting details of experiences at different venues for later reference:* Easily tracking details of specific experience at a venue in case of future work with that venue or for friends’ reference.
- Organizing venue details/reflections.
- Sharing venue details/reflections.
4. Prepare for a performance given venue requirements and specifications. * Arranging Logistics: Transportation of musicians and gear to a venue.
- Communicating and planning logistics with multiple band members and venue contacts.
- Setting expectations