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