November 12, 2004

Music Students Audition Electronically in 'Virtual Practice Rooms'

SCOTT CARLSON

Jordan Carls, a junior majoring in saxophone performance at the University of Denver, might walk into a practice room on the campus, close his eyes, blow into his horn, and feel as if he's playing in a hushed Carnegie Hall.

Technology, perhaps with a dash of fantasy, amplifies that feeling.

A handful of practice rooms at the university are known as "virtual practice rooms." They use microphones, electronic sound processors, and