Evaluating Collaborative Laptop Improvisation with Lolc

This paper discusses LOLC, a text-based collaborative music improvisation system for laptop ensemble developed by the authors. The system is contextualized in terms of related work and the specific motivations and goals for the project, and its design and implementation are explained. The paper then evaluates LOLC in the context of a recent performance by professional classical musicians with minimal computer experience. Using qualitative data from interviews with the performers and quantitative data from server logs, the paper considers the degree to which LOLC facilitated collaborative improvisation among the musicians, and the ways in which using LOLC differed from more traditional modes of collaborative instrumental musical improvisation.