In this paper, the authors present their iltur system - an interactive, musical controller-based system that utilises the Beatbug controller device (a hand-held percussive instrument that facilitates the creation, manipulation, and sharing of rhythmic motifs through a simple network interface). They focus on the potential offered by the system for establishing collaborative improvisation between novice and expert musicians. They also reflect on the motivations behind the development of the system, describe its technical specifications, offer an account of two compositions that were written for the system, and evaluate the system when used in a live performance setting.

Related article: The Beatbug Network - A Rhythmic System for Interdependent Group Collaboration. In Proceedings of the 2002 International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME-02). Montréal, Québec: McGill University.