Online performance venue system and method

Abstract

An online performance venue system and method including a central server and a plurality of user terminals allows users to meet, communicate, learn, and perform. Users may perform live, record their performances for later playback or download, such as for a fee. Users may further create groups or bands and perform and record together. The system includes a number of additional features to foster an online community of system users.

1 . An online performance system, comprising: 
 a server connected to a network;    a first client computer connected to the network; and    a second client computer connected to the network,    wherein the server provides an online performance venue into which the first computer and second computer can connect.    
   
   
       2 . The system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising an interface provided to each of the client computers from the server.  
   
   
       3 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the interface provides a connection between the client computers to allow users of the client computers to musically interface with one another.  
   
   
       4 . The system as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the musical interface provides the users of the client computers to form a virtual band via the server over the network.  
   
   
       5 . The system as claimed in  claim 4  wherein additional users of additional client computers connected to the network can join the virtual band.  
   
   
       6 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the interface provides a musical coupling between the client computers to allow users of the client computers to perform together as a band via the network.  
   
   
       7 . The system as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the users can rehearse and perform for other users on the network.  
   
   
       8 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the interface provides a musical coupling to the client computers so that users of the computers can use the interface for an open-mic venue.  
   
   
       9 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the interface provides access to saved musical performances created by users of the client computers  
   
   
       10 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the interface provides an online forum for the client computers to discuss and form online musical bands.  
   
   
       11 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein users of the client computers can create bands within a website provided via the interface.  
   
   
       12 . The system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the users can achieve ranks based on a ranking system provided from the server.  
   
   
       13 . The system as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the ranks can be achieved by votes received from users of a plurality of client computers connected to the network.  
   
   
       14 . The system as claimed in  claim 13  wherein a high rank is associated with a mentor role.  
   
   
       15 . A method of creating a musical performance using the system of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of: 
 capturing music data at said first client computer;    transmitting said music data to said server; and    accessing said music data from said server via said second client computer,    whereby a performance of music at said first client computer may be accessed at said second client computer via said network on a substantially real-time basis.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of modifying said music data using said second client computer to form group performance music data and transmitting said group performance music data to said server.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said group performance music data may be accessed at a third client computer via said server.  
   
   
       18 . A method of operating an online venue comprising the steps of: 
 providing a server and a plurality of user terminals operably connected thereto, said server accessible by a plurality of users via said user terminals;    receiving audio data from a first user terminal via said server, said audio data being captured from a live performance at said first user terminal;    transmitting said audio data to a second user terminal via said server;    receiving modified audio data from said second user terminal, said modified audio data comprising said audio data captured from said live performance at said first user terminal and audio data captured from a live performance at said second user terminal.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said live performance at said first user terminal is performed by a first member of a band.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said modified audio data comprises an ensemble performance.