Questions, answered plainly.
What we know, what we don't know yet, and what you need before you sit down to play.
The instrument
What is Duetra?
An AI instrument for your MIDI keyboard. You play, and a small ensemble listens and plays along with you. It leaves room when you need room and follows when you lead, so what comes out feels like a conversation, not a backing track.
Is it a text-to-music generator?
No. There are no prompts and nothing to describe. Duetra doesn't write a song for you to listen to. It responds to the notes you are playing, while you are playing them, and the music stays yours to steer.
What do I need to play it?
A Windows PC and a MIDI keyboard. Duetra is a desktop app that runs on your own machine. Mac and other systems aren't available, and we won't promise them until they are real.
Do I have to be a good pianist?
No. Duetra listens to what you do, not to how much theory you know. A few notes you can't leave alone are enough to start, and experienced players will find it follows them further.
Does it replace other musicians?
It isn't meant to. Playing with people is one of the best things there is. Duetra is for the other hours: late at night, between sessions, when an idea needs company and there is nobody else in the room.
Who owns the music I make?
You do. We don't claim ownership of the music you make. The licence that comes with each build will spell out the details before you download it.
The waitlist
What happens when I join?
Your address goes on the list, and we write when there's a build ready for you. That's the whole arrangement. Joining doesn't commit you to anything.
When can I play it?
We don't have a date to give you, and we would rather say so than invent one. Invitations go out as builds become ready, and the waitlist is how you hear first.
What will it cost?
Joining the waitlist is free. Pricing isn't decided. You'll see any price and licence terms before you choose to download anything.
How often will you email me?
Rarely. Expect an invitation when it's ready and the occasional note that actually matters. Every email will tell you how to leave.
How do I leave the list?
Send a note through the contact page and choose “Privacy request”, using the address you signed up with. We'll remove you and confirm it.
This website
Why is music playing?
Duetra is an instrument, so we'd rather you hear something than read about it. Sound starts by itself where your browser allows it, and otherwise on your first click or key press. The button at the top right stops it for the rest of your visit.
Is this site listening to me?
No. The site never asks for your microphone or your MIDI devices. The sculpture and the staves respond to the site's own music and to your cursor, and nothing you do with them leaves your browser.
Whose paintings are these?
Ter Brugghen, Whistler, Krøyer, Vermeer and Eakins. They are public domain works we chose because they show the idea behind Duetra better than we can: people playing together, listening hard. None of them has anything to do with us.
Still wondering?
Ask us anything. There's a person on the other end, and we read every note.