Real-time online ensemble playing comes to life through new equipment
The Sibelius Academy and the Norwegian Academy of Music take a major step forward in digital music-making with the introduction of the Modular Video Transmission Platform (MVTP) as part of the IN.TUNE alliance.
Acquired in 2025, this compact and easy-to-use device enables high-quality, real-time video-based ensemble playing between partner institutions across Europe. With outstanding audio and video quality and an internal latency of under three milliseconds, MVTP makes remote collaboration feel remarkably natural – even when musicians are separated by distances of up to 2,000 kilometres.
“The user experience is smooth and enjoyable, and the sense of playing together is preserved,” says Mika Autere, development services specialist at the Sibelius Academy
MVTP is now an integral part of the Sibelius Academy’s international distance-learning infrastructure at Helsinki Music Centre – Musiikkitalo. It opens exciting new possibilities for remote teaching, masterclasses, rehearsal processes and live performances, where real-time interaction is essential.
The new equipment expands the teaching possibilities, as the MVTP solution allows you to play music in real time with another institution with good sound quality and video. Although SibA has previously been able to hold masterclasses to different countries, real-time music playing has been less common due to the limitations of the older Polycom equipment in use. We also use LoLa for real-time playing, but the connection quality may vary from time to time.
Autere states that the use of MVTP feels straightforward and reliable. Compared to other solutions it also seems easier to use. It does not require an external computer, because all the technology is in one stand-alone device.
New horizons for student mobility
The MVTP device helps enable virtual student mobility within IN.TUNE. For example, students can take masterclasses from experts at other institutions, or they can rehearse for an upcoming joint concert.
“We hope that there will be plenty of other uses for the device. In terms of technology, many things are possible more easily than before. So far, the students have been impressed with the smooth operation of the device.“.
IN.TUNE alliance funded the purchase of the MVTP device. Through the alliance cooperation, all partner institutions now have identical devices for all.
First-hand experiences in January
The technology will be showcased for the first time on a larger scale at the end of January during Sibafest, Sibelius Academy’s biannual festival day for students and staff. During the event, on a special IMPRO Meet event, students and teachers from the Sibelius Academy and the Norwegian Academy of Music will improvise together live from two different countries, demonstrating how artistic communication can transcend physical distance.
Hosted by Sibelius Academy teacher and doctoral researcher Libero Mureddu, Impro Meet explores not only new technological possibilities but also new artistic questions.
Early rehearsals have already shown that, while playing apart requires some adjustment, meaningful musical interaction is absolutely possible.
“I’m inspired to be able to experience a concert of improvised music where the performers are physically apart. I hope that I, as a listener, will also be able to look past – and forget – the technical side. This would be a way of recognising and thanking the technical personnel for their wonderful work in making the experience seamless“, Mureddu says.
Simultaneus online musical performance can never be compared to a live one, where all the participants being in the same space at the same time. It requires its own kind of reflection, perception and attitude.
“As musicians we communicate through very subtle elements: our bodies, our instruments, our intentions, and our emotions. I’m deeply interested in understanding precisely how this communication changes in a mediated environment, the adjustments needed, the new possibilities.”
Both Mureddu and Autere have also received experiences and student feedback already after the rehearsals and the experiences have been positive; while using the MVTP naturally feels different and requires some adjustments, it’s already proven that playing together in this way is entirely possible.
“When hosting this kind of an event from Helsinki, I have to imagine being in both places simultaneously to ensure communication remains as direct and seamless as possible, despite the distance. Ultimately, I see this as a project about communication through digital tools!”
Through MVTP, IN.TUNE continues to redefine how collaboration, creativity and communication can flourish in a digitally connected Europe.
IN.TUNE is the only European University Alliance in the field of music and arts. It brings together eight universities from North, East, South and West Europe striving to deepen their cooperation to bring about institutional transformation and the enhancement of their quality, performance, attractiveness and international competitiveness. In line with the goals set by the European strategy for universities, underlining the important role of higher education in shaping sustainable, democratic and resilient societies, IN.TUNE members are committed to the development of a joint long-term strategy with a strong artistic dimension for high quality education, research, innovation and service to society, becoming a role model for the wider higher education community across Europe and beyond.