Re efficiency in music.
Ken did his study before the Toyota Production System was well known. We
can get greater savings by adopting TPS.
Basically, we speed up the production line until we get an error, then stop
the line, figure out what caused the error, and mistake-proof it so that it
can never happen again. Then we speed up the line again until the next
error. Through this method, Toyota has dramatically increased the speed of
production while enhancing quality. (People think Toyota is generous
because if a person on the production line makes a mistake or notices one,
that person is authorized to stop the line. How nice of Toyota, people
think.Nonsense: it is how they can make the line go faster and faster.)
Now, apply this to music. After minimizing waste, as Ken specified, we have
the conductor speed up the tempo until the first player makes a mistake.
Then we stop and review the score. We figure out a way to eliminate that
mistake: perhaps that player had an awkward sequence -- if so, we rearrange
the sequencing. After a few years, the piece can probably be played much
faster: i suspect saving ranging from 50 to 80%. Adding in Ken's Fluxus
enhancement, and we might get a piece down to 10% of its normal playing
time.
Ken neglected practice time in his calculations. This method will simplify
the note transitions and pacing requirements, thus reducing the amount of
time orchestra members must practice.
Don (From inside my can)
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