Random access: having a twenty-first-century attitude: what do you do when your technology lets you down?

American Music Teacher, August-Sept, 2004 by George F. Litterst

Next, I questioned whether the cable connecting the camera to the time code box was solidly in place. It seemed okay. That led me to wonder whether the cable was bad. I tried another cable, but that did not fix the problem. I then tested both cables in a different context, and they proved to be just fine.

This led me to the unlikely conclusion there was a problem with the black box. Why would if not work? If it was broken, it was unlikely I could fix it. I noticed the box had several buttons that could change the function of the box. I cycled through these functions and came back to the original setting. Lo and behold, everything worked!

I really don't know why the box failed me the first time. But I do know that many everyday devices now have computer programming built into them. The programming is not always perfect. Just as you or I might, on a very rare occasion, twist an ankle and fall, these devices can get mixed up and fail to function properly. Often, the remedy is to force the device to reset itself (usually by changing functions or turning it off and back on).

Having a Twenty-First-Century Attitude

Few of us can solve all technology-related problems we face, but most of us do possess the ability to troubleshoot most situations. Doing so starts with having a twenty-first-century attitude: I am superior to this @#$%^&*() equipment! If you combine this attitude with a few deep breaths and a modest attempt to understand the logic of the situation, most of you can tame the most obnoxious and recalcitrant gizmos. Best of all, you'll get a great buzz by having done so!

George F. Litterst is a nationally known music educator, clinician, author, performer and music software developer He is co-developer of the intelligent accompaniment software program Home Concert 2000, from TimeWarp Technologies.