Our Conversation with Hugh Sung – Co-founder of AirTurn, Inc.
Classical pianist Hugh Sung has been dreaming about finding cool ways to integrate his love of music and technology ever since his childhood days glued to TV episodes of Star Trek, The Six Million Dollar Man, and countless viewings of all the original Star Wars movies. Hugh’s musical career has seen him perform all over the world, including recitals at Carnegie’s Weill Hall and Issac Stern Auditorium, the National Gallery of Art, and most recently at
Formed in 2008, AirTurn, Inc. creates and markets technologies to enhance the study, practice and performance of music
Wallenstein Castle in Prague, Czech Republic.
“We’re delighted to partner with Rodgers to help solve one of the oldest, most vexing problems for musicians: turning pages,” said Mr. Sung. “With Rodgers’ innovative implementation of AirTurn’s wireless technologies, organist can now choose from a variety of thumb and toe piston options to turn digital sheet music pages effortlessly.”
When Microsoft came out with its first Tablet PC’s in 2002, Hugh realized that this was the type of device that could solve all of his vexing problems with paper music scores. He became an early adopter of digital music scores and now works completely paper-free in all his rehearsals, lessons, performances and recording sessions.
“I love what (Rodgers) has done”, said Mr. Sung, “They are a very forward thinking company.” Pioneering new ground is nothing new for Rodgers. They were the first classical organ company to offer MIDI as a standard feature. Before that, they were the first to develop a musically successful pipe/electronic hybrid organ. Today, Rodgers has incorporated Bluetooth and Wifi technology as a standard feature on their Infinity Series organs for seamless and easy wireless communication with your tablet. Succinctly put by Hugh… “Very cool!”
Before co-founding AirTurn with Lester Karplus, Hugh was a collaborative piano faculty member at the Curtis Institute of Music, having previously served at Curtis as its Director of Student Recitals and Instrumental Accompaniment.
