Laptop + Music Software
 

This is a broad question to see what is out there and whether it is worth pursuing.

My wife is an instrumental music teacher. She is familiar with the linux desktop as a user but I do all the configuration and setting up. She would like a laptop/netbook that she can use with her students. The basic requirements are:

1.Record in lessons
2.create CDs
3.Play CDs
4.Play CDs or mp3 files at varying speeds without adjustment to pitch

She is not a techy so I am looking for something that is stable and easy to use once set-up. Portability is important.

Any hints on hardware that is linux friendly would be a great help and distros and software that will do the job.

Thanks.

The quality and scope of the students skills and desired output may need to be explained a bit more.

Well, linux and sound cards may need to be looked at before you get too far along. Usually some distro can be used.

There are good dedicated audio devices out there. Depends on how advanced you need. Some devices work for midi, powered and un-powered mics, line and atten line. Not all work with linux. Most of them start about $100 each.

Most laptop sound cards might be OK for some stuff but not very good quality I'd think. I suppose you'd have trouble with real time playback. Most mic's for laptops are no where near any studio mic.

Very basic app is Audacity. It can do most of what a single user would need to record a lesson.

Play back is with Audacity of by converted to some common format. Almost all distro's can be made to play a mp3.

Almost all distro's can play a cd.

I don't know how to vary a cd but you can use audicity to vary tempo, pitch and speed after you rip it. Great if you want to re-tune a 430 back to 440 and play it on a standard tune.

Thanks jefro. The final point is critical. The ABRSM provide a free executable for Windows and Mac (but not linux) that many students use. I have tried to run it with WINE but have had no luck. I was hoping that perhaps Audacity or Ardour would allow this funcionality, but it needs to be easy to execute. I found a website where someone had used an Asus EE PC to record with an external mic. This gave me hope that budget hardware could cope with some of this stuff, but only if linux drivers exist. I was hoping that someone may have a laptop that they use for similar music stuff and this would be a starting place.

Without knowing more about the program I can't say if more help would make it work on not.

I'd think that a child over 13 ought to have a chance running Audacity or other apps. I know some very talented musicians that would have a hard time maybe.

Again I am unsure of your needs. What is the imput, desired quality, any features needed, what kind of mic's are you using, do you need midi or line or mic voltage?