In another example of organizations integrating remote collaboration and production into their technology infrastructures, Manhattan School of Music (MSM) has begun using DISK Systems’ Music Virtual Teaching Platform (MVTP) to connect musicians in real time across the internet. The advanced encoding technology makes it possible for musicians separated by countries—or even continents—to perform together with minimal perceptible delay and as naturally as if they were in the same room together.
An early adopter of the MVTP technology in the United States, MSM is conducting successful tests between New York City and Europe over distances of more than 3,700 miles. For institutions like MSM, MVTP creates a “worldwide classroom” where faculty and students in different time zones can teach, learn, and create. Since the commercial launch of MVTP 4K in 2024, the technology has connected 20 leading music schools across Europe for remote teaching, rehearsals, and live performances.
“MSM has a long history as a pioneer in distance music education, being the first conservatory in the United States to adopt videoconferencing technology to connect students, teachers, and distinguished artists around the world,” said Chris Shade, assistant dean for MSM's Orto Center for Distance Learning and Recording Arts. “This technology removes geographic barriers and opens up a world of opportunity for our students, enriching the education they receive from our world-class faculty here in New York City through real-time collaborations with artists and teachers they might otherwise never encounter.”
MVTP transmits ultra-low-latency, stable, synchronized audio and HD or 4K video over the internet. Its encoding technology is based on JPEG XS compression, fanless FPGA hardware, and balanced, high-quality audio I/O, all combining to deliver audio and video while preserving the sub-30ms latency critical for real-time interactive music collaboration and instruction.
“MVTP is a more practical solution compared to other platforms that require complex configurations,” explained Kevin Henneman, president of KMH Integration, the exclusive U.S. representative for the MVTP platform. “It’s a true ‘plug-and-play’ system and the platform’s native SDI and Dante capabilities allow it to integrate seamlessly within MSM’s existing studio infrastructure.”
"With MVTP, the distance between Copenhagen and New York feels like only a few meters on a stage," added Petr Krkavec of DISK Systems. "MVTP is more than just a box with cables. It was built to be a bridge for creativity between stages, cities, and cultures.”
MSM students and faculty reported that the video quality and uncompressed audio exceeded other platforms they’ve used, with MVTP creating a natural, immediate, and authentic virtual experience. Future plans for the MVTP platform involve expanding from one-on-one sessions to multi-point connections, enabling real-time remote rehearsals for ensembles and orchestras as well as collaborations with other leading music institutions.
“When our students can rehearse with someone thousands of kilometers away and feel like they’re sitting next to each other, the world feels smaller in that moment,” said Shade. “But that’s where the excitement lies. It’s a glimpse of an emerging era of borderless collaboration, artistic connection, and global career opportunities made possible by a platform like MVTP.”
