The Distributed Orchestra is an attempt to leverage the power of many amateur musicians to improve the song production quality for all of them.

It's defunct, but see Jamglue to check out where some of these ideas went.

It is designed for people who:

• Are computer-savvy amateur musicians.
• Compose using MIDI tools, or transcribe to MIDI at some point.
• Play one or more instruments, including voice.
• Have the capability to produce high-quality recordings of those instruments cheaply (generally at home).
• Wish to use instruments beyond what they play.
• Are unsatisfied with the available synthesizer choices.
• Believe in collaboration, allowing non-commercial remixes, creative commons, etc.

It is conceived as a kind of music marketplace. There is an internal financial unit, a "credit". The system chips in one credit per contributor for free, and built-up credits can then be offered to increase the chances of a musician working on your own project. Optionally real money may be allowed.

Musician profile:

• Name
• URL
• Instruments
• Recording equipment and format
• Projects authored
• Projects worked on
• Credits
• Samples
• Comments / reviews

Project profile:

• Name
• URL
• Description
• Founder
• Author(s)
• Contributors
• Contributor openings
  • Instrument
  • Description
  • Credits offered
• Comments / reviews