Abstract

Apparatus and method for the monitoring of the manipulation of the keys of an instrument comprises monitoring apparatus which takes the form of a pressure sensing device, associated with each key, that can be fabricated in a configuration compatible with the instrument. According to one embodiment, the pressure sensing devices can be arranged so that the monitoring apparatus can be positioned on a balance rail of a piano keyboard. In this embodiment, the monitoring configuration can be fabricated and conveniently retrofitted to a standard keyboard. The pressure sensing device comprises a resistive element, a conducting element, and a force transducer ink layer separating the resistive and conducting elements. The resistance of the resistive element is monitored and when pressure is applied to the pressure sensing device, a change in resistance can be measured. Because the resistance is a function of pressure, the amount of pressure used to activate the key can be determined.