What is the 'Cursed Sequencer'?


Purely character-based applications are sometimes referred to as cursed applications (originating for the library ncurses which is also used for this sequencer).

They can be run in any terminal. Furthermore, they are particularly suited for being operated over the network as terminal applications generate only little traffic. Sometimes, repositioning the mouse as required by graphical user-interfaces may not be desired, especially if the user has to switch between the PC and other equipment, frequently.

But particularly for visually impaired people, graphical user interfaces can be a barrier hard to overcome. Screen readers can help to read the text and so-called braille-displays can be used to make alphanumerical output by an application become tangible by the finger tips. However, these tools are valuable only, if the application does not make too much use of graphical symbols and different kinds of interaction with the mouse.
Who are the targeted users?


'Cursed Sequencer' (CuSE) is a MIDI-Sequencer which targets both terminal purists and visually impaired people. The purely character- based interface provides the kind of information needed by braille-displays and screen-readers. But CuSE can also enable normally sighted people to run the sequencer over a network or on a low-end embedded device.

The accord commands

A specialty of the application are the so-called accord-commands. These are special key-combinations or sequences hereof on the keyboard of the MIDI-instrument which are assigned sequencer-commands. This means, that the sequencer can be operated almost entirely via the instrument itself without every switching to the PC. This does not only enable handicapped people to record music autonomously but might be equally comfortable for the able bodied.

screenshot of a terminal running CuSE

Screen shot of CuSE