A pioneering gadget which could be a lifeline for frustrated musicians is set to hit the market after support from the Innovation Networks programme.
Birmingham engineer and enthusiastic saxophonist Antonio Di Maria has invented a device which means he can play sheet music without having to take his hands off the instrument.
Mr Di Maria, who is based in Kings Heath, hooked up with Innovation Networks, an Advantage West Midlandsfunded project which offers grants to companies who are collaborating on an innovative product, process or service.
After working with Coventry marketing communications agency Parenthesis and Kingswinford company HTW Tools, the TurnMate is now ready to go on general sale.
Mr Di Maria said: "I took up playing the sax five years ago but found it frustrating playing along to a CD and at the same time trying to turn the pages of sheet music.
"Most instruments require both hands to play them so it can be a tricky business turning the page without making mistakes or having to miss notes.
"There was nothing on the market at a reasonable price so I used my engineering background to solve the problem myself.
"Music for most instruments only requires a single sheet to be turned forwards and backwards so I designed a simple and effective page turner what would work with a simple tap on a foot pedal."
Gill Roberts, AWM project manager, said: "TurnMate is a fantastic product which will be a real benefit to musicians.
"This is just the sort of product Innovation Networks is keen to get involved with and bring together companies to help make them a commercial reality."
