LEAD

As an experienced violinist, Industrial and Operations Engineering sophomore Hannah Selonick practices with a metronome often. But, traditional metronomes aren't cutting it for her. When playing in groups, she says, they're often hard to hear, and it can make playing collectively a challenge. So, what's the easiest way to solve this problem? A vibrating metronome, of course. Winning the High-Tech category, this metronome would simply attach to a musician's arm and she would be able to keep a beat individually without the distraction of trying to hear the "tick, tick" of a traditional metronome.

LM: So, how did you come up with this idea?
HS: I've been playing in quartets for over ten years, and we play particularly difficult music. For me, it was always really hard to hear the metronome, and I thought of the idea of making a vibrating one a while ago. It wasn't until 1000 pitches that the idea became real though.

LM: Where do you see your product in the future, globally and locally?
HS: Hopefully I'll be able to work with other students, mostly engineers, to create a prototype. The resources are very promising on campus!

LM: Who influences you the most?
HS: Definitely my parents. My mom is a venture capitalist, so I probably wouldn't have joined MPowered and entered this competition if it wasn't for her.

LM: What advice would you give to another U of M student with an idea and no clue what to do next?
HS: There are so many resources on campus, like the Center for Entrepreneurship and MPowered, that you can take advantage of so easily! If you think of an idea you never know where it will go. Even simple ideas can go farther than you could ever imagine, so stick with it.

LM: So, since you're a musician, who's your favorite artist to listen to?
HS: Jascha Heifitz. He's one of the best violinists in the world.