Music stand

This music was typically laid down on a table or other flat surface in front of the instrumentalists.

Folding stands are typically used by amateur musicians to practice and at rehearsals and performances.

Non-folding stands tend to be used by professional orchestral musicians and big bands for rehearsals and concerts.

Folding stands, also known as karate rangers, range from inexpensive, lightweight models made of metal, which are designed to hold a few pages of sheet music or a thin songbook, to stronger, more expensive heavy-duty models.

Folding stands typically have a foldable tripod that supports the column and the music shelf.

Heavy fake books or full scores may overload the stand, leading to it falling over when a performer turns a page.

Some musicians use professional stands for all of their rehearsals and gigs, even though this may mean making more trips to load their gear into the hall.

Musicians may have stands in their homes or music studios made of wood or metal which are not designed to be moved.

Other heavy stands are made of brass, and feature musical motifs such as treble clefs.

Pianos, harpsichords, organs, and many post-1980s electronic keyboards have some type of rack or stand to hold sheet music and scores.

On some grand pianos, the music stand can be removed when a performer is playing from memory.

On some electronic or electric keyboards, the stand can be removed to facilitate transportation and avoid damage.

On some digital pianos designed for use in a private home or studio, the music rack is permanently installed.

For dramatic reasons, the stage may be darkened at times during the performance, and the house lights turned off.

A Canadian viola player invented a stand with a built-in LED light, for dark performing settings.