Building on the Media Lab hyperstring project of 1990-1993 (Machover, Chung, Gershenfeld, Paradiso, et al.), we are improving and redefining the technology and the functionality of this enhanced expert performance instrument. Sensor improvements are being made, and new techniques for pitch, timbre, and "expressivity" measurement are being developed. A new model of hyperstring performance is also being explored, which uses the virtuosic instrument as an intermediary for training young performers, as well as for shaping and manipulating complicated musical events (such as the sonic output from a roomful of Simple Thing players). In addition, the new hyperstring instrument will be interfaced with a communication and modulation environment defined by Big Thing construction, allowing children to define the meaning of a hyperstring gesture and performance.