Abstract: A method is provided which facilitates for players the learning of music reading in the playing of keyboard instruments, which comprises the steps of providing a plurality of musical staves, musical notes, and letters of the alphabet corresponding to the musical notes; and causing the player to play sequentially pairs of musical notes by striking corresponding keys on the keyboard.

Abstract: A musical teaching device has a carriage to be placed in juxtaposition with a piano keyboard. The carriage has a pair of gloves slidably attached to move along the length of the carriage. The fingers of the gloves include signaling devices to indicate proper movement. The carriage and gloves are connected to a controller that commands proper hand positioning and finger movement to play a musical score loaded in the controller. The controller is powered by a computer program.

Abstract: An instructional device for use by music students is constructed as an outer sleeve having a slide member fitted within it. The outer sleeve has first and second sets of openings and is imprinted with a representation of a piano keyboard. The slide member has alphabetic representations of musical notes showing through the first set of openings as the slide member is moved. One alphabetic representation shows the musical key selected and seven others display the notes of the chromatic scale and major and minor chords associated with that key. A first series of markings sized and located to show through the second set of openings will indicate the piano keys related to the chromatic scale selected. Additional sets of openings and markings on the slide member indicate the piano keys associated with the major and minor chords selected. These piano keys shown by colored markings or specially shaped openings.

Abstract: A plastic template is disclosed with elongated slots and circular holes in it. The template can be put on a piece of paper and by running pencil through the various slots, all of the scales, chords, and intervals can be produced on the paper to form a guide. The guide can then be moved along the space between the keys and the fallboard of the piano, so that all of these scales can be played by anyone placing their fingers on the keys indicated by the lines on the guide. The edge of the template has small notches in it, so that marks can be made for the lines for music staves which can then be drawn. The template has circular holes in it above the slots. The circles can then be used by placing them over these lines and then marking them with a pencil to indicate various notes of the given musical structure.

Abstract: A display device system for driving a display having one of a plurality of predetermined sizes provides a scalable instruction picture to instruct an operator in operation of input devices. The system includes a device for accepting an operator input selecting a scaling factor to adjust the size of the instruction picture such that indicators in the instruction picture are arranged at spacings substantially equal to spacing of the input devices. In an embodiment, the size of the instruction picture is only adjusted in a width wise horizontal direction. Furthermore, scaling indicators corresponding to a plurality of predetermined display sizes are optionally provided to permit the user to select a scaling factor corresponding to the display.

Abstract: A relative chord method for playing a series of chords on a music keyboard by prescribed finger transitions from one chord to the next dependent upon the musical interval between the chords.

Abstract: A guide is disclosed with vertical numerically color coded lines on it. The guide can then be moved along the space between the keys and the fallboard of the piano, so that the keys can be played by anyone placing their fingers on the keys indicated by the lines on the guide. Sheet music is prepared with numbers and colors juxtaposed to the notes corresponding to the lines, so that the piano student will know which keys to stroke.

Abstract: A data-entry device having manually operable input means arranged in zones for operation by corresponding fingers of a user. The device includes means for color coding such that each zone is assigned a color and successive zones display colors ordered according to their relative positions within a spectrum-ordered color pattern. In one embodiment the device includes a keyboard, such as for a computer or typewriter, wherein the keys of the keyboard are color-coded according to a spectrum-ordered color pattern. The invention also provides a method of color coding a data-entry device.

Abstract: A musical teaching device has a carriage to be placed in juxtaposition with a piano keyboard. The carriage has a pair of gloves slidably attached to move along the length of the carriage. The fingers of the gloves include signaling devices to indicate proper movement. The carriage and gloves are connected to a controller that commands proper hand positioning and finger movement to play a musical score loaded in the controller. The controller is powered by a computer program.

Abstract: A model music data inputting unit inputs model music data containing music score display data representing a music score to be displayed of a model music piece for practice, performance data representing a musical performance which coincides with the music score to be displayed, and performance data particularly prepared for playing back with musical emotions the tones of the model music piece for practice. When the practice mode is switched on, the display device displays a music score of the model music piece for practice, and the performance inputted by the user is compared with the performance data coinciding with the music score for evaluation. When the practice mode is switched off, the performance data particularly prepared for playing back the tones with musical emotions are supplied to the tone generator for playing back the tones.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a information processing apparatus that includes information accumulating means for accumulating image motion information, display means for displaying images, and control means for detecting, from music information, a division at which tune change occurs and/or a climax section of music, selecting said image motion information on the basis of a result of the detection, and displaying on said display means a moving image in accordance with the reproduction of said music information by use of the selected image motion information in accordance with the reproduction of said music information.

Abstract: A portable modular apparatus that simply and unobtrusively mounts on the top of a piano or keyboard, and detects key movement. The rectangular back side of the modular apparatus serves to effectively mount the apparatus. The self-mounting portable apparatus has associated with each key an optical coupler. The self-mounting portable apparatus has associated with each black key a thin, reflective, flexible insert that positions itself between its respective key and optical coupler when the portable apparatus is mounted. The reflective insert then moves in relation to the movement of its respective key.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is equipped with manual operators such as switches and controls arranged on an operation panel and keys of a keyboard as well as a display and a tone generator. It is characterized by automatically running demonstration programs when it is supplied with electric power but is left unattended at a store or in an exhibition area. The demonstration programs are started after a lapse of a predetermined time or more under prescribed conditions where none of the manual operators is operated by a user, no tone-generation instruction is issued with respect to automatic performance being played by internal functions, and no tone-generation instruction is issued with respect to external performance data being supplied by means of a communication interface.

Abstract: A piano roll score, a word input/edit area and a word continuous display area are displayed. Note bars corresponding to notes of a melody are displayed on the piano roll score. The word input/edit area is divided into input cells having a length corresponding to a tempo number of each note. A pointer is moved to the input cell and a mouse is left-clicked to display an editor area. A letter(s) or character(s) is input by using a word processor function. The pointer is moved to the input cell and the mouse is right-clicked to display a command select box. A display command is selected from the command select box and input, the display command controlling a display style of a song-word character train in the word continuous display area. A dictionary database is used to search a song word by using the number of syllables and a part of speech as search keys. A sentence syntax is selected by using a sentence syntax template.

Abstract: An electronic programmable system including a membrane switch chordboard with a printed chord arrangement affixed to the chordboard. A chord arrangement is written for each different stringed instrument. The chordboard also has a plurality of <olenoids provided for each stringed instrument. These solenoids act as pressers for each instrument string. As each membrane on the outer surface of the chordboard is pressed, an electronic circuit is closed activating a solenoid driver. The programmable system then retrieves programmed notes or chords from a software module's look-up table. Next, the system activates a solenoid plunger. This plunger then presses against a string. The player then strums or picks the strings. A player can maintain the sound of a chord by maintaining finger pressure on the preferred membrane. A software program is written for each type of stringed instrument.

Abstract: A computerized music teaching instrument including a computer provided with a sound system capable of reproducing the tones of a music scale stored in a tone base, and a video screen adapted to exhibit an image selected from a series thereof stored in a data base. Each image exhibits a virtual keyboard having a row of numbered keys representing the respective tones in a musical scale, behind which is a row of puppets or progressively greater height, all puppets being shown in a reclining state except the puppet corresponding to the key in the keyboard shown in a depressed and activated state, as if actually pressed by the finger of a player. Associated with the computer is a remote controller provided with a keypad having an array of numbered switches corresponding to the keyboard keys and operating in conjunction with a digitizer whereby when a player depresses a keypad switch, the digitizer then generates a binary signal representing the number of the depressed key.

Abstract: A song text information input system allows a user to easily input song text control information for controlling the display manner of song texts on the screen without having preknowledge of specific rules for control and use of character codes. The system displays a song text input window that contains a song text expansion area and switch buttons corresponding to a change-line switch and a change-page switch respectively. Using a keyboard, the user is able to sequentially input characters of a song text, which are displayed in the song text expansion area on the screen. As for entry of the song text control information, the user operates specific keys of the keyboard or clicks the switch buttons with a mouse to input special marks such as a change-line mark ‘/’ and a change-page mark ‘<’, which correspond to specific control character codes.

Abstract: A piano roll score, a word input/edit area and a word continuous display area are displayed. Note bars corresponding to notes of a melody are displayed on the piano roll score. The word input/edit area is divided into input cells having a length corresponding to a tempo number of each note. A pointer is moved to the input cell and a mouse is left-clicked to display an editor area. A letter(s) or character(s) is input by using a word processor function. The pointer is moved to the input cell and the mouse is right-clicked to display a command select box. A display command is selected from the command select box and input, the display command controlling a display style of a song-word character train in the word continuous display area. A dictionary database is used to search a song word by using the number of syllables and a part of speech as search keys. A sentence syntax is selected by using a sentence syntax template.

Abstract: A method is provided which facilitates for players the learning of music reading in the playing of keyboard instruments, which comprises the steps of providing a plurality of musical staves, musical notes, and letters of the alphabet corresponding to the musical notes; and causing the player to play sequentially pairs of musical notes by striking corresponding keys on the keyboard.

Abstract: A scale indicator for a keyboard of a keyboard instrument has a stand, a belt and an indicating element. The belt is moveably mounted on the stand. A key selecting area is mounted on the belt and has multiple key-selecting blocks each illuminating at least one symbol of a musical key. A note illuminating area is mounted on the belt and has multiple note-illuminating blocks. Each note-illuminating block shows a symbol of a note and corresponds to one of the keys of the keyboard instrument. The indicating element corresponds to one of the key-selecting blocks to select the music key shown on the key-selecting block. Accordingly, the user can strike the keys on the keyboard according to the note symbols on the note-illuminating blocks in the selected music key.

Abstract: A musical learning system including an instrument and method is disclosed. The instrument is comprised of a rectangularly shaped box designed for convenient handling by an operator in a manner analogous to other musical instruments such as a piano, a guitar, or a horn. Thirteen movable buttons on the top surface of the box sound eight natural notes and five notes of sharps and flats when pressed by the operator, the sounds being produced by either a built-in, acoustic or electronic sound system. Easily removable attachments having instructive musical notations are temporarily secured above and below the buttons can be used in a predetermined sequence, thereby enabling the operator to grasp music concepts over a relatively, brief period of time. In addition, in the electronic version, an “octave-up” switch enables an operator to sound a note one or more octaves higher for each of the buttons; and a “mute” bar allows the operator to silence a note being produced, if desired.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic musical instrument which enables the whole periphery of at least one pad member to shine by a simple construction, and at the same time maintain durability and low costs, and a shining method therefor. An electronic musical instrument of a drum type detects beats on a surface to be beaten of the pad member, and generates a musical tone signal in response to an output indicative of the detected beats.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time controlling of signal processors, synthesizers, musical instruments, MIDI processors, lighting, video, and special effects in performance, recording, and composition environments using images derived from tactile sensors, pressure sensor arrays, optical transducer arrays, chemical sensor arrays, body sensor arrays, and numerical computation. The invention provides for pressure sensor arrays and body sensor arrays as tactile control interfaces, for video cameras and light sensor arrays as optical transducers, for chemical sensor arrays, and for other numerical image generation from computer processing or numeric simulation. Tactile transducers may be put on instrument keys of conventional instruments, be attached to existing instruments, or be used to create entirely new instrument or controller configurations.

Abstract: A musical keyboard has keys arranged and marked for generating tones of a twelve-tone scale. A first register of keys generates first sets of six tones being whole tones apart in the twelve-tone scale. A second register of keys generates second sets of six tones being whole tones apart in the twelve-tone scale. The tones of each first set are disjoint and half-tones apart from the tones of each second set, and the tones of the first and second set correspond alternately to the twelve-tone scale. The keys on the first register are linearly arranged between the keys on the second register, and the keys on the second register are linearly arranged between the keys on the first register. The keys have markings arranged in units of three unique markings, and the units of three unique markings repeat identically and sequentially on the keys of the first and second registers.

Abstract: Pictures of a predetermined musical instrument, such as a drum set, and a model player are displayed, so as to visually indicate, in accordance with a progression of performance, which musical instrument should be operated or played and which of body parts, such as left and right hands and feet, should be used for playing the musical instrument. For example, different display colors may be allocated to the left and right hands so that each musical instrument to be played is displayed in such a color corresponding to the hand to be used for playing the musical instrument. A picture of a musical score may be displayed. Performance data and musical score data of a music piece and performance motion picture data may include time data that are based on their respective time scales. In reproduction, the respective time scales of the respective data are commonized to thereby permit synchronization between a reproductive music performance and visual display.

Abstract: A software implementation of guitar tablature is disclosed. The invention can be implemented using any computer text editor, and can incorporate lyrics therein. The files created therefrom are small, easily transportable even between dissimilar computers, and rendered into .html without difficulty.

Abstract: In a fingering information analyzer, tone pitch information indicative of each tone pitch of a series of musical notes supplied from a flexible disc or a performance information memory is analyzed to produce fingering information indicative of a performance finger for each of the musical notes. The fingering information is mixed with the tone pitch information and memorized in a fingering memory. When the fingering information is reproduced, a performance finger for each of the musical notes is determined in accordance with a changing direction or variation width of the tone pitch information continual in time series and a changing condition of white and black keys based on the tone pitch information. The tone pitch information and fingering information memorized in the fingering memory is read out in accordance with progression of a musical tune and adapted for performance of the keys on a keyboard and for indication of the performance finger.

Abstract: Performance data for a musical instrument having note designating keys are provided representing a sequence of notes which constitute a length of musical performance. The performance data are analyzed, and based on the analyzed performance data, fingering data are then created representing fingers to be used for operating keys among the note designating keys to designate the respective ones of the sequence of notes. Fingering hand image data are then created representing fingering hand images including fingers to be used for operating keys for the sequence of notes. Finally, a display screen exhibits the fingers to be used for the sequence of notes based on the fingering image data. The screen displays a musical score, a range of keyboard and fingering hand profiles. The size of the fingering hand is preferably made different between the indication of key depressions and the indication of key release.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinated music composition and display among musicians is presented. The system and method enables a conductor, composer or band leader to interactively edit one or more score parts of a composition using a pen-based interface, mouse, alphanumeric keyboard, or a musical keyboard. Hand-written music editing, which is entered with the pen-based interface, may be flexibly converted to a digital music notation format. Connected to the composer station are one or more musician stations that may be arranged as an orchestra. The musical score parts may be selectively transmitted to one or more musician stations by the composer. Thus, an operator of the conductor station can flexibly write and edit music score parts and transmit the parts to musicians over the network. The system and method can also be used to conduct the orchestra in rehearsals or performances.

Abstract: An application program for generating performance data of a user input musical score performs a modifying process of modifying only a note with a musical sign such as a turn sign, so that as the generated performance data is reproduced, unnatural musical sounds are generated. For example, as a player uses a turn rendering with an acoustic piano or the like, there is a tendency that a key depression force for a note just after the turn rendering also becomes weak. With conventional techniques, however, this state cannot be automatically realized. In order to generate performance data whose notes are coupled naturally, output performance data is first generated at Steps SP10 or SP18 for a note (subject note) with a turn sign. Then, a velocity of performance data for a note (related note) positioned immediately after the subject note is weakened at Step SP12 or SP20.

Abstract: This invention provides players with easy identification of notes in a musical score and correspondences between performance operators and notes in a musical score. An electronic musical instrument comprises a keyboard 11 having a plurality of keys, key-depression indicators 12 each of which corresponds to each key, and a color monitor 13. A microcomputer embedded in the electronic musical instrument reads out performance data stored in memory such as RAM in sequence as time goes on, and lights the key-depression indicators 12 to indicate keys to be depressed according to the performance data. The microcomputer also displays a musical score on the color monitor 13, using the performance data. Additionally, the microcomputer assigns a different color to each note name by using a note number in performance data, so that note colors used for the musical score display on the color monitor 13 and light colors lighted by the key-depression indicators 12 are controlled to correspond by note names.

Abstract: Electronic guitar including a case, a keyboard, a sound synthesis electronic assembly and an output line. The keyboard is divided into an upper keyboard arranged on a neck of the case and a lower keyboard arranged on a body of the case. The upper and lower keyboards constitute a complex array. When a key on the upper keyboard and a key on the lower keyboard are pressed, a determined note is generated by the sound synthesis electronic assembly and can be output to a karaoke CD player. It is thus possible to play this guitar while singing the karaoke.

Abstract: An electronic virtual organ console is provided to be used in lieu of an actual organ console as a component of a church or theater organ. The present invention provides an interface between an electronic (MIDI) keyboard and the components of the organ that produce the sounds, or voices, of the organ. These components may be either those of a pipe organ or an electronic organ. The virtual console is operated been command inputs into a touch-sensitive screen monitor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method (and system) for composing music, includes launching a menu based on an input from an input device, selectively inputting musical notation with the input device based on the menu items and unconstrained handwriting by a composer, and displaying the musical notation.

Abstract: Provided is an ON-key indicator which allows the player to visually and easily confirm the ON-key timing and strength on a keyboard instrument. A controller begins to turn on the light-emitting element farthest from a key of interest of light-emitting elements provided for the key of interest at a timing (t−n) going back an arbitrary time period n from an ON-key timing t of the key of interest, sequentially turns on the subsequent light-emitting elements, and turns on the light-emitting element closest to the key of interest at the ON-key timing t.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and method therefor provide a user with all the high quality synthesized instruments associated with a computer software ear-training method, along with some additional unique features. Such features include the provision of: an infinite number of randomly generated exercises; perfect pitch exercises; randomly generated, musically correct (mathematically calculated) chord progressions; full control of the level of difficulty of the exercises; testing capability, including correcting the answers given by the user; and a choice of 127 different MIDI instruments in this novel musical teaching aid. All of these features are provided in a portable, inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing device that can fit in the palm of one's hand. The device of the present invention can be employed by any musician to practice any of the following musical exercises: recognizing notes, intervals, chords (triads and sevenths), scale degrees, chord progressions and melodic and harmonic dictation.

Abstract: What is provided is a piano instructional apparatus including a frame positionable on the keyboard of a piano, the frame transversely slidable along the keyboard for going from key of C to other keys; two rows having a plurality of LEDs, positioned along the frame, over each note, so as to provide red LEDs on the lower row to strike the key with the left hand and green LEDs on the upper row to strike the key with the right hand, when a particular LED is lit. There is further provided a hand select means which allows a person to use a single hand during practicing certain notes. There is further provided encryption of certain tunes within the unit so that a person may call up a certain tune and follow the notes through the lighting of the LEDs, at either an automatic mode of their own selected tempo or a note by note advance using the provided foot switch. There may be included a metronome for following the beats in the tune selected.

Abstract: A music teaching method utilizes a musical notation sheet to depict a song and a keyboard for playing the song. The notation sheet has a staff having a single line with numbers printed above and below the line. The numbers correspond to both the fingers of the hands (1-5 from thumb to pinkie) and ten consecutive white keys on a keyboard. Suitable symbols indicate both hands and keyboard. The student is directed to place the hands on the keyboard with the each numbered finger on the same numbered key and to depress that key when its number appears on the music sheet using the fingers of the left hand for the numbers below the staff line and the fingers of the right hand for the numbers above the staff line.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for, and novel methods of representing the content of a musical score in an animated format that graphically prompts the user of a keyboard instrument. The graphic format elucidates features of the score in a way that may also be useful as a supplement to conventional keyboard instruction. The animation is displayed on the screen of a computer monitor together with a live video image of the user's hands on a musical keyboard. Viewing only the images on the monitor, the user guides his fingers to the keys targeted by the animation. He is thus able to play the proper keys on the real keyboard without diverting his eyes from the monitor. In the preferred embodiment, the system provides a real time display of both the score information, keyboard and the user's hand placement relative to the keyboard.

Abstract: An electronic synchronizer sequentially reads out multi-track music data codes selectively assigned to an automatic player piano and an electronic sound generating system and already stored cue flags in arbitrary multi-track music data codes, and checks the fingering on the keyboard to see whether or not a pianist depresses the black/white key assigned the note marked with the cue flag, if the pianist depresses the black/white key within a predetermined time period, the electronic synchronizer supplies the multi-track music data codes concurrently to the automatic player piano and the electronic sound generating system for giving a guide to the pianist and the accompaniment: However, if not, the electronic synchronizer delays the data transfer so as to make the guide and the accompaniment synchronous with the fingering.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument has keys equal to a multiple of five assigned to the fingers of a trainee, an electric tutor and an electronic sound generating system, and the electric tutor gives the trainee guide in practicing the fingering along a passage, wherein the electronic sound generating system generates the tones when the trainee satisfies predetermined conditions for the training so as to correctly guide him in the practice.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument that is equipped with an electric tutor for guiding a trainee in practicing manipulation of black and white piano keys, whereby the electric tutor reads pieces of musical data information representative of the black and white keys to be depressed and a timing to depress each of the black or white keys for guiding the trainee in the fingering. More specifically, while the trainee is practicing a piece of music, the electric tutor automatically sinks the designated black or white keys as an advanced notice to the trainee so that the trainee can prepare to depress the keys at the appropriate timing, and whereby the electric tutor sinks the same keys again for an inductive action at the time when such keys are to be appropriately depressed.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument having a function to perform auto-playing with reading out a quantity of auto-play data every time any key is operated, a guide display comprising a plurality of display lines is made to indicate timings of key operation. In the display, measure lines (23) and beat lines (24) are displayed in addition to black circles (22) for indicating operation timings. Thereby, more pieces of guide information than a conventional one can be displayed at once, besides, guidance to a far future can be given. This makes it easy to recognize the musical time pattern of the auto-play data and which beat each black circle (22) belongs to.

Abstract: An explanation for a function selected for a help display is displayed in text on a display screen, and a light-emitting element disposed to correspond to a switch for performing the selected function is operated to blink or light, so that the trouble of finding an operation element when a desired function is performed can be reduced.

Abstract: Performance data for a musical instrument having note designating keys are provided representing a sequence of notes which constitute a length of musical performance. The performance data are analyzed, and based on the analyzed performance data, fingering data are then created representing fingers to be used for operating keys among the note designating keys to designate the respective ones of the sequence of notes. Fingering hand image data are then created representing fingering hand images including fingers to be used for operating keys for the sequence of notes. Finally, a display screen exhibits the fingers to be used for the sequence of notes based on the fingering image data. The screen displays a musical score, a range of keyboard and fingering hand profiles. The size of the fingering hand is preferably made different between the indication of key depressions and the indication of key release.

Abstract: A handy method of editing and reproducing musical performance data. The musical performance data divided into a plurality of sections is edited. Blocks B1, B2, B3 and B4 representative of sections are displayed continuously coupled to each other. A block B is selected by using a pointer P of a mouse. An end of the selected block B (a partitioning position relative to an adjacent block) is dragged with the pointer P to change the length of the selected block (section). At the same time, the length of the adjacent block is automatically changed. In order to facilitate to locate the partitioning position of the block before alteration of the length, an icon is displayed at the original partitioning position. In reproducing the performance data, a start position change switch is activated to move a grid pointer GP to the start of music to reproduce the performance data to the end thereof, if the section is not selected.

Abstract: A scale indicator has a key selecting device and multiple illuminating devices. The key selecting device is arranged on the keybed of the keyboard. The player can use the key selecting device to choose the musical key for the music that he or she wants to play. Each illuminating device is electrically connected to the key selecting device and corresponds to one of the keys of the keyboard instrument. The illuminating devices will show a note for the corresponding key after the player sets the key selecting device to a desired musical key. This can show the player the notes to which the keys of the keyboard respectively corresponded. To learn the keyboard instrument becomes easier.

Abstract: Provided is an ON-key indicator which allows the player to visually and easily confirm the ON-key timing and strength on a keyboard instrument. A controller begins to turn on the light-emitting element farthest from a key of interest of light-emitting elements provided for the key of interest at a timing (t−n) going back an arbitrary time period n from an ON-key timing t of the key of interest, sequentially turns on the subsequent light-emitting elements, and turns on the light-emitting element closest to the key of interest at the ON-key timing t.

Abstract: A musical score display apparatus installed in an electronic musical instrument such as a player piano is designed to automatically display and change over images of electronic musical score data on the screen. A user's voice (or vocalization) is input by means of a microphone and an A/D converter, so that the input voice is subjected to signal processing to produce voice data. The voice data is then subjected to voice analysis such as phoneme analysis to determine an arrangement of phonemes that are included in the input voice and that highly matches one of prescribed words listed in advance in a word dictionary. Recognition data is created based on the arrangement of the phonemes and is subjected to command interpretation with reference to prescribed commands that are listed in advance in a command database.

Abstract: A musical performance training apparatus communicates with a musical instrument having light emitting elements for respective operation elements (e.g., musical keys). The apparatus sequentially reads, in advance, respective note data of a musical performance training part before their respective play timings (note-on timings), sequentially reads respective note data of automatic performance parts at their respective play timings and sends them to the instrument so that the light emitting elements are so controlled by the note data of the training part as to notify a trainee of key(s) to be played next, allowing the trainee to operate keys or play the training part in time agreement with the automatic performance. When reading note data of chord notes with a time difference or error from one another, the apparatus corrects the chord notes so as to have the same play time and sends the corrected results to the instrument.