Abstract: A metronome including a sensor capable of detecting an event and a controller in communication with the sensor and which controls the metronomes response to the event. The controller may receive a signal from the sensor indicating an occurrence of the event, and the controller, in response, may generate a signal to adjust characteristics of the metronome in response to the event.

Abstract: A programmable metronome comprising input controls to set the starting tempo, number of tempo intervals, and the speed of the tempo at the various intervals, and the length of the intervals. The metronome then generates a series of sounds based on said input controls, said series of sounds used for music practice and training.

Abstract: A metronome including a sensor capable of detecting an event and a controller in communication with the sensor and which controls the metronomes response to the event. The controller can receive a signal from the sensor indicating an occurrence of the event, the controller, in response, can generate a signal to adjust a characteristic of the metronome in response to the event.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus directed to a global metronome configured at each of one or more locations to receive a high accuracy timing signal and responsively update a local clock thereto, to determine a phase of a virtual metronome using the updated local clock, a predetermined epoch start time and a predetermined virtual metronome period, to phase synchronize a local metronome to the virtual metronome, and to control local devices providing audio playback and/or a sequence of nonmusical events in accordance with start/stop/tempo messages configured in accordance with the local metronome. By using the global metronome at each of a plurality of locations to synchronize/control devices at those locations, the local devices that each of the plurality of locations are inherently synchronized with each other.

Abstract: A delay time counter in a DSP cyclically counts a sampling clock from zero to a delay time sampling count and issues a delay time interrupt to a CPU each time the sampling clock count reaches the delay time sampling count. The CPU measures a time difference between each time the DSP issues the delay time interrupt and each time sequence clock interrupts occur a number of times corresponding to the delay time. Then, in order to reduce this time difference, the CPU increases or decreases a maximum count that is set to the sequence clock counter. Therefore, in the next delay process, the shift between the time by which the automatic performance is advanced by the CPU (which is equal to the delay time) and the timing of the delay process executed by the DSP (which is also equal in length to the delay time) will be corrected.

Abstract: A method of music instruction utilizing a system capable of producing two or more sounds perceived by the user as originating in specific locations in three-dimensional space relative to the user, with the system comprising a user interface, a sound generator, a transmitter, and a monitoring device, and the method comprising the steps of obtaining the system; interacting with the user interface of the system to provide instruction to the sound generator; interacting with the monitoring device; generating the one or more sounds perceived to be emanating from some location in three-dimensional space based on the instruction provided; transmitting output signals to the monitoring device; and perceiving the sounds by means of the monitoring device, with the method being practiced at the same time that the user either plays or does not play a musical instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to enable a user to easily change between different midi or audio sequences in any order the user prefers, rather than limiting the user to a pre-determined sequence. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured with recording and looping functions. The recording and looping functions may be configured to sync the recorded and looped multi-media content to the percussion sequences. Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be designed and configured to enable a mobile computing device to be used as, for example, an information display, a control mechanism, a processing unit and memory storage.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the presentation of music is provided. In the method, a sequence of musical notes is presented by a first music presenting device. A critical beat indicator defining a time within the sequence of musical notes for a critical beat point is received. An isolation indicator defining a period for note isolation for the sequence of musical notes is received. A velocity coefficient is calculated by a processor for each note of the sequence of musical notes. The velocity coefficient is calculated as a function of the defined time and the defined period for note isolation. The sequence of musical notes is presented by a second music presenting device using the calculated velocity coefficient.

Abstract: A method of using lights and a light system for teaching dance, particularly to students with hearing impairments. The method of dance instruction includes a light bar having a plurality of first lights and second lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights are turned on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern, and the second lights of the light bar are turned on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern. A light system for dance instruction includes a light bar having a first lights and second lights, which are visually distinguishable, and a control unit for: a) turning the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for training cognitive skills are disclosed. The methods and systems include: providing, via a computing device and user interface display, musical rhythm training comprising at least one trial comprising: displaying on the user interface display, via the user computing device, a rhythm track comprising at least one stationary beat timing mark and at least one moving beat timing mark repeatedly moving along the rhythm track at a uniform speed; receiving via a user interface input an indication from the user that the user perceives a moving beat timing mark to be coincident with a stationary beat timing mark; and providing, via the user interface, an indicator that the user is correct or not correct.

Abstract: Methods and systems for training cognitive skills are disclosed. The methods and systems include: providing, via a computing device and user interface display, musical rhythm training comprising at least one trial comprising: displaying on the user interface display, via the user computing device, a rhythm track comprising at least one stationary beat timing mark and at least one moving beat timing mark repeatedly moving along the rhythm track at a uniform speed; receiving via a user interface input an indication from the user that the user perceives a moving beat timing mark to be coincident with a stationary beat timing mark; and providing, via the user interface, an indicator that the user is correct or not correct.

Abstract: A tool for teaching the playing of a musical instrument includes a control and a signaling unit that instruct a student as to the proper time to strike an instrument. The control is configured to provide a series of signals, through the signaling unit, that denote a tempo for music or a beat, a warning that the time to strike the instrument is approaching, and a signal when it is time to strike the instrument in accordance with the beat or music.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

Abstract: A segmented, interactive audio-visual content progress bar and method of use whose divisions provide an information and instructional index of performance content. The progress bar provides a time linear segmentation of a user component of a performance content and a sound signal corresponding to the performance content. The progress bar provides a time progress marker advancing with time as a corresponding indicator of the user component of the performance content.

Abstract: A portable timepiece includes at least one hand for displaying the minutes and hours and an electronic unit for the chromatic tuning of an instrument. The electronic unit includes an acoustic signal sensor and a means of processing the received electro-acoustic signal. At least one of the hands of the timepiece displays data relative to the received electro-acoustic signal.

Abstract: A salsa metronome provides a practice rhythm in the style of salsa music to facilitate practice for a musician, singer or dancer. The metronome includes a housing and a control unit positioned in the housing. The control unit produces multiple polyrhythmic sound patterns. A rhythm selection control is coupled to the housing. The rhythm selection control is operationally coupled to the control unit for selecting a desired polyrhythmic sound pattern. A speaker is positioned in the housing and is operationally coupled to the control unit for audibly producing the selected polyrhythmic sound pattern.

Abstract: An electronic music display and methods of using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic music display includes a user interface configured to receive one or more music files, a memory device configured to store the one or more music files, a controller configured to program the electronic music display in accordance with user specified requirements with respect to order of the one or more music files to be displayed and with respect to tempos that corresponding different sections of the one or more music files to be performed, and a display configured to display a sequence of pages of the one or more music files as programmed.

Abstract: A metronome ticking the beat for performance especially with moving tempo, and having display looks like conductor's baton so that watcher can precisely predict beat timing to catch up the moving tempo. It has tapping button to record all the beat duration time data on memory. With the data on memory all the beats can be reproduced. Partial modification of beat duration time is also possible by tapping. Dedicated device uses vertically placed light emitting element array. Emitting point moves like ball thrown upward. Bound timing is beat timing. The metronome opens new way to produce music minus one or karaoke media.

Abstract: A user can select to play a metronome of the user's voice or a default which is played on headphones at a user-established tempo.

Abstract: A new way of teaching musical tempo and rhythm is disclosed, together with devices and systems for implementing it. A song-stepper moves through a song or other multimedia file a set amount for each footstep. For andantephonic songs, each step activates the next note in the song, so that there is perfect synchronization between the music and the speed of walking (i.e. if a player walks faster the song plays faster; if the player stops walking the song stops, etc.). The footsteps are sensed by pads such as patio stones arranged along a path. For example, walking to a garden causes a song to play in time with a person's footsteps. Portable versions of the invention are also disclosed. These use sensors installed in shoes, skates, skis, or toboggans.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides metronomes capable of wireless synchronization with other similar metronomes. A metronome includes a tactile device capable of conveying the tempo and beat to a user without the use of sound. In one example, one of the metronomes is used as a lead unit (for example, controlled by a band leader or conductor) and transmits control signals to the other metronomes. This allows multiple musicians in an orchestra, or similar music ensemble, to each have a metronome that is synchronized with other metronomes and shares a common tempo and beat.

Abstract: A music playing evaluation system, comprising: (i) an input, (ii) a real-time digital signal processing system having an A/D converter, a signal storage, a volume analyzer, a pitch analyzer, a tempo analyzer and a music notes recognizer, (iii) an original score storage, (iv) a played score storage, (v) a performance analyzer, (vi) a music output interface, and (vii) a music display interface, wherein the played music is analyzed, and the amplitude information, the pitch information and the tempo information are extracted and sent to the music notes recognizer and the played music score is obtained. The played music score is compared with the original music score in real time based on the amplitude information, the pitch information and the tempo information extracted from the played music so as to generate a performance evaluation report displayed on the music display interface.

Abstract: A timing-training method includes displaying, via a sweep function, a real-time visual indicator responsive to user input and generating a plurality of sounds synchronized with the sweep function.

Abstract: To provide an electronic metronome making a display similar to the movement of a mechanical metronome or a parabolic movement, an electronic metronome of the present invention includes a timing setting portion for setting a timing for emitting a sound, a control portion that outputs pieces of tempo indication data and a tempo sound signal, which are based on a piece of data on a set tempo, respectively at timings based on a piece of sound emission timing information set by the timing setting portion, a display portion that is constructed of a plurality of light emitting elements or liquid crystal display segments and visually displays a tempo by sequentially displaying the pieces of tempo indication data outputted from the control portion, and a sound emitting portion that emits a sound through amplification of the tempo sound signal outputted from the control portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for teaching music to one or more students. The instructor's manual operation of a musical instrument controls in real-time the illumination of guide lamps on each student's musical instrument. This allows the students to visually connect the note to be played with the instructor's verbal instruction and then play the visually indicated note without having to look up at the instructor or a distant display. In another embodiment, the instructor's manual operation of his musical instrument provides a score display of the played note on each student's musical instrument. The students can visually connect the played note with the musical notation on the score display. Remote teaching over a communication network is also described as well as a removable interface for the musical instrument to assist in teaching and use of the instrument.

Abstract: The metronome serves for the optical and acoustic display of tempo, phase and the division of the phases of music pieces or movement rhythms. The above comprises a housing (1) with a display for the optical display of a movement which describes a curve (3) similar to a parabola. Means for controlling the display are further provided so that the optical movement oscillates with adjustable frequency and with additional means for the selective electrical generation of tones for acoustically marking the inflection points of the movement and for the selective further acoustic division of the time intervals between the inflection points of the movement. The display advantageously comprises a row of discrete light sources (2), arranged along a curve (3) similar to a parabola. The light sources (2) may be controlled such as to generate a moving light which oscillates back and forth along the row of light sources with adjustable frequency.

Abstract: A method and electronic device for obtaining clear playback sound that is faithful to the original sound, in which data and audio data are played back under control of a CPU, and in accordance with the played-back audio data, a timer, which generates a CPU interrupt signal, is controlled and said interrupt signal is dynamically altered. The sound data obtained in accordance with the CPU interrupt signal is emitted to a speaker, thereby causing the timing of the second data and the timing of the CPU interrupt signal to agree with each other, thus reducing the burden on the CPU, and generating a clear playback sound from the speaker.

Abstract: A laser or other substantially collimated light source is operatively connected to a reciprocating driver that causes a beam from the laser to sweep across a conveniently viewable surface at an adjustable frequency, thereby tracing a pattern on the surface between a plurality of beam path boundaries. The beam's direction change at a beam path boundary generally serves as a visual indication of a musical beat. The laser may be positioned and/or aimed to project the beam on any surface. The frequency of driver reciprocation (i.e., the tempo) may be adjusted to correspond to one of a range of typical musical tempos, thereby providing the functionality of a metronome but with the novel and useful additional element of a projected beat image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for presenting a user with a visual indication of the likely user-perceived location of sound sources in an audio field generated from left and right audio channel signals. To produce this visual indication, corresponding components in the left and right channel signals are detected by a correlation arrangement. These corresponding components are then used by a source-determination arrangement to infer the presence of at least one sound source and to determine the azimuth location of this source within the audio field. A display processing arrangement causes a visual indication of the sound source and its location to be presented to the user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of determining one or more periods of recurring events within a recorded signal, such as, music. This method can include establishing one or more anchor points in the recorded signal where an anchor point is indicative of a beginning point for a period of recurring events in the recorded signal, determining a length for the period of recurring events in the recorded signal where the length starts from the established anchor point and defines a first loop, and refining the length for the period of recurring events by comparing the first loop with subsequent loops. The subsequent loops have the length of the first loop.

Abstract: A facial mask includes a mask body that is adapted to be coupled to a patient's face. A valve system is coupled to the mask body to permit the inflow of respiratory gasses into the mask body and to permit the outflow of respiratory gasses from the mask body. A metronome is coupled to the mask body to produce a repeating chest compression signal to facilitate the performance of regular chest compressions when performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The metronome may also produce a ventilation signal to facilitate the proper ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: An electronic metronome has a casing including a display portion for displaying a numerical value of a tempo, a sound emitting device for emitting a sound representing the tempo, a vibration device for generating a vibration representing the tempo, and a vibration level adjusting device for adjusting the stregth of the vibratrion. The vibration is used for notifying a tempo to a user, whereby the user can master a good sense of tempo efficiently without being affected by the surrounding environment. The electronic metronome prevents the phenomenon that if a user performs a musical piece specified with a slow tempo immediately after performing a musical piece specified with a fast tempo, the user may perform the piece at a faster tempo than the originally intended slow tempo.

Abstract: A synchronized beat notification system has a master device having a beat input unit and a master radio communication unit for transmitting as radio information a beat inputted to the beat input unit together with identification information corresponding to information identifying the master device. A slave device has a slave radio communication unit for receiving the radio information transmitted from the master radio communication unit and a beat notification unit for performing notification of the beat inputted to the beat input unit in accordance with the information received by the slave radio communication unit. The slave radio communication unit extracts from the received radio information the identification information corresponding to the master device and controls the beat notification unit to perform beat notification only when the extracted identification information coincides with identification information on a master device intended to become a communication partner with the slave device.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching music both visually and tactilely. In one embodiment, the invention comprises blocks shaped to resemble musical symbols used to compose music, including time signatures, notes, rests, and dots. Each of the blocks are relative in thickness such that for a given time signature, the correct rhythm for a given measure can be determined by laying one or more of the notes, rests and dots one over the other to see if their combined thickness is equal to that of a preselected time signature. The thickness of the block shaped to resemble the time signature is such that it only allows the correct number of blocks shaped as notes, rests or dots to be of equal thickness to thereby determine the correct rhythm. In addition, the correct rhythm can be determined by simply reading the shaped blocks as one would read music.

Abstract: A “Measure Minder” device has two display housing parts connected together so that the first display face is viewable to the instructor and the second display face is viewable to the students. The display face includes a first digital display for indicating to the conductor/instructor the measure count of the composition being played. A first blinking display is also provided, indicating to the conductor/instructor the selected number of beats per measure at the selected tempo. A keypad on the first display face allows the conductor/instructor to select the tempo, number of beats per measure, measure count, start or stop the displays, and turn power on and off.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic metronome having a function of preventing a phenomenon that if a user performs a musical piece specified with a slow tempo immediately after performing a musical piece specified with a fast tempo, the user may perform the piece at a faster tempo than an originally intended tempo. The electronic metronome has a casing including a display portion for displaying a numerical value of a tempo, a sound emitting device for emitting a sound representing the tempo, a vibration device for generating a vibration representing the tempo, and a vibration strength adjusting volume for inputting a strength of the vibration. The vibration is used for notifying a tempo, whereby a user can master a good sense of tempo efficiently without being affected by the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus for changing a tempo of an input audio signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnification designator capable of designating a plurality of different magnifications. A device is capable of automatically detecting a beat(s) per minute, BPM, or the audio input signal. The device may also detect a beat period of the input audio signal. The device also changes the BPM or beat period in accordance with a magnification designated by the magnification designator. Further, the device changes the tempo of the audio signal in accordance with the changed BPM and the changed beat period.

Abstract: A method for determining rhythm units (beats per minute or BPM) in (digital) audio data forming a musical piece. The audio data is split among a plurality of determination paths wherein it is subdivided into predetermined frequency bands. The data is analyzed for transients in order to determine attack events. In addition, the time intervals between two successive attack events are measured. In this case, the time intervals are averaged and defined as the frequency-band-specific rhythm unit (BPM) of the audio data in the respective determination path. Thus, the rhythm unit which exhibits the highest beat number (BPM number) is selected from the frequency-band-specific rhythm units (BPM) of the determination paths.

Abstract: There is provided a synchronized beat notification system for reliably and simultaneously notifying a plurality of players of beats indicated by a conductor. A beat signal indicated by a user with arbitrary timing by using a master device is radio-transmitted to a slave device. The slave device that has received the signal performs notification of beat indication by visual display, aural expression, bodily-sensational expression, or the like.

Abstract: A pulsating metronome includes a case and a band for attaching the case to the wrist of a wearer. A vibration means is mounted to the case at a location such that, when the device is worn on the wrist of the wearer, the vibration means is imposed against the wearer's wrist. A means is included for exciting the vibration means at predetermined intervals to impart vibrations against the wrist of the wearer so as to convey tempo information to the wearer.

Abstract: A tool for use with a guitar for establishing a proper degree of pre-tightening slack in each of a plurality of guitar strings attached to respective head and rear locations of the guitar and prior to final tightening and wrapping of the strings. A substantially planar and elongate extending body includes a lower end having first and second locating feet extending from the body for locating the tool in substantially upwardly extending fashion relative to a selected one of the frets of the guitar neck. The tool also includes an upper end having a plurality of individually stepped shoulders corresponding to each of the plurality of guitar strings to be installed. A removal portion is integrally defined in the body and is adapted to remove pegs installed at the rear location of the guitar. Tuning spindles are located on a head of the guitar and each further includes a locking nut portion rotatably associated with an upwardly extending pintle.

Abstract: There is provided an improved system and method of determining the tempo of a digitized musical work that, optionally, allows a user to participate in the BPM determination. A first preferred aspect includes determination of estimates of the BPM of a musical work by utilizing at least two different algorithms, thereby producing a plurality of separate BPM candidates. As a further preferred aspect, the method utilizes, as an optional step, input from the user to assist in selecting the “best” BPM from among the plurality of BPMs determined previously. Preferably, the user is given the option of “tapping along” with the music by pressing the mouse or a key on the computer in time to the music as it is played. The program analyzes the first few taps and, from that input, selects from the BPMs the one that is most consistent with the user's input.

Abstract: The present invention primarily presents itself as a teaching device for children or other beginning musicians particularly in saxophone instruction. The present invention is a stick like object that presents the fashion of a midriff of a saxophone with all fingering keys, and a weight at the base attached by a screw rod and a wingnut. Also contained within is a learning system for the student of the saxophone.

Abstract: A method of automatically producing a compilation mix from a set of songs is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating (22) a beat profile comprising a temporal map representing an ideal rate of repeat of the dominant beat for the compilation mix at different points in time over the duration of the compilation, generating (21) at least one set of song data indicative of the rate of repeat of the dominant beat for each of the songs in the set of songs, and allocating (24) the songs temporally within the compilation mix by processing the song data together with the temporal map, the songs being located temporally with respect to one another such that the rate of repeat of the dominant beat of the compilation approximates that indicated by the temporal map and end portions of adjacent songs overlap.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus capable of changing the tempo of an input audio signal, comprises magnification designator capable of designating a plurality of different magnifications; device capable of automatically detecting a BPM (Beats Per Minute) or a beat period of the input audio signal, changing said BPM or said beat period in accordance with a magnification designated by the magnification designator, changing the tempo of the audio signal in accordance with the changed BPM and the changed beat period.

Abstract: An electronic musical apparatus for effectively displaying musical information such as notes and beats is configured using a keyboard, a visual display (e.g., liquid crystal display) and a storage device. A keyboard pattern, a bass staff and a treble staff are displayed on a screen of the visual display. Herein, the keyboard pattern is displayed at a lower base area of the screen while the bass staff is displayed at a lower left area of the screen, and the treble staff is displayed at an upper right area of the screen. In addition, a right end of the bass staff and a left end of the treble staff are located approximately in proximity to a center of the keyboard pattern which corresponds to a key of middle C note in a horizontal direction on the screen. Based on performance data stored in the storage device, keys of the keyboard pattern are respectively displayed to show a progression of notes of a tune.

Abstract: A metronome that marks musical time by displaying a clock face having a measure of music depicted about the periphery includes a rotating indicator that sweeps about the clock face to indicate the rhythm. In one aspect, a computer program generates a screen display having a clock face and a clock hand mounted in the center to rotate continuously in typical clock fashion. Using drag-and-drop techniques, notes and other rhythm symbols are placed on the clock face. As the clock hand rotates past each of the indicia, an audible sound is generated to denote that particular aspect of the rhythm in real time. In addition, a display of one or more regular polygons may be presented to indicate counting in a number equal to the number of sides of the polygon. Polygons may be overlaid to display and sound polymetric rhythms, each vertex corresponding to a counted beat.

Abstract: A peripheral audio system that is used to monitor or manipulate other signals from an audio source or lighting device is described which includes a detector device adapted to receive audio inputs from the audio sources. The peripheral audio system includes a processor adapted to monitor or manipulate the signals from the audio source. The processor is electrically coupled to a display interface which displays to the user BPM of the audio signals of each of the audio sources as well as provides the user with information regarding the positioning of the beats of each of the audio signals, as well as relative information about the more than one audio signal. The display interface further provides control signals allowing the user to mix the audio signals from the audio sources by providing a beat lock function, which will allow a “beat-to-beat” mix, a pause/play function, which will allow user to make “slam” mix, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computerized method for correlating a performance, in real time, to a score of music, and a machine based on that method. A score processor accepts a score which a user would like to play and converts it into a useable format. Performance input data is accepted by the input processor and the performance input data is correlated to the score on a note-by-note basis. An apparatus for performing this method includes an input processor that receives input and compares it to the expected score to determine whether an entire chord has been matched, and an output processor which receives a note match signal from the input processor and provides an output stream responsive to the match signals.

Abstract: An electronic reading system is provided including a housing and a display mounted on the housing. Also included is a storage device drive positioned within the housing for removably receiving a portable storage device and reading therefrom reading indicia. Next provided is an input device for accepting signals. A controller is positioned within the housing and connected between the display, the storage device drive, and the input device. In use, the controller serves to read the reading indicia from the portable storage device and display the same on the display while manipulating the reading indicia on the display as a function of the signals received from the input device.