Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus, an audio device is responsive to a request of a music piece for starting karaoke performance of the music piece to accompany a live singing voice of the music piece. A monitor device displays a background image selected from a temporary picture having a short term and a permanent picture having a long term in matching with the music piece to support the karaoke performance. A first video device is enabled initially without a substantial delay time when the audio device starts the karaoke performance for providing the temporary picture corresponding to the requested music piece. A second video device is enabled subsequently to the first video device with a substantial delay time after the audio device starts the karaoke performance for providing the permanent picture corresponding to the requested music piece.

Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus, a music selector device selects a plurality of desired music pieces so as to compose a medley. A designator device designates a desired section of each music piece selected by the music selector device. A sequencer device sequentially plays back the designated sections of the selected music pieces to perform the medley. A connecting device operates when the performed medley switches from a preceding section of one music piece to a succeeding section of another music piece to musically connect the preceding section to the succeeding section by different transition modes. A mode selector device selects an optimal one of the different transition modes according to musical properties of the one music piece and the other music piece so as to musically ensure smooth connection between the preceding section and the succeeding section.

Abstract: A performance setting data selecting apparatus including: a data storing unit for storing a plurality set of performance setting data; a table for storing a correspondence between each tune name of the plurality of tunes and each set of the performance setting data stored in the data storing unit suitable for playing a tune having the associated tune name; a designating unit for designating a tune name; and a unit for reading the performance setting data corresponding to the tune name designated by the designating unit from the data storing unit by referring to the table and setting the read performance setting data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer implemented method for stochastic score following. The method includes the step of calculating a probability function over a score based on at least one observation extracted from a performance signal. The method also includes the step of determining a most likely position in the score based on the calculating step.

Abstract: A vocal training apparatus accomplishes reproduction of a music signal recorded on an information medium, where the music signal includes a model vocal signal and an accompaniment signal. A model vocal signal is extracted from the music signal and a singer's vocal signal is received. The model vocal characteristics are measured from the model vocal signal and the singer's vocal characteristics are measured from the singer's vocal signal. The singer's vocal characteristics and the model vocal characteristics can then be compared to evaluate the singer's vocal characteristics relative to the model vocal characteristics.

Abstract: In a karaoke vocal adaptor 100, voice signals to which a harmony effect is imparted by the harmony effect imparting circuit, and voice signals to which the harmony effect is not imparted are output from wet voice output terminals 121 and 122, and dry voice output terminals 111 and 112, respectively. In a karaoke amplifier 200, an echo is imparted only to voice signals input through dry voice input terminals 221 and 222, by an echo imparting unit 233, the voice signals are then mixed with voice signals input through wet voice input terminals 241 and 242, and musical signals input through music input terminals 251 and 252, and the mixed signals are output.

Abstract: A chorus apparatus is constructed for creating a chorus sound to accompany a vocal sound which is sung by a singer. In the chorus apparatus, a providing device provides music information including reference pitch information which indicates a regular variation of an actual pitch of the vocal sound and harmony pitch information which determines a harmony pitch of the chorus sound. A detecting device detects the actual pitch of the vocal sound containing the regular variation and an irregular fluctuation which overlaps the regular variation. A controlling device extracts the irregular fluctuation of the actual pitch from the vocal sound according to the reference pitch information, and modifies the harmony pitch information to impart thereto a desired fluctuation corresponding to the irregular fluctuation extracted from the vocal sound. A generating device operates according to the modified harmony pitch information for generating the chorus sound containing the desired fluctuation over the harmony pitch.

Abstract: A karaoke playback apparatus and system capable of substantially improving quality of background image services by making use of a digital multi-channel broadcasting are disclosed.A karaoke playback apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a data memory 2 for storing karaoke data transmitted via a telephone network, a sound processor 4 for generating audio signal of an accompaniment sound according to the karaoke data read out from the data memory 2 to be output via a speaker 7, an image processor 8 for controlling display of lyrics contained in the karaoke data in synchronism with processing of the accompaniment sound to be displayed via a monitor 10, a receiver 12 of a digital multi-channel television broadcasting for receiving a plurality of channels on which background images for karaoke musical pieces are broadcasted, and a background controller 14 for controlling the receiver 12 of the broadcasting.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating audio-visual musical accompaniment signals corresponding to a musical program, there is provided a recording medium which has an audio storage unit, a lyric storage unit and a video storage unit separate from the audio storage unit and the lyric storage unit. The audio storage unit and the lyric storage unit respectively have a plurality of audio music data and a plurality of lyric data corresponding to a plurality of the musical programs stored therein. The video storage unit has a plurality of video segments to be commonly shared by the plurality of the musical programs stored therein. In operation, the audio music data and the lyric data corresponding to a selected one of the musical programs are retrieved from the recording medium, while at least a section of the video segments are retrieved from the recording medium in an order.

Abstract: A drive-in interactive performance system including a parking space in which at least a car can be parked and an interactive performance apparatus associated with the parking space and operable from within the car. The drive-in interactive performance system allows a user in the car to enjoy a variety of interactive performances, such as, for example, a karaoke performance, an interactive game and the like. For example, in a karaoke interactive system, the user operates a command device in the car to select a karaoke song and send a karaoke request signal for the karaoke song to the karaoke apparatus. A wireless microphone picks up the voice of the user who is sitting and singing in the car and sends a voice signal of the user's voice to the karaoke apparatus. The karaoke apparatus generates a karaoke performance signal based on the karaoke request signal and the voice signal and also generates an image signal for an image associated with the selected song.

Abstract: A first reading unit reads first performance data from a first storage medium, and outputs it to a reproducing unit. A second reading unit reads second performance data from a second storage medium, and outputs it to the reproducing unit. The reproducing unit reproduces the first performance data inputted from the first reading unit, and the second performance data inputted from the second reading unit. A control unit synchronizes reproduction of the first performance data and reproduction of the second performance data, and switches between these reproductions.

Abstract: A block sequence compiler for compiling a sequence of audio and/or video blocks (e.g., audio tracks, MIDI, video clips, animation, etc.) suitable for producing one or more audio and/or video output sequences (i.e., audio, video, or multimedia) each having a duration corresponding to user-prescribed criteria. In a preferred embodiment, a user chooses an audio and/or video source segment from a predefined library and prescribes the duration of an audio and/or video sequence. Prior to depositing each audio and/or video segment in the library, the segment is partitioned into audio and/or video blocks that are identified in a corresponding characteristic data table with characteristics including (1) duration, (2) suitability for being used as a beginning or ending of an audio and/or video sequence, and (3) compatibility with each block. Using this characteristic table and the user-prescribed criteria, i.e.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is constructed to perform a karaoke accompaniment part and a karaoke harmony part for accompanying a live vocal part. A pickup device collects a singing voice of the live vocal part. A detector device analyzes the collected singing voice to detect a musical register thereof at which the live vocal part is actually performed. A harmony generator device generates a harmony voice of the karaoke harmony part according to the detected musical register so that the karaoke harmony part is made consonant with the live vocal part. A tone generator device generates an instrumental tone of the karaoke accompaniment part in parallel to the karaoke harmony part.

Abstract: Automatic play progresses automatically with each sound generating operation based on timing data that indicates the timing for sounding a tone. In this manner, performance information for time count automatic play can be used with one-step automatic play. In addition, the information based on the tone generation operation for one-step automatic play and the information based on the sound generating operation for manual play are assigned to tone generating channels, which enables one-step automatic play and manual play to be performed together (in soli). Also, whether or not one-step automatic play is performed can be selected for each respective performance part or instrumental part.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing video, audio and accompanying characters, suitable for use as a sing-along or karaoke apparatus, uses pre-stored display patterns, such as animal figures, instead of video segments. Thus, the apparatus does not have to rely upon the availability of video software that contains song lyrics as well as matching video segments. The apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture since the hardware related to reading and processing an optical image recording disk is not needed. The apparatus also uses the animation patterns on the screen to inform users about the beginning of the music program. Specifically, the changes in the motion and moving speed of display patterns inform the user of the start time of a selected music program. The animation patterns may be displayed during introduction and intermission period, and even during music performance.

Abstract: A computer system and method for controlling a media playing device. The system provides a user interface for allowing a user access to media pieces stored in a media database. The interface is also for controlling a media playing device, like a player piano or movie playing video device, that is coupled to the computer to play the accessed or selected piece of media. In one embodiment there is a computer interface that allows a user to display only music that relates to a selected category, like jazz or classical music. Another embodiment allows the user to direct the media playing device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related to a selected music category. Another embodiment allows a user to direct the media playing device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related to the selected music composer or artist.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus produces a karaoke accompaniment which accompanies a singing voice of an actual player, and concurrently creates a harmony voice originating from a virtual player. In the karaoke apparatus, a memory device stores voice information of the virtual singer. An input device collects the singing voice of the actual player. An analyzing device analyzes an audio frequency of the collected singing voice. A synthesizing device processes the stored voice information based on the analyzed audio frequency to synthesize the harmony voice having another audio frequency which is set in harmony with the analyzed audio frequency. An output device mixes the collected singing voice and the synthesized harmony voice with each other, and outputs the mixed singing and harmony voices along with the karaoke accompaniment.

Abstract: A Karaoke apparatus reproduces an instrumental accompaniment of a song requested by a singer during the course of a vocal performance of the song by the singer. A memory is provided for registering a composite text data of a song containing accompaniment information, word information and picture information in linked manner with each other. A sound system receives the accompaniment information for reproducing an instrument accompaniment of said song according to the accompaniment information. A display system receives the word information and the picture information for displaying a word of said song in the form of a sequence of characters according to the word information, and for displaying, in superposed relation to the word, an image associated to said song according to the picture information.

Abstract: Optional accompaniment patterns are created on the basis of a plurality of parameters. Thus, by changing the values of the parameters to be supplied as necessary, accompaniment patterns can be created in an unconstrained manner. By time-varying at least one of the parameters, an optional accompaniment pattern can be created in such a manner that a desired accompaniment tone is sounded at a desired time point, and an accompaniment pattern can be changed freely. A performance state of an performance operator such as a keyboard may be detected, so as to change the parameters on the basis of performance states detected at least for a current time and a given past time. This permits parameter control reflecting a changing real-time performance state. Alternatively, a parameter may be prepared in accordance with input performance information so that an accompaniment pattern is created on the basis of the prepared parameter.

Abstract: A voice processing apparatus modulates an input voice into an output voice according to a parameter set. In the voice processing apparatus, a microphone inputs an audio signal which represents an input voice having a frequency spectrum specific to the input voice. An audio signal processor is configured by a parameter set to process the audio signal according to the parameter set to modify the frequency spectrum of the input voice. A parameter table is provided for storing a plurality of parameter sets, each of which differently characterizes modification of the frequency spectrum by the audio signal processor. A CPU selects a desired one of the parameter sets from the parameter table, and configures the audio signal processor by the selected parameter set. A loudspeaker outputs the audio signal which is processed by the audio signal processor and which represents an output voice characterized by the selected parameter set.

Abstract: A remote control device for an electronic device includes a first storage device for storing a plurality of remote control data for controlling an object remotely, a first selection device for selecting respective remote control data from among the plurality of remote control data stored in the first storage device, and an output device for transmitting the respective remote control data selected by the first selection device toward a remote control receiver of the controlled object. A second storage device is provided for storing frequency data on the frequency of transmission of each remote control data output by the output device, and a data updating device is provided for incrementing the respective frequency data stored in the second storage device responsive to the output device transmitting remote control data.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus, a speech reproducing apparatus and a medium on which is recorded a computer program used therefor which output narration of synthesized speech including a requested song name, a requester's name or the like together with an introduction or an interlude of a song, thereby to relieve the boredom of participants during the introduction or the interlude, or the apparatus and the medium which synthesize speech of a chorus, or convert a characteristic of speech input thorough a microphone into a speech characteristic of a professional singer or the like thereby to excite participants.

Abstract: An automatic performance device includes a memory for storing automatic performance data (including accompaniment-related data) for a plurality of performance parts and automatic accompaniment data, performance and accompaniment sections for reading out the automatic performance data and automatic accompaniment data respectively to execute performance based on the respective read-out data, and a mute section for muting a performance for at least one of the performance parts of the automatic performance data when the accompaniment section executes the performance based on the automatic accompaniment data.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus provides audio and video to support live karaoke play based on karaoke data. In the karaoke apparatus, a first sound device operates according to the karaoke data for generating a musical sound as a part of the audio so as to accompany the live karaoke play. A display device operates according to the karaoke data for displaying a background scene as a part of the video in matching with the musical sound so as to enhance the live karaoke play. A second sound device operates according to the karaoke data for generating an effect sound as another part of the audio so as to create an acoustic impression specific to the displayed background scene to thereby further enhance the live karaoke play.

Abstract: Character data representative of characters of song data and style data are written in header portions of the song data and the style data. When the user selects the song data and the style data, these character data are read out and compared with each other. By the comparison, a correction algorithm for correcting either the song data or the style data is determined. Either the song data or the style data is modified to match the other based upon the correction algorithm, and both data are simultaneously performed in an automatic performance.

Abstract: A switching apparatus is constructed for discriminating a plurality of singing voices from each other based on a reference melody in order to pass the discriminated singing voices to different audio processes. In the apparatus, a plurality of input devices are provided to collect a plurality of singing voices separately from each other, each input device producing a voice signal which carries an individual melody of the singing voice collected by each input device. A plurality of output terminals are arranged to pass the voice signals separately from each other to the different audio processes. A switch circuit is disposed between the input devices and the output terminals to provide a plurality of electrical paths which are switchable with each other so as to distribute the voice signals from the plurality of the input devices to the plurality of the output terminals through the electrical paths.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is constructed for playing a karaoke song according to song data jointly with a first vocal part and a second vocal part. In the karaoke apparatus, a generator device processes the song data to produce an orchestral accompaniment sound during the course of play of the karaoke song. A first input device collects a first singing voice which is physically sung along the orchestral accompaniment sound to fit with the first vocal part. A second input device collects a second singing voice which is physically sung along the orchestral accompaniment sound to support the first singing voice. An adjuster device adjusts at least a pitch of the second singing voice collected by the second input device according to reference data contained in the song data so as to fit the second singing voice with the second vocal part.

Abstract: An effect adding system for use in Karaoke performance applications is provided which, when one person sings, singing with different height from that of the actual singing, or singing with different timing from that of the actual singing, is automatically carried out to yield, in part, the same effect as if a chorus, duet, round, or the like is performed by a plurality of persons. In one embodiment, the effect adding system accomplishes this by means of pitch conversion and/or delay of the aural input signal in response to pitch conversion and/or delay information deriving from stored performance information for a particular musical composition.

Abstract: The karaoke apparatus is constructed for accompanying a karaoke music on a singer according to music information. In the karaoke apparatus, a providing device provides the music information containing accompaniment data and at least first reference data and second reference data, respectively, corresponding to a first part and a second part of the karaoke music. A generating device generates the karaoke music according to the accompaniment data while a first singer sings the first part along with the karaoke music and a second singer sings the second part along with the karaoke music. A collecting device collects a first singing voice of the first singer and a second singing voice of the second singer during progression of the karaoke music.

Abstract: A management apparatus stores a use start time and a use period of each of karaoke apparatuses. When the remaining time of any one of the karaoke apparatuses is 10 minutes or less, time limit information message is transmitted to the karaoke apparatus. The karaoke apparatus displays the time limit information message on its monitor so as to notify the user of the information. At the same time, the user in allowed to input the extension of the use period though a commander. If the input of the use period extension is performed, the karaoke apparatus transmits an extension requesting message to the management apparatus In response to the message, the management apparatus updates the data of the use period.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, playing data are produced by depressing a key in a keyboard, and divided into plural groups. At least one of the semi-automatic playing channels processes sound data of a musical piece read out of a memory to generate musical tones in synchronism with the playing data of at least one group. The sound data may be corrected according to sound correcting data before being used to generate musical tones.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus mixes a live singing sound with a harmony chorus sound and an orchestral accompaniment sound. A first input terminal is connectable to a microphone to receive therefrom a first vocal signal representative of a first live singing sound. A second input terminal is connectable to another microphone to receive therefrom a second vocal signal representative of a second live singing sound which is different than the first live singing sound. A chorus generator is provided for processing the first vocal signal to generate a harmony signal representative of the harmony chorus sound which originates from the first live singing sound. A mixer is provided for mixing the generated harmony signal with the second vocal signal, which is not processed by the chorus generator, to provide a mix signal.

Abstract: An effect control method, an effect control device with the following configuration is provided on a karaoke system, which is one of audio regenerator or synthesizer systems.

Abstract: A sound reproducing apparatus used in Karaoke and the like uses a record medium or a communication medium on which an accompaniment sound signal, data indicative of a scale, and song standard information are recorded. The sound reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing section, a signal generating section and an adding section. The reproducing section reproduces the accompaniment sound signal and the data indicative of the scale from any of the media. The signal generating section generates a harmony signal relative to a sound signal from a microphone on the basis of the data indicative of the scale reproduced by the reproducing section and the song standard information. The adding section adds the sound signal from the microphone, the accompaniment sound signal reproduced by the reproducing section, and the harmony signal from the signal generating section to produce an output signal.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a low-cost disc playback system which reduces the time the user has to wait for a disc to be played back. To achieve this objective, the system mounts a disc, added to the rack 1, onto the player 2, reads the beginning part data of the disc, and stores it in the fixed disk unit 5. The user gives a disc playback instruction from the instructing means 6. Then, the system reads the beginning part data of the requested disc from the fixed disk unit 5, and sends it immediately to the outputting means 3. While the beginning part data is being played back, the system mounts the requested disc onto the player 2 and starts reading data from it. The system switches the beginning part data, sent from the fixed disk unit 5 to the outputting means, to the part of data on the disc corresponding to the beginning part data when they are synchronized.

Abstract: A method of and computer system for training a student to play a musical work having an identifiable rhythm structure, the musical work being decomposable into a plurality of variations each maintaining the identifiable rhythm structure. According to the method, a musical score of each variation is generated and then the musical scores are arranged in order of rhythmic difficulty. An animated movie is then generated, the movie comprising the music score of at least one variation, a sound recording of the music score, a graphic device that highlights the identifiable rhythm structure and a representation of how the music score would be played on a musical instrument. The animated movie is then presented to the student.

Abstract: An electric stringed instrument having an integral accompaniment system is proposed. The vibrations of the strings on the electric stringed instrument are detected as analog signals by a pickup device. A portion of the detected signal is extracted, has its voltage adjusted, is converted into a digital signal, and is read into a CPU as a digital signal within a range of 0-5 volts. An amplification factor of the digital signal is determined according to sound volume data included in accompaniment data stored within the accompaniment system, and the proportion of sound volume between the player's performance and an automatically generated accompaniment is adjusted by multiplying the sound volume of the player's performance, or of the accompaniment, by the amplification factor. The sound volume adjustment is effected only once and only when an automatic balancing switch provided on the instrument is depressed.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is provided with a pickup device that collects a singing voice sound to convert the same into a corresponding vocal signal. Further, a music generator device generates a music signal representative of a karaoke accompaniment sound which is selected to accompany the singing voice sound. A harmony generator device generates a harmony signal representative of a harmony chorus sound which is made consonant with the singing voice sound. A first processor device processes the vocal signal to impart an effect to the collected singing voice sound. A second processor device processes the harmony signal separately from the vocal signal to impart another effect to the harmony chorus sound independently from the singing voice sound. A sound device amplifies the processed vocal signal, the processed harmony signal and the generated music signal so as to sound the singing voice sound, the harmony chorus sound and the karaoke accompaniment sound concurrently with each other.

Abstract: A CD video-song accompaniment apparatus reproduces information from a compact disc and contains a CD reproducing portion, a CD-OK reproducing portion, and audio selector, and a main controller. The CD reproducing portion reads audio data from the compact disc and generates an audio signal if the compact disc is a first type of compact disc. On the other hand, the CD reproducing portion reads digital data from the compact disc if the compact disc is a second type of compact disc. The CD-OK reproducing portion inputs the digital data, which contains background image data and music information data, generates a first background image and a second background image based on the background image data, and generates a CD-OK audio signal based on the music information data. The audio selector inputs the audio signal generated by the CD reproducing portion and the CD-OK audio signal generated by the CD-OK reproducing portion and selectively outputs either the audio signal or the CD-OK audio signal.

Abstract: A performance evaluation method for use in a karaoke apparatus evaluates a singing performance of a karaoke singer by measuring differences between the karaoke singer's vocal rendition and an accompanying music produced by an audiovisual device. Digitized voice signals and their corresponding digitized accompaniment signals are produced by sampling simultaneously the karaoke singer's vocal rendition and the accompanying music, respectively. Then, a difference between a digitized voice signal and its corresponding digitized accompaniment signal and a trend of differences are calculated and used to generate a performance score.

Abstract: A normal automatic accompaniment performance is executed in accordance with an accompaniment pattern read out from a pattern memory. When a special performance is designated such as an intro, fill-in or ending performance, a modification suitable for the special performance is applied to a accompaniment pattern read out from the memory, so that the special performance is inserted in accordance with the thus-modified accompaniment pattern. At that time, the pattern may be modified by desired modifier data describing a manner of modifying the pattern. The pattern modification can be diversified by setting an individual modification condition to each musical instrument part of the accompaniment pattern in correspondence to the designated modifier. A memory is provided for storing a number of modifier data, and a further arrangement is provided for freely editing the modifier data stored in the memory.

Abstract: In an audio signal processor, an input device inputs a polyphonic audio signal containing a plurality of melodic parts which constitute a music composition. A detecting device detects a particular one of the melodic parts contained in the input polyphonic audio signal. An extracting device extracts the detected melodic part from the input polyphonic audio signal. A harmony generating device shifts a pitch of the extracted melodic part to generate a harmony audio signal representative of an additional harmony part. An output device mixes the generated harmony audio signal to the input polyphonic audio signal so as to sound the music composition which contains the additional harmony part derived from the particular one of the melodic parts.

Abstract: A data format is provided for song accompaniment which includes pointers indicating a starting position of accompaniment data and lyrics data in every section of a song is provided. The data format includes a lyrics data portion having lyrics data; an accompaniment data portion having accompaniment data corresponding to the lyrics data of the lyrics data portion; and a header portion having a plurality of pointer pairs, each pointer pair being composed of one pointer indicating the front position of each section in the lyrics data of the lyrics data portion and the other pointer indicating the front position of accompaniment data corresponding to the front position of each section. The data format has a header portion including pointers indicating the starting position of a section, thereby allowing the synchronization of the lyrics and accompaniment data of every section during the reproduction of a data format.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus that realizes automatic performance with a variety of different arrangement patterns. The automatic performance apparatus uses automatic performance data that is formed from common data (for example, a main melody portion), and data of a plurality of arrangement styles. A user can select an arrangement style from the plurality of arrangement styles. By selecting an arrangement style, the common data representative of the main melody and data of the selected arrangement style are read out for the automatic performance. The automatic performance data includes identification data for identifying common data and the plurality of arrangement styles from each other. By using the identification data, common data and data for a selected arrangement are identified and selectively extracted so that the automatic performance is performed with a selected arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic playing apparatus registers pattern data representative of a plurality of performance patterns in a storage, and sequentially designates performance patterns to form a music composition. The apparatus sequentially retrieve the pattern data of the designated performance patterns from the storage to reproduce a sequence of the designated performance patterns to undergo an automatic play of the music composition. The apparatus operates when incidentally designating an absent performance pattern which is not registered in the storage for substituting an available one of the registered performance patterns for the absent performance pattern so as to maintain the automatic play.

Abstract: An audio block sequence compiler for selecting a plurality of audio blocks to generate a sequence having a duration corresponding to user-prescribed criteria. In a preferred embodiment, a user chooses an audio, e.g., a musical, segment from a predefined audio library and prescribes the duration of an audio sequence. Prior to depositing each musical segment in the library, the musical selection is divided into audio blocks that are identified in a corresponding encoding table with characteristics including (1) duration, (2) suitability for being used as a beginning or ending of an audio sequence, and (3) musical compatibility with each audio block. Using this characteristic table and the user-prescribed criteria, i.e., duration, the audio block sequence compiler generates a plurality of audio sequences satisfying the user-prescribed criteria which can be reviewed, e.g., played, and/or saved for future use.

Abstract: A multimedia product for use for use in a multimedia computer to assist a student to learn to play a given musical work previously recorded on a master recording. A method of making the product is described which ensures that multimedia representations of the work are properly synchronized to the actual tempo variations, if any, in the master recording. A method of using the product for music training is also described.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for the automatic composition and reproduction of musical accompaniments and/or songs.

Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus responsive to a request for producing a karaoke accompaniment according to performance data, a sound source of a physical model type is controlled according to shape data which characterizes an acoustic vibration of a model musical instrument for electrically simulating the acoustic vibration to synthesize a tone waveform as if created by the model musical instrument, and is driven according to performance data for sequentially processing the tone waveform to produce the karaoke accompaniment. A distributor is settable with the shape data for feeding the sound source with the set physical data. A memory stores a plurality of items of performance data and a plurality of types of shape data in correspondence with each other.

Abstract: A karaoke device for playing music stored on replaceable solid state memory cartridges with a console having controls for enabling the user to select the musical pieces to be played. The device features an LCD screen for displaying the title and lyrics of the song wherein the words are highlighted as the music is played. The device is connectable to a microphone so that the users voice may be mixed in with the music. A console of the device has controls for allowing the user to select the title of the selected song. A keyboard is provided on a console enabling the user to modify characteristics such as pitch and tempo of the song.