Abstract: Minimizing the damaging effects of loud music but with minimal reduction in aesthetic quality of the music. When music presented through an audio is sampled in order to determine average frequency, music having very low average frequencies is predictably likely to be played louder than sampled music having higher average frequencies. This unexpected observation is based upon a human factor, i.e. rock and related music that is ordinarily composed and presented at relatively low frequencies, e.g. 500 to 1000 Hz is likely to be played on the audio system at very high volume because of the tastes of its listeners. An audio system for a data processor controlled presentation of music with a set up for minimizing the damaging effects of loud music comprising an implementation for predetermining a minimum average frequency of music being presented in combination with measuring whether the music being presented falls below said minimum average frequency for a sampling period.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone generating apparatus which enables beginners inexperienced in musical performance and like players to play a musical instrument such as an electronic harp without practicing repeatedly. The musical instrument has a plurality of operating elements such as strings to which a plurality of musical tones are assigned, respectively. Musical tones are generated in response to operations of the operating elements. Ones of the musical tones, assigned to ones of said operating elements which are not to be operated are muted.

Abstract: A music playback unit for correcting the frequency characteristics of a speaker installed in a portable telephone, without using an equalizer. The musical score data is stored in the SMF memory, and data for correcting the velocity of musical score data for each velocity of each note is stored in a DB memory. The sound generator driver reads the musical score data from the SMF memory, and reads the correction data from the DB memory, and also corrects the velocity of the musical score data by substituting the musical score data and correction data in a predetermined calculation formula. The musical score data after the velocity is corrected is played by the MIDI sound generator, amplifier and speaker.

Abstract: A portable device has a portable telephone function and a music reproduction function. In a music reproduction mode, a dedicated unit receives music data from a memory and executes music reproduction processing. In addition, the dedicated unit generates vibrator vibration data based on which a vibrator output is provided in synchronism with the music reproduction. An audio output unit provides an audio output which is produced from a loudspeaker in accordance with an acoustic signal output from the dedicated unit. A peripheral output unit controls the driving of the vibrator in accordance with the vibrator vibration data output from the dedicated data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical-file-processing apparatus, a musical-file-processing method and a musical-file-processing method program. The present invention can be applied to a case in which, for example, musical files are stored typically in a personal computer to be reproduced later. Each musical file is recorded by detecting a recording level of the file and the file is reproduced with the volume of the file corrected on the basis of the detected level so that complicated operations can be avoided and recorded musical files with different recording level can each be reproduced at a proper volume.

Abstract: A method generates waveform signals from a plurality of channels to sound a music tone through an electro-acoustic converter in response to sounding instruction information.

Abstract: There is provided a database storing motion components, each of which includes motion information representative of a performance motion trajectory corresponding to a subdivided performance pattern for each musical instrument or part along with sounded point markers specifying tone-generation timing in the motion information. Motion components corresponding to the performance information are sequentially read out from the database to create basic motion information, and a three-dimensional picture is generated on the basis of the basic motion information and visually shown on a graphic display unit. Picture to be thus displayed can be selected optionally via a musical instrument change switch, player change switch and stage change switch, and the selected picture can be displayed in any desired direction by means of a viewpoint change switch.

Abstract: A music apparatus has a central processor, a plurality of generator modules, and a program memory storing instructions for causing the central processor to execute a process of synthesizing a musical tone signal with the generator modules. The process includes the steps of commanding each of the generator modules to generate a predetermined number of samples of the musical tone signal at a common sampling period, and collecting the samples from each of the generator modules and processing the collected samples at the common sampling period to thereby synthesize the musical tone signal. The generator modules include a synchronous generator module that does generate the predetermined number of the samples at the common sampling period, and an asynchronous generator module that does not generate the predetermined number of the samples at the common sampling period.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone generation control system that, even if the player moves, enables him/her to listen to good musical tones at a location to which the player has moved without the necessity of making adjustments by himself/herself. Information on a position of a listener is detected. A plurality of speakers are provided for sounding musical tones corresponding to a musical tone signal supplied from said tone generator. The volume of musical tones to be sounded from the plurality of speakers according to the detected position.

Abstract: There is provided a tone generating apparatus and method that enables recording and reproduction of performance made by a performer without requiring any complicated operations. Musical tones generated from a musical instrument are detected, and tone data is stored in a storage device, and the tone data stored in the storage device is reproduced and at least one tone corresponding to the tone data is egenrated when no next musical tone is detected within a predetermined period of time after a musical tone is detected.

Abstract: During mixing of two musical tracks, the variations in combined output volume are reduced by analyzing either the intrinsic amplitude at which each track was mastered or the output amplitude (i.e. subsequent to amplification of the audio signal), and modifying either the intrinsic amplitude or amplification during the mixing phase. Musical clashes during mixing are avoided by analyzing intrinsic amplitudes of the two tracks at similar frequencies to detect the likelihood of a clash, and in the event a clash is detected, reducing the output amplitude of one of the tracks at the relevant frequency.

Abstract: Style-of-rendition identification information representing a style of rendition of a performance tone is received, and reference is made to a predetermined table on the basis of the received style-of-rendition identification information to thereby obtain, from the table, style-of-rendition module data corresponding to the received style-of-rendition identification information. Waveform is produced on the basis of the obtained style-of-rendition module data. The style-of-rendition module data is data representing behavior of a waveform to be produced in accordance with a style of rendition and may include data representing characteristic behavior of vectors that control the waveform to be reproduced. The behavior of the waveform can be defined by various waveform factors. The vectors include, for example, vectors of various fundamental waveform factors for producing the waveform, such as a waveform shape, pitch, amplitude and time axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical-file-processing apparatus, a musical-file-processing method and a musical-file-processing method program. The present invention can be applied to a case in which, for example, musical files are stored typically in a personal computer to be reproduced later. Each musical file is recorded by detecting a recording level of the file and the file is reproduced with the volume of the file corrected on the basis of the detected level so that complicated operations can be avoided and recorded musical files with different recording level can each be reproduced at a proper volume.

Abstract: There is provided a database storing motion components, each of which includes motion information representative of a performance motion trajectory corresponding to a subdivided performance pattern for each musical instrument or part along with sounded point markers specifying tone-generation timing in the motion information. Motion components corresponding to the performance information are sequentially read out from the database to create basic motion information, and a three-dimensional picture is generated on the basis of the basic motion information and visually shown on a graphic display unit. Picture to be thus displayed can be selected optionally via a musical instrument change switch, player change switch and stage change switch, and the selected picture can be displayed in any desired direction by means of a viewpoint change switch.

Abstract: Waveform corresponding to a tone performed with desired styles of rendition is produced from vector data generated on the basis of received style-of-rendition stream data. The style-of-rendition stream data describes a series of performance tones by a combination of characteristics of a plurality of styles of rendition. The vector data can be generated for each of the styles of rendition, and waveforms corresponding to any desired styles of rendition can be produced in a simplified manner with facility on the basis of the individual vector data.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument having a single-tone priority function includes touch detection value storage means for storing a touch detection value that pertains to an ON key, priority key selection means for selecting the first priority key out of ON keys when detecting a key OFF event, tone generation means for generating a tone corresponding to the first priority key selected by the priority key selection means, tone volume computation means for computing a tone volume of the tone generated by the tone generation means on the basis of a touch detection value that pertains to the priority key stored in the touch detection value storage means, and a touch detection value that pertains to the latest key event, and tone generation control means for controlling to generate the tone in the tone volume computed by the tone volume computation means, thereby allowing a legato play with a natural tone volume with respect to a play made so far.

Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.

Abstract: A music organizer and entertainment center provides a center having a microprocessor, sound card functions and high-volume data storage and retrieval units for playing back music according to a variety of predetermined categories. Music can be played back in random form or can be played back according to a particular pre-selected order. The categories are provided by service provider who delivers selected titles and/or songs to the end user. The songs are typically loaded using a custom CD-ROM provided from the service provider. The music is provided in data-compressed form and is decompressed and processed through a sound card during playback. The categories can include a variety of parameters such as title, artists, date, speed, dance characteristics, subjective energy level and music style, such as easy-listening, upbeat, etc.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus that is responsive to a manual player of an input implement for producing either an arpeggio performance or a pattern performance in a modified form. Specifically, the present invention includes: a sequencer block that is responsive to manual play for generating a sequence of original note data representing either the arpeggio performance or the pattern performance; an input block to set control parameters; a play effector block to process the original note data according to the control parameters; a transposer block that shifts the altered note data by a predetermined interval to thereby generate shifted note data; a note effector block that generates additional note data in superposed relation to the shifted note data; a tone generator block that is receptive of the shifted note data and the additional note data for generating corresponding musical tones to thereby provide the modified form of either of the arpeggio performance and the pattern performance.

Abstract: A musical tone signal communications apparatus having: a timing adjusting unit for adjusting a timing of a digital musical tone signal at each channel; a level adjusting unit for adjusting a level of the digital musical tone signal at each channel; a receiving unit for receiving a digital musical tone signal from an external device; an adder unit for adding at each channel the digital musical signal adjusted by the timing adjusting unit and level adjusting unit to the digital musical tone signal received by the first receiving unit; and a transmitting unit for transmitting an added digital musical tone signal generated by the adder unit to another external device.

Abstract: A method is designed for displaying a visual image of a music system that is constructed to play at least one performance part with a particular timbre and that is applied with an acoustic effect, an accompaniment style and the like.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and means for estimating the time-varying spectrum of an audio signal based on a conditional probability density function (PDF) of spectral coding vectors conditioned on pitch and loudness values. Using this PDF a time-varying output spectrum is generated as a function of time-varying pitch and loudness sequences arriving from an electronic music instrument controller. The time-varying output spectrum is converted to a synthesized output audio signal. The pitch and loudness sequences may also be derived from analysis of an input audio signal. Methods and means for synthesizing an output audio signal in response to an input audio signal are also described in which the time-varying spectrum of an input audio signal is estimated based on a conditional probability density function (PDF) of input spectral coding vectors conditioned on input pitch and loudness values.

Abstract: For use in a synthesizer having a wave source that produces a periodic wave, frequency shifting circuitry for frequency-shifting the periodic wave and waveshaping circuitry for transforming the periodic wave into a waveform containing a formant, the frequency-shifting causing displacement of the formant, a circuit for, and method of, compensating for the displacement and a synthesizer employing the circuit or the method. In one embodiment, the circuit includes bias circuitry, coupled to the wave source and the frequency shifting circuitry, that introduces a bias into the periodic wave based on a degree to which the frequency shifting circuitry frequency shifts the periodic wave, the bias reducing a degree to which the formant is correspondingly frequency-shifted.

Abstract: A digital wavetable audio synthesizer is described. The synthesizer can generate up to 32 high-quality audio digital signals or voices, including delay-based effects, at either a 44.1 KHz sample rate or at sample rates compatible with a prior art wavetable synthesizer. The synthesizer includes an address generator which has several modes of addressing wavetable data. The address generator's addressing rate controls the pitch of the synthesizer's output signal. The synthesizer performs a 10-bit interpolation, using the wavetable data addressed by the address generator, to interpolate additional data samples. When the address generator loops through a block of data, the signal path interpolates between the data at the end and start addresses of the block of data to prevent discontinuities in the generated signal. A synthesizer volume generator, which has several modes of controlling the volume, adds envelope, right offset, left offset, and effects volume to the data.

Abstract: A performance data editing apparatus is realized by a computer system and/or an electronic musical instrument to provide rich expressions of an automatic performance by performing a variety of editing processes on performance data. Herein, the performance data correspond to multiple parts of the music played by the automatic performance, so at least one of the parts is designated as an editing part. For example, a velocity expander editing process is provided to broaden a distribution range of velocity data representing tone volumes of musical tones of the editing part. Thus, it is possible to emphasize ups and downs in variations of the tone volumes with respect to the editing part. A sound duplication editing process is provided to duplicate generation of a same musical tone under a condition where a shortage of tone-generation channels does not occur. Thus, it is possible to produce a marrowy and thick musical tone with respect to the editing part.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for enhancing an audio signal to reflect positional information of a sound emitting object in a simulation are described. The method includes determining a parameter describing a location of the sound emitting object. A setting for the audio signal is adjusted based on the first parameter by sending an adjustment command to an audio interface device. Either the whole audio signal, or a portion thereof is transferred to the audio interface device after the adjustment command. The apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and an audio interface coupled to a bus. The memory contains an audio adjustment routine which, when executed by the processor, sends an adjustment command to the audio interface device to adjust a characteristic of an audio signal. The adjustment command reflects a spatial location of an emitter in a simulated environment.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument has a processing circuit for adding a reverberation tone after volume control using expression data generated upon operation of an expression pedal to generate tone data which does not vary the attenuation characteristics of the reverberation tone by operation of the expression pedal. The volume control and reverberation tone addition are implemented by a digital signal processor. Auditory sense correction of the volume control is also done by exponentially transforming expression data.

Abstract: The present invention involves a microelectronic device capable of audio playback of highlights, in conjunction with products such as a gift box or a "base" for nostalgia and memorabilia such as a gift or music box (20) with its base (22) and hingedly attached lid (24), or a base supporting an object of interest. A switch (26) or light sensor or other actuation device is mounted in or on the base and is coupled to a circuit board (28) also disposed in the base. The switch is open and the circuit is inactive when lid (24) rests atop base (22), but the switch closes when the lid is opened to activate the circuit board. In the alternative a manual switch, such as a press-button switch, may be used to activate the replay function. The circuit board, when activated, audibly reproduces "highlights", which is audio information sufficiently long to cover a significant event, e.g.

Abstract: A music organizer and entertainment center provides a center having a microprocessor, sound card functions and high-volume data storage and retrieval units for playing back music according to a variety of predetermined categories. Music can be played back in random form or can be played back according to a particular pre-selected order. The categories are provided by service provider who delivers selected titles and/or songs to the end user. The songs are typically loaded using a custom CD-ROM provided from the service provider. The music is provided in- data-compressed form and is decompressed and processed through a sound card during playback. The categories can include a variety of parameters such as title, artists, date, speed, dance characteristics, subjective energy level and music style, such as easy-listening, upbeat, etc.

Abstract: Groove data for imparting a variation to one or more predetermined factors, such as generation timing, gate time and velocity, of a tone based on the automatic performance data are stored in a memory as a groove template. Further, modification data for modifying variation amounts of the predetermined factors are stored in the memory in a time series in corresponding relation to progression of an automatic performance. Automatic performance is carried out by modifying the variation amounts of the one or more predetermined factors in the groove template in accordance with the modification data and thus modifying the predetermined factors of the tone, based on the automatic performance data, in accordance with the thus-modified variation amounts.

Abstract: The invention was developed in order to play an electronic piano in the same manner as when playing an acoustic piano without feeling any sense of incompatibility. At S100, the key velocity (key stroke strength) is detected by key sensors 33 and 35. At S110, the detected key stroke strength is converted referring to the conversion table stored in ROM 43 and showing a touch curve. At S120, based on said converted key stroke strength data, an electronic sound source 9 and an amplifier 11 are controlled to generate sounds from speakers. The converted key stroke strength represents the sound volume. Since the conversion table of the present embodiment is set so that when the electronic piano is played with the same touch as in playing the acoustic piano, the same sound volume as the acoustic piano can be obtained. Therefore, the player do not feel any sense of incompatibility.

Abstract: An electronic music instrument system, comprising: an electronic music instrument, having selectable groups of reproducible sounds and individually selectable reproducible sounds; a signal generator for energizing an audio amplifier responsive to different digital audio sources, including the groups of sounds and the individual sounds a graphical user interface for displaying at least one control graphic representing controllable parameters of the audio signals generated by the generator; and, a controller responsive to operation of the control graphic for adjusting the controllable parameters of the generator and for selectively coupling different ones of the sources to the generator. The graphical user interface can comprise: a video display; and, a touch-responsive overlay. The controllable parameters can include multiple instrument sound selection and sound layer assignment, controlled responsive to operation of the at least one control graphic.

Abstract: An auto-play apparatus has an edit function for thinning out various kinds of music tone control information indicating analog control amounts contained in auto-play data pre-stored in units of parts. A data sequence of music tone control information to be edited is received to detect if the target data and its preceding and succeeding data indicate one of an increment data sequence and decrement data sequence, and thins out the target data to reduce the data volume.

Abstract: A digital sound generating apparatus and sound generating method therefor is disclosed including a CPU interface for exchanging information with a CPU controlling the generation of a sound, a slot memory for storing various control parameters of the sound to be generated, a slot assigner for providing slot information for generating a new sound to the CPU when the new sound is generated, a data processor for executing an operation to reproduce an original sound using the various parameters of the slot memory, and a volume controller for receiving the information of the slot memory and the slot assigner to control the volume of the original sound.

Abstract: An electric stringed musical instrument that produces and processes electric signals through an analog circuit has the analog circuit digitally controlled. The digital control is preferably such that it enables desired preset conditions for the analog circuit to be stored and later recalled in a simple, rapid manner by a musician while he or she is playing the instrument. The instrument can additionally, or alternatively, include energy management and string responsiveness features.

Abstract: To simulate sympathetic resonances for an electronic musical instrument, during the playing of free notes an excited notes, updating takes place of a first list (26) of free notes and their harmonics and of a second list (28) of excited notes ans their harmonics. At each activation of a free note, for each harmonic of said free note, is sought at least one identical harmonic of a note of the second list (28) and the playing of a sympathetic note is controlled with the pitch of each identical harmonic, and at each activation of an excited note, for each harmonic of said excited note, is sought at least one identical harmonic of a free note of the first lest (26) and the playing of a sympathetic note is controlled at the pitch of each identical harmonic.

Abstract: A DSP-based electronic carillon system is disclosed. The system comprises a digital signal processor (DSP), memory for storing program code for controlling the operation of the DSP in carrying out pre-programmed algorithms, and an output circuit for converting the output of the DSP into audible sound. DSP algorithms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a tempo and volume of a MIDI file having a plurality of MIDI instructions stored on a computer-readable medium are disclosed. The method includes the computer-implemented steps of incrementing a counter at a first rate, transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to a general MIDI-compatible device at the first rate, receiving an input signal from a data input device, determining a first increment value when the input signal is received, determining a first average value from the first increment value and a predetermined number of second increment values; and transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to the general MIDI-compatible device at a second rate when the first average value has a predetermined logical relationship to a second average value.

Abstract: An electric guitar amplifier which utilizes a digital signal processor to produce vacuum-tube-like distortion without certain unwanted audio artifacts created by previous digital realizations of nonlinear, high-gain functions. By virtue of a microprocessor-controlled digital signal processor embodiment, the invention gives the user programmable control over parameters normally associated with state of the art guitar amplifiers (e.g. tone controls, reverb controls, tremolo controls, etc.), as well as other musically useful parameters which are not normally included among the controls of a guitar amplifier (e.g. selection of preamp type, autovolume, reverberation type, autowah, etc.).

Abstract: An electronic sound source comprises an adder which calculates a sum of volume data and differential volume data in response to each clock signal supplied at equal intervals of time and transfers it to a limiter and a volume register. The sum volume data is then limited to a predetermined value by the limiter and passed across a volume register to a volume controller where it is multiplied by an output of a mute processor.

Abstract: An automatic performance section and an effect imparting section or (and) a pitch measuring section are provided in combination within a single device, and the operations of these sections are collectively controlled by a processor. To an external sound signal input from outside the device, the effect imparting section imparts an effect designated by designating data. For tuning purposes, the pitch measuring section detects zero-cross points of the external sound signal to measure the pitch of the signal. Under the control of the processor, the automatic performance section, which has automatic performance data and change data stored therein, under the control of the processor, reads out the performance data to perform an automatic performance process and also reads out the change data for changing the designating data to thereby change an effect to be imparted.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument for reproducing reflected sound generated by an acoustic piano and providing the feeling that sound is reflected and shifted. Left and right system sound signals are generated corresponding to the position of a depressed key on a keyboard. The sound signals are processed through a digital signal processor, a digital-to-analog converter and amplifiers. The processed sound signals are transmitted to left and right loudspeakers. The digital sound processor is composed of filters for extracting predetermined frequency components from each of the sound signals, delay elements for transmitting outputs from the filters with a delay of predetermined time, and adders for adding outputs from the delay elements to the original left and right system sound signals.

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 tone signal generator including a memory for storing tone signal data, a parameter generation device for generating parameter data, and a tone signal data generation device for generating the tone signal data by reading it from the memory, according to the parameter data. The generator includes also a level monitor device for monitoring a level of the tone signal data, and access control device to the memory. The access control device inhibits an access of the tone signal generation device to the memory when the level monitor device detects that the level of the tone signal data monitored is less than a specified value.Because the access control device inhibits the access of the tone signal generation device when the level of the tone signal data reaches the specified value, any other devices, such as a cpu, can access to the memory device in place of the tone signal generation device.

Abstract: A wavetable audio synthesizer with means for eliminating zipper noise caused by large volume increments, especially at slower rates of volume increment. The wavetable audio synthesizer includes shift circuitry which stores the value of volume increment in binary format and shifts the value right when the shift circuitry is enabled. Shifting the increment value right divides the value by an amount based on the number of bit positions shifted. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the volume increment value is shifted right three positions, thereby dividing it by three and effectively reducing the increment value. When the synthesizer is programmed to increment the volume at a slow rate, preferably the shift circuitry is automatically enabled. Those volume increment bits which are shifted right may be added to the current value of the volume to provide more resolution to this value.

Abstract: A music system including a musical instrument, such as a keyboard strummer, in which the musical notes produced by the playing of the instrument are controlled by musical assistance data mapped unto the instrument keys and strum vanes from tracks specially prepared and synchronized with a prior performance of the piece.

Abstract: Music information and word information are input to a music/word information input unit. A voice part extracting unit extracts note length information, pitch information, loudness information, and phonetic symbols from the music information and the word information for each voice part. A note length information changing unit changes the note length information extracted for each voice part. A pitch information changing unit changes the pitch information extracted for each voice part. Furthermore, a loudness information changing unit detects a solo in a chorus and changes the loudness information of the solo. A singing voice signal synthesizing unit provided for each voice part synthesizes a singing voice signal according to the note length information extracted and changed for each voice part, the pitch information extracted and changed for each voice part, the changed loudness information, and the phonetic symbols.

Abstract: Ratios of frequencies of frequency components of formant waveform signals are changed, and consonance of frequency components of a musical tone is controlled. Moreover, amplitudes, frequencies or numbers of formants are controlled depending upon the musical factors, making rich the contents for changing the musical tones.

Abstract: A data set including data representing volume levels of an original sound and of an effect-imparted sound that has been set by a first musical instrument is transmitted to a second musical instrument. If any effect corresponding to the transmitted effect volume level data is not achievable by the second musical instrument, the second musical instrument modifies the original sound volume level in accordance with the effect volume level data, to thereby control a total volume balance. When tone color designating information is transmitted from the first instrument to the second instrument and tone color designated by the information is achieved by the second instrument, data representing a tone color group having been achieved by the second instrument is stored. Then, when any tone color group not achievable by the second instrument is designated, the designated tone color group is replaced with the stored tone color group.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument having a rhythm performance function includes a first memory for pre-storing plural rhythm tone kinds, rhythm selecting switches each capable of designating one of said rhythm tone kinds and a rhythm tone generator having plural channels. The selected rhythm tone kind is assigned to each channel of the rhythm tone generator. A rhythm tone corresponding to the selected rhythm tone kind is generated by each channel so that continuous rhythm tones will be generated by plural channels based on time division system. In addition, before playing a rhythm performance, rhythm patterns can be arbitrarily programmed and then stored into a second memory by operating the rhythm selecting switches and other switches corresponding to the predetermined rhythm tones of plural musical instruments.