Abstract: A tool for providing user-configurable earcons, i.e. auditory cues, includes an earcon event engine responsive to command messages issued by tasks executing on a computer system. The command messages include an index to an earcon data file, which, in turn includes a reference to an audio file and audio parameter data for manipulating the acoustic parameters of the audio wave. A file interpreter provides the audio parameters to an audio processor for generation of the earcon. In one embodiment, the invention can be utilized with MIDI compatible instruments or sound cards.