Abstract: A system and method is provided for instructing students and players to read music notation and to play an instrument. The method includes presenting an interactive display including a graphical representation of at least a portion of a musical instrument and a plurality of lines having spaces therebetween. The plurality of lines and spaces represent a staff of musical notation. The method includes associating the lines and spaces with placement of at least one of a student's fingers to the instrument. The method further includes presenting, on the interactive display, a musical score including a plurality of notes by streaming each of the notes on one of the lines and spaces such that when each of the notes meets a portion of the graphical representation of the musical instrument the student, in response, manipulates a corresponding one of their fingers to play the instrument.

Abstract: System showing the finger positions on multiple different musical instruments for all the chords in all the keys of the Major Scale, color coordinated to western music's twelve point chromatic scale, showing key signature, character, chromatic scale degree and other relevant musical information.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument learning aid having a plurality of keys including: sensing means operatively associated with the keyboard for sensing the presence of an object at a spaced disposition with respect to the keys of the keyboard; positioning means operatively associated with the sensing means for positioning the sensing means such that the spaced disposition is within a predetermined space with respect to the keys; and reporting means operatively associated with the sensing means and operable to report when an object is sensed to be present at the spaced disposition.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for musical learning and interaction. Embodiments include presenting a musical instrument at a user interface. The user interface includes a video layer. The video layer is configured to visually present one or more frames of video. The user interface also includes a virtual musical instrument. The virtual musical instrument is overlaid over a least a portion of the video layer, and is at least partially transparent. As such, the portion of the video layer over which the virtual musical instrument is overlaid shows through the virtual musical instrument.

Abstract: A reconfigurable magnetic numerical keyboard chart and a numerically notated sheet facilitates learning to play and playing piano. The chart fits behind a keyboard. Notes are numbered. The numbers correspond to keys to be played. A notated sheet shows the sequence of keys to play, including a duration for each key. Complex musical notation can be avoided. Indicia displayed on the magnetic chart may be changed using magnetic pieces.

Abstract: A musical aid (2) has an elongate body (4) having at least three ridges (8) which extend outwards and along the musical aid (2). Each ridge (8) has two side surfaces (12) and at least two different side surfaces (12) carry respective sets of key-indicating markers (16) which each represent a different group of types of musical pattern. The musical aid (2) has multiple orientations in which it can be placed on a musical keyboard (40), and in each orientation the key-indicating markers (16) of a different side surface (12) indicate keys for playing a different group of one or more musical patterns. The ridge structure of the musical aid (2) enables many different musical patterns to be represented in a compact form on the different side surfaces (12) of the ridges (8). When in use, the shape of the ridge structure anchors the musical aid (2) to the keyboard (40) and causes the side surfaces (12) to be placed a convenient angle for the keyboard player to see the markers (16).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing music based cognitive skills development. More particularly the present invention may provide a music based cognitive skills development platform. The platform is provided using computer implemented systems and methods for training a human subject so as to enhance his/her intelligence, attention, language skills and brain functioning. The present invention provides these benefits using exercises, one or more of which are based on musical training aspects, however, in addition to musical training other cognitive skills development exercises may be used, as described herein. The invention may be utilized by users of varying musical skills and may be presented at a level corresponding to the prior musical training (if any) of a user, and in a form corresponding to the cognitive capacity, interests and attention span of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is player module that includes an outer frame and a signal receiver configured to receive a plurality of note-on signals, each corresponding to a musical pitch and a plurality of note-off signals, each corresponding to a musical pitch. The player module includes a plurality of LEDs extending along the outer frame. Each LED is located above a key of a keyboard when the elongated outer frame is placed above the keys of the keyboard. Each of the plurality of LEDs is controlled by a corresponding note-on signal and a corresponding note-off signal, such that each of the plurality of LEDs is configured to illuminate when the processor receives the corresponding note-on signal and each of the plurality of LEDs is configured to stop illuminating when the processor receives the corresponding note-off signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing playing music on a musical instrument provides a stepped lesson comprised of a series of lesson steps about a subject music piece, each step providing practicing materials for a user to master for playing the subject music piece. The lesson steps are given to the user step by step. The apparatus stores a music-playing data set of a subject music piece for a reference and a music-playing data sets of the stepped lesson, and comprises a music-playing input device for the user to input music-playing manipulations. The apparatus judges, at each of the lesson steps, the achievements of the user in comparison with the reference music-playing data. The apparatus keeps a pass/fail score table for recording pass/fail judgments about the achievements of the user with respect to the respective lesson steps. The user can practice lesson steps selectively with reference to the pass/fail score table about his/her achievements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the real-time wireless transmission of a digital audio signal and control data. A transmitter may be coupled to an audio source. The transmitter includes a processor to combine control data with a digital audio signal from the audio source and the processor wirelessly transmits the combined control data and digital audio signal to a receiver. The receiver includes a processor that is used to receive the combined control data and digital audio signal and to process the control data to perform a user pre-defined function.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that provides a visual enhancement in conveying a vehicle reading. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes the graphical display to render a border of an instrument with a distinguishing visual attribute. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to an instrument used to convey a vehicle reading. When an abnormal condition is identified, the instrument is assigned an enhanced priority level that corresponds to the abnormal condition. Then, the method causes the graphical display to render the instrument, wherein that border of the instrument is depicted with an enhanced visual attribute indicative of the abnormal condition. In this regard, the enhanced visual attribute distinguishes the instrument from one or more other instruments depicted on the graphical display that are not assigned an enhanced priority level.

Abstract: An invention for an interactive musical game is presented that does not require the user to mentally map musical notation to instrument keys. More specifically, the invention comprises methods, apparatuses, and systems for entertainment using at least one electronic piano keyboard within a computer gaming system or module, wherein graphical game elements corresponding to note pitch, timing, duration, and/or rhythm align with and substantially correspond to the width of the keys.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning, on an electronic display, an additional musical symbol based on the location of one or more existing musical symbols can include determining one or more positional constraints on the additional musical symbol. The one or more positional constraints can include one or more preferred quantities. Each of the one or more positional constraints can be automatically defined as being either a time-based positional constraint or a space-based positional constraint. The additional symbol can be positioned in a measure of a staff at a distance away from one of the one or more existing musical symbols. The distance can be at least in part determined by at least one of the one or more preferred quantities.

Abstract: A musical aid (2) has an elongate body (4) having at least three ridges (8) which extend outwards and along the musical aid (2). Each ridge (8) has two side surfaces (12) and at least two different side surfaces (12) carry respective sets of key-indicating markers (16) which each represent a different group of types of musical pattern. The musical aid (2) has multiple orientations in which it can be placed on a musical keyboard (40), and in each orientation the key-indicating markers (16) of a different side surface (12) indicate keys for playing a different group of one or more musical patterns. The ridge structure of the musical aid (2) enables many different musical patterns to be represented in a compact form on the different side surfaces (12) of the ridges (8). When in use, the shape of the ridge structure anchors the musical aid (2) to the keyboard (40) and causes the side surfaces (12) to be placed a convenient angle for the keyboard player to see the markers (16).

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for musical learning and interaction. Embodiments include presenting a grouping of keys that share the same tonal context, and that have a tonal context that fits with a particular song. A user is prompted to provide user input, while the particular song is being played, using any order of keys selected from the particular key grouping. User input is received and is used as part of a music lesson and/or as part of a remix of the particular song. In addition, a musical instrument includes a centered keyboard, which include top keys and bottom keys that are pressable to produce musical notes and that are symmetrically centered about the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument learning aid having a plurality of keys including: sensing means operatively associated with the keyboard for sensing the presence of an object at a spaced disposition with respect to the keys of the keyboard; positioning means operatively associated with the sensing means for positioning the sensing means such that the spaced disposition is within a predetermined space with respect to the keys; and reporting means operatively associated with the sensing means and operable to report when an object is sensed to be present at the spaced disposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a musical stave reader for children formed by a lower casing (1) and an upper casing (2) on which the keyboard (3) of buttons and LEDs is placed, which keyboard is in turn divided into an upper area (4), a central area (5) and a lower area (6), a loudspeaker (7), an integrated base plate, a processor (8), and incorporating a socket for headphones (9), wherein the upper part of the keyboard (4) shows the musical stave (41), the central part of the keyboard (5) incorporates another musical stave with the distribution of the notes in a harmonic or vertical manner (51), and the lower part (6) of the keyboard contains the control buttons for the higher functions of lessons and games of the advanced operation mode, which is formed by eleven buttons and ten LEDs.

Abstract: Disclosed is player module that includes an outer frame and a signal receiver configured to receive a plurality of note-on signals, each corresponding to a musical pitch and a plurality of note-off signals, each corresponding to a musical pitch. The player module includes a plurality of LEDs extending along the outer frame. Each LED is located above a key of a keyboard when the elongated outer frame is placed above the keys of the keyboard. Each of the plurality of LEDs is controlled by a corresponding note-on signal and a corresponding note-off signal, such that each of the plurality of LEDs is configured to illuminate when the processor receives the corresponding note-on signal and each of the plurality of LEDs is configured to stop illuminating when the processor receives the corresponding note-off signal.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a musical edutainment interface on a display for playing an electronic musical instrument having frets and strings. The system comprises a processor configured to be placed in communication with the display and the electronic musical instrument and a memory including a musical edutainment software, wherein the processor is configured to execute the musical edutainment software to present, on the display, the musical edutainment interface showing an edutainment musical performance to be followed by a user of the electronic musical instrument, to animate game objects falling vertically to indicate a timing of the edutainment musical performance, to place the game objects within fret areas to demonstrate a corresponding fretting configuration on the frets of the electronic musical instrument, and to align the game objects with a plurality of string lines to demonstrate a strumming of corresponding strings on the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: An instructional device and associated method for illustrating the positions of keys and their associated notes on a keyboard are provided. The instructional device includes key markers that are adjustably mounted on a support structure in a configuration corresponding to the keys of a keyboard. The key markers correspond in size to the keys of the keyboard and are adjustable between the ends of the group of markers. Indicators are provided on the markers to indicate a chordal relationship between a respective one of the markers and the other markers. Thus, the device can be used, e.g., to indicate the position of the keys on a piano keyboard and, further, to indicate the relationship of the keys and associated notes to one another, such as by identifying various chordal relationships. In addition, the device can be adjusted to thereby illustrate such key positions and note relationships in connection with an inversion of one or more of the key markers relative to the others.

Abstract: The invention relates to a musical stave reader for children formed by a lower casing (1) and an upper casing (2) on which the keyboard (3) of buttons and LEDs is placed, which keyboard is in turn divided into an upper area (4), a central area (5) and a lower area (6), a loudspeaker (7), an integrated base plate, a processor (8), and incorporating a socket for headphones (9), wherein the upper part of the keyboard (4) shows the musical stave (41), the central part of the keyboard (5) incorporates another musical stave with the distribution of the notes in a harmonic or vertical manner (51), and the lower part (6) of the keyboard contains the control buttons for the higher functions of lessons and games of the advanced operation mode, which is formed by eleven buttons and ten LEDs.

Abstract: An invention for an interactive musical game is presented that does not require the user to mentally map musical notation to instrument keys. More specifically, the invention comprises methods, apparatuses, and systems for entertainment using at least one electronic piano keyboard within a computer gaming system or module, wherein graphical game elements corresponding to note pitch, timing, duration, and/or rhythm align with and substantially correspond to the width of the keys.

Abstract: Easy-Keys, a template of thirteen slots spaced as an one octave chromatic scale, with eight moveable fingers, to be placed on a piano-like keyboard. Easy-Keys shows the forms or tonal patterns of music and the application of the rules relating to the circle of keys and chords. Designed as a stand-alone product or to be used as a page or insert in books, publications or games. One page, which is comprised of the supporting body and eight fingers. Remove Easy-Keys from the page on the scored lines and assemble by folding on the stamped lines. The supporting body is one piece with interlocking folds. The fingers have stamped folds, and will snub or lock in any position once inserted into place as a part of the supporting body. This feature makes possible its use behind the keys as a guide when playing.

Abstract: Chord to be performed is presented to a user. Chord is detected based on one or more notes performed by the user. When it is not detected that a chord has been duly established, one of the notes performed by the user is detected as a root note of a chord. Comparison is made between the chord presented to the user and the detected chord to make a determination as to whether at least the root note of the detected chord matches the root note of the presented chord. The user is informed of a result of the determination. Thus, not only when the user has accurately executed performance operation for all component notes of the presented chord but also when the user has executed performance operation for only the root note of the presented chord, a chord performance evaluation is made, determining that the user has accurately performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing playing music on a musical instrument provides a stepped lesson comprised of a series of lesson steps about a subject music piece, each step providing practicing materials for a user to master for playing the subject music piece. The lesson steps are given to the user step by step. The apparatus stores a music-playing data set of a subject music piece for a reference and a music-playing data sets of the stepped lesson, and comprises a music-playing input device for the user to input music-playing manipulations. The apparatus judges, at each of the lesson steps, the achievements of the user in comparison with the reference music-playing data. The apparatus keeps a pass/fail score table for recording pass/fail judgments about the achievements of the user with respect to the respective lesson steps. The user can practice lesson steps selectively with reference to the pass/fail score table about his/her achievements.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, an input device inputs performance information. A tone generator operates based on tone setting parameters for generating music sounds according to the performance information. A display is capable of switching a plurality of scenes for displaying either of the performance information or tone setting parameters. An image data generation part creates one or a plurality of print image data representing contents of the plurality of the scenes upon detecting a print instruction operation. An interface is provided in the electronic musical instrument to output the print image data directly to an external printer for printing out the contents of the scenes.

Abstract: An electronic proof system is provided in association with an automatic player piano; while a human player is practicing a music tune on the acoustic piano, the electronic proof system monitors the pedals of piano to see whether or not the player brings the pedals to target pedal positions; if the current pedal position is spaced from the target pedal position, the electronic proof system gives rise to fine vibrations of the pedal, and makes the player notice the pedal staying at incorrect pedal position through the tactile impression.

Abstract: Herein described are at least a method and a system for assisting a musician in playing an instrument by way of using an intelligent multifunctional digital music display device (MDMDD). The multifunctional digital music display device (MDMDD) may be used to assist musicians or performers during practice sessions or performances. The various aspects of the invention provide a method of constructing an ADSR envelope for a note generated by an instrument, displaying one or more pages of music, generating a more accurate metronome beat consistent with the music being played, and alerting the musician when his instrument is out-of-tune. Further, the various aspects of the invention provide a method of statistically monitoring and reporting the performance of the musician. The system comprises a storage device capable of storing an instructional code, a processor for executing the instructional code, a microphone, and a display.

Abstract: A keyboard electronic musical instrument is of a type which comprises a keyboard including a plurality of individual keys for playing individual musical notes and arrayed in a first direction, and a key detecting device for detecting respective key depression velocities of the individual keys. The instrument further comprises an indicator device which presents a plurality of bar-graphic indications respectively for the individual keys in the keyboard, the bar-graphic indications being arrayed side by side in the first direction, each bar-graphic indication being elongate in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and representing the key depression velocity of each of the individual keys. When a key is depressed, the key depression velocity is detected and the bar-graphic indication which corresponds to the depressed key is illuminated in green color with a length representing the key depression velocity.

Abstract: An instructional system for teaching music theory incorporates a human-readable harmony matrix which displays at least one repeat pattern of indicia corresponding to a particular placement of the notes of the twelve note scale. This pattern is arranged so that major or minor chords may be formed by rotations and/or inversions of a basic set of patterns. These patterns depict the interrelationship of the various chords. Transposition of chords from one key to another may be readily accomplished by moving the pattern across the matrix. The matrix pattern may also be used to depict and build chord progressions. The system operates to provide a two-dimensional representation of the relationship between musical tones and may be implemented in a variety of systems for teaching music theory.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention improves training efficiency, and monotonous repetition of training is avoided. A unit acceptance judgment section (4) judges whether all performance of the units in the current rank have reached an acceptable standard or not. When all performance is accepted, a unit in an upper rank is designated. The performance data in the designated unit is read from a performance data storage (7) to a key depression instruction generator (8), and a key depression instruction is displayed based on the performance data. When only a part of the unit in the current rank is acceptable, a unit updating instruction is output to a lesson menu display (14), to thereby display that the unit subsequent to the currently designated is the unit to be played next. When the unit is updated, the unit having the same note information as that already accepted is not designated.

Abstract: A method and kit for teaching keyboard to children and/or adults with autism and developmental disabilities. A simplified, backwards approach to teaching keyboard, where the student learns how to play songs first (by way of letter and/or picture connection) and theory comes at a later time. The method is a visual and auditory approach to teaching keyboard which incorporates Applied Behavioral Analysis for learning and behavior modification. The method and kit includes specific flash cards (used in discrete trials), games (play therapy), and a special designed music/song book (oversized staff paper with oversized notes). This method and kit helps the student to stay on task and master the skill of playing the keyboard (piano), which gives the student an instantaneous sense of accomplishment without any (or minimal) frustration.

Abstract: A method and system of teaching music that uses modified representations of the musical score, an interactive visual feedback describing the musical tones played on a musical device, and the marking of piano keys or other control instrumentalities of a musical device. This system helps students to recognize musical notes and piano keys, and to associate each note with the correct piano key. The modification of the musical score includes a vertical presentation of the musical staves, different colors of the staff lines for different staves, pictographs denoting the sol-fa names of the musical notes, and different representations of the musical notes on or between the staff lines. The marking of piano keys includes the application of colorful labels to distinguish the piano keys and associate them with musical notes and staves. A gradual transformation of the music score back to the standard music representation teaches students to read the standard music notation.

Abstract: An instructional device and associated method for illustrating the positions of keys and their associated notes on a keyboard are provided. The instructional device includes key markers that are adjustably mounted on a support structure in a configuration corresponding to the keys of a keyboard. The key markers correspond in size to the keys of the keyboard and are adjustable between the ends of the group of markers. Indicators are provided on the markers to indicate a chordal relationship between a respective one of the markers and the other markers. Thus, the device can be used, e.g., to indicate the position of the keys on a piano keyboard and, further, to indicate the relationship of the keys and associated notes to one another, such as by identifying various chordal relationships. In addition, the device can be adjusted to thereby illustrate such key positions and note relationships in connection with an inversion of one or more of the key markers relative to the others.

Abstract: A musical information display apparatus which makes it possible to additionally display fingering information such that it can be easy to see. A sequence of note data and fingering information corresponding to respective pieces of the note data are supplied, and the supplied note data is displayed on a display. Fingering display information indicative of whether to display the fingering information is stored in association with the respective pieces of the supplied note data. The fingering information corresponding to the respective pieces of the displayed note data is displayed in accordance with the stored fingering display information.

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: A method and apparatus for keyboard instrument learning are disclosed. The learning device comprises: a data access/storage device, for storing musical compositions and fingerings; and a image signal output device, capable of accessing any of those musical compositions and fingerings stored in the data access/storage device and thus outputting image signal accordingly; wherein, the data access/storage device is further comprised of: a processing unit; and an imaging unit, electrically connected to the processing unit, capable of capturing an image of fingers as the fingers are fitted with marking units in respective and an image of a surface where the fingers are placed as well.

Abstract: An instructional system for teaching music theory incorporates a human-readable harmony matrix which displays at least one repeat pattern of indicia corresponding to a particular placement of the notes of the twelve note scale. This pattern is arranged so that major or minor chords may be formed by rotations and/or inversions of a basic set of patterns. These patterns depict the interrelationship of the various chords. Transposition of chords from one key to another may be readily accomplished by moving the pattern across the matrix. The matrix pattern may also be used to depict and build chord progressions. The system operates to provide a two-dimensional representation of the relationship between musical tones and may be implemented in a variety of systems for teaching music theory.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a method of selecting a portion of an input of a musical instrument within a display window in a graphical user interface for staff-based musical notation and a computer readable medium containing a program code for selecting the portion are summarized here. An octave picker on the input of the musical instrument is displayed within the display window. The octave picker is moved to a desired portion on the input of the musical instrument. An enlarged view of at least the desired portion of the input is displayed. For one embodiment, the octave picker is moved after receiving selection of the desired portion on the input of the musical instrument. For another embodiment, the octave picker is moved to the desired portion after receiving selection and a user manipulation of the octave picker. The octave picker is displayed over the desired portion on the input.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing handwritten music notations is described. The method includes steps of recognizing notations within a notation category and receiving a plurality of input strokes corresponding to handwritten music notations. Nearby strokes may be grouped to a first input stroke of the plurality of input strokes to make a stroke set and the stroke set is compared with the notations in the notation category. A determination is made as to whether the stroke set is recognized as at least one candidate notation within the notation category, a candidate list of recognized candidate notations is provided, and a music score is generated based upon the recognized candidate notations.

Abstract: An automatic player musical instrument is a combination of an acoustic piano and an electric system, which serves as an automatic playing system and an electronic proof system, and a controller of the electric system has an information processing capability; when a user instructs the electric system to check performance on the keyboard, a subroutine program for electronic proof starts to run; while the user is fingering a music tune, the controller monitors the keys with key sensors to see whether or not the user correctly plays the music tune; when the user mistakenly depresses a key instead of another key, the controller gives rise to vibrations of the mistakenly de-pressed key so as to give a notice of incorrect fingering to the user.

Abstract: A system and method of teaching musical notes are adapted to teach identification of music staff notes, the names and sounds of notes, as well as piano keys corresponding to notes. An implementation of the method entails displaying a musical keyboard having a plurality of keys, a musical staff and a note on the staff. One of the plurality of keys corresponds to the note. The corresponding key produces a sound corresponding to the note when played. The name of the note is pronounced by a narrator or some other character. The note is visually identified on the staff by the narrator or some other character. The note is also associated with the corresponding key. Association may entail generating a note character and associating the note character with the note and key. A sound corresponding to the corresponding key is played.

Abstract: A method of conveying musical information is described. The method includes the steps of assigning sequential alphabetic and numeric designations as a system of reference to the physical location of individual piano keys on a piano keyboard, the physical location corresponding to the location of the structural form of tonal relatioships in the numeric scale of vibrations per second used in the even-tempered, twelve-tone system of Western music, and modeling a musical passage comprised of a series of tones by compiling printed or electronically stored indicia of one or more of the numeric designations, the numeric designation corresponding to the series of tones of the musical passage. A numeric sequence is then presented to a student via visual or auditory means.

Abstract: A musical workstation system produces a display presentation in one of a musical composition responsive to musical composition data and responsive to one or both of input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of (1) means to provide the musical composition data (such as local storage (ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, hard disk etc.), or via a communications interface to an external device (such as another music workstation, a master controller, a computer), a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, and a display subsystem. The memory selectively stores the received original musical compositions. The selection subsystem determines a selected operating mode and display format. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the musical composition data in memory and selectively processing (e.g.

Abstract: A 2 manual musical keyboard with the pitch progression on one of the manuals reversed. The keys on these manuals are segregated into 2 groups of 2 different heights in the same way as a standard musical keyboard. The key configurations on these manuals have 12 semi-tones linearly distributed across 12 keys of alternating heights. Instead of the traditional 7 lower keys (white) and 5 upper keys (black), this arrangement has 6 lower keys and 6 upper keys. The notation system for this unique keyboard is a dual character set. Six unique characters for the upper keys and six unique characters for the lower keys. The musical staff for this unique keyboard will have six lines assigned to one character set and the six spaces assigned to the other character set.

Abstract: User enters information of a melody or other musical material and, when necessary, desired parameters. The input information and parameters are transmitted to a server via a network or other communication media. On the basis of the received musical material and parameters, the server creates content by imparting the musical material with an additional value corresponding to the parameters. For example, in the case where the musical material is a melody of a music piece, the server creates, as the content, harmony information, backing information, accompaniment information, musical score picture information, or the like. There may also be created test-listening or test-viewing sample content corresponding to the regular content. The user receives the sample content from the server, and purchases the regular content when the sample content has been found to be satisfactory as a result of the test listening or test viewing.

Abstract: A musical information displaying apparatus is to display musical notes in progression along the time axis on a musical staff together with chords and words based on the respective event data contained in a music performance data file representing a musical performance. The chords are displayed at their event positions along the time axis in the open space above and nearest to the musical staff. If two adjacent chords would overlap in part when displayed at the same vertical level in view of the respective display lengths, the vertical position of the latter chord will be shifted to prevent overlapping. The character representing the root of the chord will be displayed in an enhanced font than the other characters of the chord name. Where the words are displayed in correspondence to the notes, the words are to be displayed primarily at the positions along the time axis corresponding to the notes.

Abstract: A camera assembly for filming the hands of a musician playing a finger board instrument includes a guiding device mounted to the finger board instrument. A stage movably engages the guiding device. A camera is mounted on the stage for filming the hands of the fingerboard user as the hands travel along the finger board. A driving device, such as a linear motor, is connected to the stage for moving the stage along the guiding device. A means for controlling the camera is also provided, either manually from a remote location or by visual tracking. A sensor senses the velocity and position of the stage and outputs a detection signal to the control means. The control means transmits command signals to the driving device for actuating movement of the camera along the guiding device.

Abstract: Musical score displaying data include note or musical score information indicative of a note or musical score symbol to be displayed, position information indicative of a display position on a musical score where the note or musical score symbol is to be placed, and attribute information designating any one of a plurality of musical stave rows where the note or musical score symbol is to be displayed. Note or musical score marks of a same performance part can be displayed across two musical staves, by determining any one of the plurality of musical stave rows where the note or musical score symbol is to be displayed in accordance with the attribute information. In another aspect, the musical score displaying data include at least one of first attribute information for variably controlling the display position of the note or musical score symbol in a horizontal direction and second attribute information for variably controlling the display position of the note or musical score symbol in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A non-note reading methodology developed for the instant ability of lay people/students to use any keyboard instrument to play notes combined with cardinal numbers (1–8). They can instantly play melodies/choral parts. The notes of the scale are numbered from 1–8 according to their sequential position in the diatonic scale. Accidentals are identified by their usual symbols (#,b) and explained as closest note to right and closest note to the left, respectively. Naturals would appear in their naturally occurring 1–8 position. Notes in melodies that extend into another octave, higher or lower, are indicated by + or ?, respectively, continuing the 1–8 or 8–1 sequence, depending on direction. Keyboards are all built on the diatonic scale principle of whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step; all playing takes place in the key of C. This does not preclude the ability to play in the key written if electronic instruments are used with a transposition key.