Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, a complete range of a keyboard can be split into at least two registers, so that a different kind of tone color can be assigned to each of two registers. The electronic musical instrument provides at least four tone-color designating switches, one edit switch and two kinds of indicators. Each of the four tone-color designating switches is capable of independently designating a certain tone color. Herein, two tone-color designating switches are provided to designate two tone colors respectively for use in one register, while other two tone-color designating switches are provided to designate two tone colors respectively for use in another register. The edit switch designates each of parameters which are used to define a property of the tone color. The first indicator indicates the tone color currently designated, while the second indicator indicates the parameter currently edited.

Abstract: A pattern memory stores plural accompaniment patterns for each of plural accompaniment components. Each of the accompaniment components is composed of one or more musical instrument parts for an accompaniment performance. There are provided operating members which are used for selectively designating a desired component and a touch sensor for detecting an operation touch applied to the operated operating member. Any of the plural accompaniment patterns corresponding to the designated component is selected in accordance with the detected operation touch, and the selected accompaniment pattern is read out from the memory. The entire accompaniment performance pattern is provided by a combination of the accompaniment patterns thus selected for the respective components. In order to allow the selected pattern to be changed freely, modifiers representing how to make the change may be utilized by the user.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is used to transmit wirelessly both musical accompaniment information, which includes music data of a plurality of music pieces and which is stored in an integrated circuit card, and a voice input from a user for reception and reproduction by an external speaker unit. The portable apparatus includes an elongated casing having a first end portion that is adapted to be gripped by one hand of the user and that confines a receiving space for receiving removably the integrated circuit card therein, and a microphone unit mounted on a second end portion of the casing for transforming the voice input from the user to a first electrical signal. A processor unit is disposed in the casing and is connectable electrically to the integrated circuit card. The processor unit is controlled by a keyboard, which is mounted on an intermediate portion of the casing, so as to transform the music data of a selected one of the music pieces into MIDI information.

Abstract: A chord information generating apparatus and a chord information generating method, for detecting a key depression state every time when keys in a specific key area are depressed, forming data which represents a skilled person or a beginner on the basis of the result of the above detection, sequentially accumulating the data in RAM, detecting the depression of one or two keys when the depression of keys in the specific key area is detected, and generating chord information for generating at least three chord tones when it is decided on the data accumulated in the RAM that the player is a beginner, or generating chord information for generating tones corresponding to the detected key-depression state when the above is not the case.

Abstract: A simplified method of musical notation for keyboard instruments to enable easier sight-reading and playing of music. Each octave is represented by five lines (6) of a different color to match the color of tags of the corresponding five black keys of each octave on a keyboard. Each one of these lines represents one of the five half tones or black keys of an octave on a keyboard. Each space on either side of these lines represent the seven whole tone or white keys of an octave on a keyboard.

Abstract: A musical keyboard instrument comprising an electronic keyboard and a control panel. The keyboard is composed of black and white keys arranged in a conventional pattern. A keyboard display made up of LED displays and red-green illuminators inform a user of the proper finger and hand positions to be used on the keyboard. To view the keyboard display when it is activated, the user simply looks directly at the keys. Each red-green illuminator mounts on the interior of a housing such that a pair of red and green lights extend into the hollow interior of one of the keys. Normally, the keys appear to a player as conventional black and white keys. However, the upper surfaces of the keys are made partially transparent and light dispersive such that its apparent color to a player will change when properly back lit by the red-green illuminators. The illuminators and the LED displays are controlled when a user makes selections from a bank of pushbutton switches.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a musical instrument, especially a keyboard instrument such as a piano. In one embodiment, a keyboard instrument is provided which is operable for producing a musical sound. The keyboard instrument is used in combination with a musical staff on which a musical composition has been recorded. The staff has a structure that corresponds with the arrangement of keys on a keyboard such that notes recorded in spaces on the staff correspond to white keys of the keyboard instrument and notes recorded on lines correspond to black keys of the keyboard instrument. The keyboard instrument is operated by depressing the appropriate corresponding white key for a note recorded on a space of the staff and depressing the appropriate black key for a note recorded on a line of a staff.

Abstract: A system for labeling keys of a piano keyboard. The inventive device includes a plurality of informational stickers securable to individual keys of a keyboard. The stickers each include a staff and a clef, a particular note represented in both a musical notation on the staff and an English letter, and a solfege term printed on the sticker for identifying a particular key on a piano keyboard.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for practicing playing an electronic musical instrument which includes a select section for selecting a music teacher mode, a display section for displaying a score and key, a microcomputer for controlling an entire musical system and an output section for outputting audible sound. The apparatus is effective for displaying a mark indicating a key corresponding to a note of the score. Thus, the user can effectively and correctly practice playing an electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument having a keyboard on which a plurality of keys are provided. The keys of keyboard are divided into a plurality of key ranges each including a plurality of keys. The key ranges are set based on a division point which is designated by a division point designation member, for example, a split switch. A tone control parameter, such as a timbre code, is input by operating a parameter input member, such as a timbre designation switch. A parameter assign member selects one of the key ranges which is determined based on a key range including a key which has been depressed latest, and assigns the input tone control parameter for the musical tone generation of the musical tones corresponding to the selected key range.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument, including a tone generator for forming play tones and accompaniment tones according to tone source data read out from a waveform memory based on keyboard operations or auto-accompaniment data stored in a memory. The electronic musical instrument further includes a large number of operation switches on a panel for inputting tone parameters such as rhythm, tone color (type of instrument), tempo, and a display for displaying set tone parameters. Voice and character data representing the functions or specifications of the musical instrument, the operation guidelines of the operation switches, or the current setting state of the musical instrument, are stored in a memory. When a user performs a specific operation and requires assistance, voice data and character data are supplied to the tone generator and the display, and the user can visually and aurally recognize the functions or operation guidelines of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for representing musical information as guitar fingerboards dynamically maps the guitar fingerboards to their associated chord notations as the fingerboards are being displayed or printed. The transposition and mapping of the chord symbol onto the fingerboard is accomplished using an array of fingerboard record that represent a chosen set of fretting combinations for a fingerboard and a system for matching the musical information represented by the associated chord with the appropriate fretting combination for that chord.

Abstract: A display module which is independent from a keyboard and can be placed above the keys of any keyboard is provided. The display module includes indicating lights which are positioned to be above each key. A separate processor module receives MIDI signals on a MIDI input board. These signals can be sent along a MIDI cable connected to the processor module, and can originate from either a keyboard, a computer, or any other MIDI compatible device. The processor ignores all but certain of the MIDI signals, keeping the operation simple. In particular, the processor responds to note on and note off signals to turn on the indicating light for a corresponding key.

Abstract: A computerized musical keyboard and a method for using same to play or to learn to play a piano. The computerized musical keyboard includes a standard piano keyboard connected to a computer. The computer is programmed to select from a music module a piece of music to be played on the piano; and to generate a signal indicating the proper keys to be played, the correct sequence in which the keys are to be played, and the hand and finger to be used in striking each key, in order to play on the piano the piece of music selected.

Abstract: When a switch is activated while a help switch for designating a help operation is activated, the explanation of a function assigned to the activated switch during a current operation mode is displayed on a display, without executing the function assigned to the activated switch. In an electronic musical instrument of the type having switches whose functions change with the operation mode, it is possible to readily know the function of each switch without relying upon a voluminous manual, and easily know how to manipulate switches in order to realize a desired function.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating sound includes a user input and a graphical programming engine which the user manipulates to generate and connect graphic symbols into a graphical model representative of a sound generating program on a display. A translation mechanism coupled with the graphical programming engine translates the graphical model into a sound generating program, and a digital signal processor executes the sound generating program in response to user input to generate output data in real time representative of sound. This output data may then be coupled to a converter, amplifier and speaker to produce sounds in real time in response to modifications of the graphical model or in response to real time input data from a MIDI standard instrument.

Abstract: A parameter setting apparatus, which can independently set parameter values for controlling tones in units of parameters. Operation member sets, each including UP and DOWN operation members and a PRESET operation member, are arranged on an operation panel (2) in correspondence with parameters. When a user depresses a given PRESET operation member, a preset value supplier (21) reads out a preset value of the corresponding parameter from preset data stored in a preset memory (6), and supplies the readout value to a working memory (5), thereby rewriting the value of the corresponding one of parameters stored in the working memory (5) with the readout preset value. Upon operation of an UP or DOWN operation member, the value of the corresponding parameter in the working memory (5) is incremented or decremented.

Abstract: A key-to-be-depressed designating apparatus, employed in a keyboard-type electronic musical instrument, is suitable particularly for novice keyboard-instrument players, and this apparatus is designed to automatically and sequentially designate the keys to be depressed in accordance with the predetermined tune. This apparatus includes a read-only memory (ROM) which pre-stores automatic performance data, a central processing unit (CPU) and a plurality of guide lamps. These guide lamps are disposed along with the keys of keyboard, so that they are sequentially turned on and off so as to designate a key to be depressed in accordance with the automatic performance data read from the ROM under control of the CPU. If the designated key is actually depressed by the performer within the predetermined period of time concerning its correct key-depression timing, key-to-be-depressed designating operation made by the guide lamps is continued. If not, such key-to-be-depressed designating operation is terminated.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a music-controlled graphic interface for closely binding musical and graphical information. The invention comprises a digital instrument interface, a computer device for translating digital musical sequences into graphical display information, and one or more displays for presenting the graphical information. Digital musical information is used to access graphical information. The accessing of the graphical information can be accomplished using the digital musical information as an index to a stored look-up table of video/graphic data. Alternatively, the musical information can serve as an input into an algorithm to calculate the video data in real time. The invention can also proceed in the backwards direction. Changing graphical data can be used to access musical or other sound information, to create musical sounds that match closely a changing displayed image. The invention allows accurate and rapid synchronization of sound and image, especially in computer animation.

Abstract: In an automatic performance device which automatically performs a piece of music composed of note information input externally, note information input on a real time basis is corrected on the basis of beat information of a piece of music input thereafter and the resulting note information is stored. Correction information for converting the corrected note information into the originally input uncorrected note information is also stored for each note information. When the piece of music is performed automatically, a tone is generated on the basis of the corrected note information and the correcting information, but when the piece of music is output as a score, output is made on the basis of the corrected note information. Alternatively, for note information input by a step time inputting process, information is stored on a timing at which each note input thereafter is generated.

Abstract: A computer system connected through appropriate analog and digital circuitry controls or monitors a piano. Solenoids connected to each piano key and to each note-sounding hammer permit a computer program to control the keys and/or the sounding of a note, as well as transmitting to the computer for storage and analysis information concerning a student's performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic teaching, accompaniment and practice music apparatus which is independent of a played musical instrument. The apparatus includes devices for digital sound production, tempo setting, accompaniment, operation and input of digital note data, which are connected by means of a control unit, which is connected with an electro-acoustical device for acoustical reproduction of the note sequences corresponding to the input piece of music via a digital-analog converter. There is an optical display device which is connected with a piano keyboard or a guitar fingerboard or represents these, for optical display of the note sequences played.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for instruction of a student which includes interactive guidance of the student through a series of lesson frames includes providing the student with a keyboard having a plurality of keys corresponding to the notes of a musical scale and generating a key relation signal in response to each depressed or released key. A video display has an audio tone generator associated therewith enabling the student to respond to the visually displayed images and audio tones by selecting one or more of the keys on the keyboard. The student is presented with a lesson frame representing an instructional activity requiring a response by the student on the keyboard. The student keyboard response is compared with a performance standard and an absolute performance evaluation result is generated. The absolute performance evaluation result is compared with an acceptable achievement level for the particular instructional activity and a next frame selection signal is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use in combination with an electronic musical instrument for setting a musical tone control parameter for control of a musical tone to be generated. The setting apparatus includes a display device arranged to selectively provide a plurality of screens thereon and to indicate a plurality of musical tone control parameters on each of the screens, a plurality of parameter setting keys arranged adjacent the display device and positioned to correspond with each position of the control parameters indicated on the respective screens, and an operation key arranged to be operated for selecting one of the screens, wherein the screen of the display device is switched over in response to operation of the operation key, and the musical tone control parameters are set in response to each operation of the parameter setting keys for controlling a musical tone to be generated by performance of the musical instrument.

Abstract: Audio data of a predetermined piece of music is recorded on a compact disc. A sequence of musical tone data is stored in an auto-play memory. Also stored in this auto-play memory are a time control command, an access command and a play command. An instrument controller reads out these commands to surely control the auto-playing and reproduction of data from the compact disc in synchronism.

Abstract: A piano teaching aid having a panel designed to fit over the keys of an existing keyboard so that lights mounted on the panel having more than one color or shape may be located directly above the piano keys to be played. The lights have more than one color or shape in order to distinguish the hand which the user will use to play the piano. The panel also includes a finder window which displays an alphanumeric code which corresponds to a like code appearing next to the score of music to be played. A foot pedal advancing mechanism is used whereby the user can control the speed which the lights display the keys to be struck, using the Foot Pedal to advance one action. The display also can show the music to be played at a tempo set by the user automatically changing from action to action without using the pedal. The panel articulates so that it may be stretched in one or more places so that it can fit over various dimensions of keyboards without interfering with keys to be played.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument has a division point setting switch for setting division point on a keyboard. In the case that the division point setting switch is actuated when all keys are in an off-state or not operated, a division point is set in a predetermined key position. In the case that the division point setting switch is actuated when at least one key is in an on-state or operated, the division point is set in the position of the key which is being operated, thereby setting the division point in the key positions arbitrarily, instead of predetermined key positions.

Abstract: An automatic key-depression indication apparatus has an examination device which examines whether at least one of the musical note information corresponds to the key-depression information output from the key-depression control device, or not. When the decision is affirmative, it decides that at least one of the keys is correctly depressed which corresponds to a plurality of musical notes, the number of which is less than total number of the musical notes. A key-depression indication is then advanced, thereby enabling practice of a performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a keyboard operated device having a plurality of keys includes a plurality of sensors associated with each key. Each sensor detects a different one or more attribute of the nature of actuation of the key. Each detected attribute is used by selection circuitry to form a characteristic of the device's response to actuation of the key. The individual characteristics are combined to form a response to actuation of the key. The response may be an output signal or may be further processed internally by the device. In a preferred embodiment the invention is part of a musical synthesizer. One sensor is arranged to detect actuation of a key, while a second sensor is arranged to detect which finger actuates the key. The detection of actuation of a key is used to control the pitch of the resulting output. The detection of which finger actuates the key is used to control the timbre of the resulting output signal.

Abstract: An educational keyboard with removable keys, wherein musical tone generation for a given key is in response to correct placement of the key in its corresponding key slot, is disclosed. Incorrect placement results in a sour tone. Lights are also used to indicate correct and incorrect placement of keys. A computer interface for the keyboard allows a student to use pre-programmed interactive lessons tailored to the student's age and ability. Methods of teaching music theory and harmony with the keyboard utilize the student's left brain and right brain capabilities.

Abstract: A musical tone visualizing apparatus includes at least an image memory for storing plural images relating to players and/or musical instruments of an orchestra, a display unit for displaying the images on a display screen thereof and a display control circuit for controlling the display unit so that displayed images can be varied in response to an inputted musical tone signal or inputted performance information outputted from an electronic musical instrument, for example. Hence, it is possible to move the players and musical instruments in response to performance of the electronic musical instrument, and it is also possible to selectively enlarge one display image of the player and musical instrument whose tone volume is the largest. Thus, the displayed images can be automatically varied in response to the performance of the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A plurality of pad operating means for manual operation are provided on a keyboard panel of an electronic keyboard musical instrument. When an operator operates the pad operating means using the keyboard during melody play, an operation signal is supplied to a CPU, and a rhythm sound corresponding to the operated pad is generated under control of the CPU. An automatic sound signal generator is provided for generating and outputting sound signals according to a designated rhythm, and selectively stops such sound signal generation. A sounding system is provided for sounding the signals received thereby.

Abstract: A method and system for transcribing musical information that allows a musician or composer to enter both rhythmic and melodic information directly from a musical instrument, such that the rhythmic information may be entered simultaneously with the entry of melodic information, during a subsequent pass after the entry of melodic information, or automatically either during or after the entry of melodic information using a companded approximation of a single unit of rhythmic information. Rhythmic information is entered as absolute and relative beat unit values from which relative note values (i.e. quarter note, half note) are assigned to the melodic information to create the proper graphic symbols to transcribe the musical information into musical notation or sheet music.

Abstract: An acoustic keyboard musical instrument such as a piano includes a keyboard, a mechanical musical tone generating mechanism, a fallboard, and an operation panel for an external electronic musical tone generating unit. The keyboard includes a plurality of keys aligned on a musical instrument body. The fallboard is pivotally supported by the musical instrument body and to be closed/opened so as to cover/uncover the keyboard. The musical tone generating unit electrically generates a musical tone signal in response to a key depression on the keyboard under the control of control information which is provided by switches on the operation panel. The operation panel is located at a position opposite to a performer in the inner surface of the fallboard when the fallboard is open so that the performer can operate the operation panel during his performance at the keyboard.

Abstract: The electronic musical instrument provides an internal memory for storing performance data corresponding to a musical performance played by using a keyboard thereof and an external memory which can be freely attached to and detached from the main body thereof. The performance data stored in the internal memory can be normally transferred to and stored in the external memory. However, in the case where data quantity of the performance data stored in the internal memory is larger than a storage capacity of the external memory, the performance data stored in the internal memory are controlled to be inhibited from being transferred to the external memory. In this case, an alarm may be generated in order to inform a player of data quantity of the performance data to be overflowed from the external memory when such performance data are to be stored in the external memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for displaying visual information such as music to persons having visual deficiencies includes a housing having a rear projection screen and a mechanism for projecting images of the information. The mechanism can include a slide tray for storing transparencies of the information, a projection lamp and lens, and means for moving the slides from the storage tray to the projection lamp and back again. Controls are provided for varying the brightness of the projection lamp and the speed at which the slides are displayed in a predetermined sequence. Also, the size of the image on the viewing screen can be varied. In a manual mode of operation, a foot switch is available for sequencing the slides and both forward and reverse directions of display are available.

Abstract: An integral music system for use in association with all chromatically scaled musical instruments comprising an improved graphic keyboard design utilized in various mechanical, electric and over-keyboard embodiments, and a cooperative improved hexaline scoring method utilizing octave-designating noteforms, and a cooperative improved graphic referencing method utilizing color, symbol and tactual coding means. The improved graphic keyboard design has essentially coextensive alternately arranged, uniformly narrowed and widened keys. The improved hexaline scoring method has one or more six-line staffs which respectively utilize eight distinct noteforms to provide an eight-octave compass for each staff. The improved graphic referencing method has code formats which correlate the lines and spaces of the improved scoring method with the keying means of the various instruments. The invention additionally comprehends manual and computer assisted methods for converting existing music into the improved scoring format.

Abstract: A system for selecting accompaniment patterns in accordance with which accompaniment musical tones are produced in an electronic musical instrument. The system includes a memory for storing a plurality of accompaniment patterns. A plurality of storage devices corresponding respectively to a plurality of operable members is provided. A select device is operable to select one of the accompaniment patterns to produce pattern identification data indicative of the selected accompaniment pattern. A writing device is responsive to an operation of any one of the operable members for writing the pattern identification data into one of the storage devices corresponding to the operated one operable member, thereby assigning the selected accompaniment pattern to the one operable member. A reading device is responsive to an operation of the one operable member for reading from the memory the selected accompaniment pattern.

Abstract: A key scaling apparatus includes a reference data input device which is operated by a user of an electronic musical instrument to designate at least three different key numbers together with respective key scaling data for those key numbers. When a key number is supplied from a play input device such as a keyboard in the electronic musical instrument, an interpolator computes key scaling data for that key number from the data designated by the reference data input device. The computed key scaling data serve to control a tone parameter such as an envelope level which is then used in a tone generator to develop a tone for that key number. Accordingly, a satisfactory key scaling response is obtained over the entire pitch range of keyboard.

Abstract: A composition or a series of notes to be transposed are introduced with mathematical data into the memory (11) of a computer (1). A calculator (12) works out the data and a control unit (13) actuates an optical (4) or acoustical (3) output device. All the series of notes received and calculated may be addressed by the computer to a memory (5) external to the computer.

Abstract: A real-time polyphonic pitch controller and process for controlling notes or tones emanating from signal synthesizers such as used in the performance of music. The controller comprises a body with key controllers, each of which activates a pre-programmed note; a strumming controller which automatically activates selected key controlled notes in a pre-programmed sequence and rate; and controls and displays used for programming and performance. Extending longitudinally from the body is a guitar-like neck graduated by fret markings and over which slides a hand controller incorporating finger levers. Sliding the hand controller creates portamento, vibrato or glissando effects on the notes activated by the key controllers. Also, each finger lever of the hand controller when depressed raises and/or lowers its own peculiar, pre-programmed combination of individually voiced notes by pre-programmed amounts.

Abstract: A piano type music instrument having playable keys provided in the front of the box, with a sound maker connecting to the keys to make a sound corresponding to the key pressed. A music scale is printed on the box, and in the scale holes are located in the positions corresponding to the music scale notes. A rod inserted in each hole is supported by a link or a pliable tongue member made of thin metal, hard paper of plastic material. The tail ends of the keys are located beneath the pliable tongue or the rod so as to push up and down on the rods smoothly. When a key is pressed down, a corresponding note rod is made to protrude up through a corresponding hole in the printed musical scale, to identify the musical note played and sounded.

Abstract: A musical quiz apparatus presents a question chord in sound and a trainee answers by depressing the keys of the chord constituting notes on the keyboard. The apparatus is capable of generating a plurality of different chord data respectively representing chords, and generates a question chord datum one at a time as randomly selected from among those different chord data and produces sounds of notes which constitutes a chord designated by the question chord data. When the answer is correct, points are added up and a next question chord is presented.

Abstract: A new type of musical instrument and performance apparatus is disclosed and is used with the special performing art called "Instrument dance", "instrument exercise" or "instrument boxing" etc. The instrument comprises a floor keyboard, on which the performer can either dance and produce switching signals with his or her feet, hand or hand hammer in accordance with the intention of the performer. In addition, a similar wall keyboard is provided along with a multi-color system and an electronic organ circuit. The performer can play on the floor keyboard while at the same time adjusting with ease the tone, timbre, volume and color, to thereby achieve the multiple artistic effect of a single performer producing the shape, sound, light and color of the performance.

Abstract: A plurality of pad operating means for manual operation are provided on a keyboard panel of an electronic keyboard musical instrument. When an operator operates the pad operating means using the keyboard during melody play, an operation signal is supplied to a CPU, and a rhythm sound corresponding to the operated pad is generated under control of the CPU.

Abstract: A key signature actuator for musical keyboard eases playing from music written with a difficult key signature by automatically actuating the sharps or flats in the key signature. Musical notes are associated with keyboard landmarks positioned along the keyboard rather than with fixed digitals, and the landmarks are moved bodily up or down the keyboard to identify different sequences of digitals to associate with the notes. An automated key signature actuator moves a keynote of the desired key signature to the keyboard position normally occupied by middle C, at the same time changing the overall pitch of the musical output to make the keynote sound as intended. The changeable keyboard landmarks are also used in the teaching of music and to assist the playing of music written in different notations.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument having a plurality of keys which upon actuation each generate a tone correlated to the respective key, and having a plurality of optical display means on each of said keys, said display means indicating the sequence of the keys to be actuated.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument with a transpositional function includes a keyboard, a mode selection switch, a microcomputer, a musical tone signal generator and a sound system. The keyboard has a plurality of keys respectively representing different notes in a musical scale. The mode selection switch selects one of a transposition mode and a play mode. The microcomputer includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM to detect first and second depressed keys when the transposition mode is selected by the mode selection switch. The microcomputer generates transposition data having a value corresponding to an interval between the notes represented by the first and second keys. The microcomputer generates a note signal representing a note higher or lower by the interval represented by the transposition data than a note of a given depressed key when the play mode is selected by the mode selection switch.

Abstract: A musical tone generating apparatus of an adapter type to be connected to a host electronic keyboard musical instrument via an information cable for generating musical tone signals in accordance with key information supplied from the host musical instrument. The musical tone generating apparatus comprises switches for designating a fractional key range in the keyboard and generates a musical tone signal only when a key within the designated key range is depressed. A plurality of musical tone generating apparatuses of the same construction as the aforesaid musical tone generating apparatus can be connected in a cascade fashion to a single host electronic keyboard musical instrument.

Abstract: In a key depression indicating device for an electronic musical instrument capable of visually indicating which keys are to be depressed on a keyboard, the device includes a plurality of indicators provided correspondingly to a plurality of keys of the keyboard. Illumination of each indicators is so controlled by an illumination control means that an indicator corresponding to a succeeding note is lighted up at a timing, for example, a 4-th note's length ahead of the timing to depress the key irrespective of any length of the preceding note. Thus, even when a complicated music performance including a train of a plurality of consecutive short notes as a 32nd note is required, the indicators corresponding to the preceding as well as the succeeding notes in the train are each lighted up at a timing, i.e. the 4-th note's time length ahead of each actual key depression timing for the music performance.