Abstract: A graphical user interface for music creation applications, such as score notation applications and digital audio workstations, includes multi-dimensional gestures. To enter a sound event into a musical project, a user uses an input device to select and drag a desired sound event in one or more dimensions. The relative position or rate of movement along a given dimension defines a value of a sound event parameter allocated to the given dimension. The sound event is entered into the project when the selection is released. The user inputs the gesture using a pointing device such as a mouse, stylus with a touch screen, or finger on a touch screen. Stylus dimensions mapped to sound event parameters may include, horizontal and vertical stylus tip positions, vertical and horizontal tilt of the stylus, and stylus tip pressure. Sound event parameters controlled by the gestures may include diatonic pitch, chromatic inflection, and duration.

Abstract: A method of explicit note-location for stringed instruments synthesizing tablature notation and traditional classical staff notation for more fluid sight-reading of musical pieces. The invention makes explicit the note-locations-on-stringed-instruments of notated pitches. The method including the steps of marking a musical note or musical notes representing a particular pitch on the five-lined music staff or other form of graphic music notation system being used for said stringed instrument, marking a first numerical indicator on the musical note that indicates the location, along a string, on the stringed instrument, at which the at least one musical note is intended to be sounded from, and marking a second numerical indicator on the at least one musical note, appended to the first numerical indicator, that indicates which specific string of the stringed instrument on which the at least one musical note is intended to be sounded.

Abstract: A performance recording apparatus includes: a performance information acquiring unit which is configured to acquire performance information indicating a performance performed by a performer; a musical score information acquiring unit which is configured to acquire musical score information indicating a musical score that is used in the performance; and a producing unit which is configured to produce a performance file containing the performance information and the musical score information.

Abstract: Disclosed are music symbol recognition apparatuses and methods that recognize music symbols from handwritten music notations. Various implementations may process handwritten music notations by segmenting the handwritten music notations into a plurality of elementary ink segments and then grouping the segments into graphical objects based on spatial relationships between the segments. One or more candidate music symbols may be determined for each graphical object, along with a symbol cost for each symbol, which represents a likelihood that the graphical object belongs to a predetermined class of symbols. The music symbol candidates may be parsed to form graphs based on grammar rules, and the graph most likely to represent the handwritten music notations may be selected for display or other use. The selection may be based on the symbol costs associated with each candidate and on spatial costs associated with the grammar rules that are applied to the candidates.

Abstract: A user interface for a virtual musical instrument presents a number of chord touch regions, each corresponding to a chord of a diatonic key. Within each chord region a number of touch zones are provided, including treble clef zones and bass clef zones. Each treble clef touch zone within a region will sound a different chord voicing. Each bass clef touch zone will sound a bass note of the chord. Other user interactions can modify or mute the chords, and vary the bass notes being played together with the chords. A set of related chords and/or a set of rhythmic patterns can be generated based on a selected instrument and a selected style of music.

Abstract: Recorded media is produced by a method for transcoding music, according to various aspects of the present invention, includes in any practical order: (a) reading indicia of a plurality of notes, each note having pitch and duration; (b) selecting a reference pitch; (c) determining indicia of tone from the reference pitch and the pitch of each note; and (d) outputting for use by an engraving engine, indicia of an apposite staff and indicia of tones and durations corresponding to the plurality of notes.

Abstract: A method for transcoding music, according to various aspects of the present invention, includes in any practical order: (a) reading indicia of a plurality of notes, each note having pitch and duration; (b) selecting a reference pitch; (c) determining indicia of tone from the reference pitch and the pitch of each note; and (d) outputting for use by an engraving engine, indicia of an apposite staff and indicia of tones and durations corresponding to the plurality of notes.

Abstract: A novel piano roll notation system corresponding to the keyboard of a novel Janko-type keyboard is provided.

Abstract: Various systems to aid a visually impaired musician to learn musical notation. The system includes a microprocessor with a memory adapted to store musical notation. Multiple transducers are operatively attached to the microprocessor. The transducers are spatially located on and/or in contact with a part of the body of the visually impaired musician. Responsive to the musical notation, the microprocessor is configured to signal the transducers to provide a physical or tactile sensation to the part of the body of the visually impaired musician.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a color-based music output system and a method thereof. The system of the present invention comprises a pickup unit receiving a musical signal; a recognition unit electrically connected with the pickup unit to receive the musical signal and recognizing musical elements from the musical signal; a conversion unit electrically with the recognition unit to receive the musical elements and converting the musical elements into colored musical notes; and a processing unit electrically connected with the pickup unit, the recognition unit and the conversion unit, receiving the colored musical notes, and outputting a colored musical notation corresponding to the colored musical notes. The present invention provides an easy-to-read colored musical notation to simplify the conventional five-line staff and overcome the disadvantages thereof and also provides an innovative color-based music output system to make users read musical notations easier.

Abstract: A method of providing synchronized content to a user including: (i) an audio recording of a voice reading written language text and an audio recording of one or more pieces of music; (ii) written language text and music notation content, having elements that can be identified, displayed, and highlighted, the elements representing discrete segments of the written language and music notation content, each of the discrete segments having a beginning and end; and (iii) synchronization data marking beginning and end points in the audio recordings for each element. The method is implemented such that a user may play the audio recording of a voice reading the written language text, and the audio recording of the one or more pieces of music according to the EPUB format, and display the written language text and music notation content according to the EPUB format with synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching a user to discriminate and match musical pitch is disclosed. A pitch module generates a first melodic sequence for a user. The pitch module generates at least two symbolically depicted sequences including a first symbolic sequence that represents a pitch frequency that, when played, matches the first melodic sequence. A tracking module receives a selection of the first symbolic sequence and advances to a next level in response to receiving the selection of the first symbolic sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for assessing a musical performance of a chord, a chord series, or a chord progression. The performance can include a user's performance of a musical instrument. MIDI or audio notes are input and compared to the notes of music track. An indication can be provided to assess the performance. The assessment can be on the basis of timing and/or pitch errors. A new chord can be displayed to a user based on the assessment of the user's performance of the previous chord.

Abstract: An improved music notation system is disclosed. Each pitch has a discrete, highly memorable symbol and corresponding mnemonic, while still having a spatial component and mapping onto the same spot as the standard system. Thus the shape of a melody can be quickly discerned, while individual pitches can also be quickly recognized without having to learn the treble and bass clef separately. Each rhythmic symbol is also unique and most are horizontal, and so now reflect how long you hold each note, thus creating a spatial component where there was none before. This makes for each rhythmic symbol to be much more intuitive and easier to learn and understand. We've also changed minor rules that empirically give trouble to beginning learners, such as placement of sharps and flats, and the ties/dots system has also been improved.

Abstract: A music notation system for a two dimensional keyboard consists of a five line staff per hand, where lines represent black keys and spaces represent white keys. The lines are vertically oriented, and spaced to resemble the pattern of black and white keys in an octave of piano keys. Note-octave symbols are placed on a line or space, indicating which column of keys the desired note is in. A note-octave symbol graphically indicates which row of octaves the desired note is in by the location of a note head on the stem of the note-octave symbol. A horizontal row in the notation represents an instant of time, at a particular subdivision of the beat. Solid horizontal lines indicate measure boundaries. Dashed horizontal lines indicate beat boundaries. The number of subdivisions of a given beat is indicated by the number of rows between the beat boundaries.

Abstract: There is no staff in 3JCN Music Notation. Therefore, 3JCN Music Notation is very simple compare to Western Notation. A note in 3JCN Music Notation is represented by a lower case letter for the pitch class (a through g), preceded by the note's octave (1 through 11) and followed by the note's duration (a real number). For example, 6c1 is for note “c” in 6th octave (middle C) with 1 unit of duration.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

Abstract: System of translation between written or performed music and visual, tactile and motion sensation experiences. Specific metaphors for most aspects of music among these non-audio media are described. Examples include rules for color assignment to pitches in a scale; positioning visual representations of notes; visualizing notes between pitches; arranging tactile stimuli to represent pitches; and rendering stages of cadence with motion sensing experiences such as movement within space, or changes in one's tilt, pitch, etc. The system includes documentation of theoretical/interpretive elements such as key signature, current chord, association of notes with melody, as they occur in a piece, along with metaphors for their translation in these non-audible media.

Abstract: The purpose of my invention/method is to create good keyboard sight reading musicians. By marking skips between notes according to the method set forth in my detailed description and then playing them on the keyboard, the musician is able to develop good sight reading skills. The difference between my method and others is that my method uses letter names of notes only to find the beginning location of a piece of music and this is done through the use of a note/keyboard chart. All other reading is done by use of spacing and direction through recognition of skips on the staff. It is essential to the success of my method that letter names NOT be used because they interfere with the spatial and directional understanding of notes needed to sight read well. My method is useful at all levels because it is structured, concrete, and cumulative.

Abstract: A musical note learning system is disclosed. Color coded musical notation sheets include note colors corresponding to similar colors applied or displayed on a musical instrument. The color coded musical notation sheets may include directional indicator symbols corresponding to sharp or flat notes to be played on the instrument. The musical notation sheets may also include chord indicator symbols corresponding to chords to be played on the instrument.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for musical score presentation conversion are described.

Abstract: A piano tablature includes tab keys indicating a new measure where the tab keys display a standard piano keyboard. Middle C on a piano keyboard is highlighted. A tab measure includes note indicators for a selected song. The first beat of a tab measure is indicated by the bottom horizontal line of the tab header and each horizontal line of the tab measure below the bottom horizontal line represents a new beat in the measure, the placement of the note indicator can be traced vertically to a tab header to a corresponding note. White keys are represented by placing a note indicator between 2 vertical lines in the tab measure and black keys are represented by placing a note indicator directly on a vertical line. A piano tab is read from top to bottom.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

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: 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 method and apparatus for composing and teaching of music while learning to read music is provided that involves a user following a supported sequence of tasks that guide creativity of the user to construct a musical composition. The musical composition is constructed by assigning alphabetical characters to colors and musical notes to form a chart, forming words and phrases using the alphabetical characters, and cross-referencing the words and phrases to the chart. Various interactive components and computer software facilitate use of the method and process.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for notating music for a harmonica. The apparatus incorporates a vertical staff in which vertical lines or tracks represent individual notes, the length of which represents duration of the note, and the horizontal location represents the physical location of the corresponding hole in a harmonica. The invention provides a rapid means of learning to play a harmonica and, for experienced players, provides a means for sight reading a new piece of music. The invention further provides ways of representing the dynamics of both pitch and loudness and a convenient way to manually transcribe musical selection for archival purposes.

Abstract: A musical scoring method includes providing a musical scoring interface; receiving a user defined musical curve input; rendering a musical curve based on the user defined musical curve input; and rendering notes on the musical curve to form a musical score capable of playback.

Abstract: A system and method for defining proper embouchure mechanics for vocalization and for representing those mechanics symbolically, such that proper embouchure for vocalization can be taught consistently and can be included in written music, to be read and executed by a vocalist in real time while performing a piece of music.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronized digital sheet music display and audio playback comprises an electronic appliance. The apparatus includes an audio output for playing an audio recording of a piece of music and a display for displaying the piece of music in notation form, including a first portion thereof and comprising elements representing discrete segments of the piece of music that may be identified, displayed, and highlighted. The apparatus further comprises software for controllably playing the recording of and displaying the piece of music, highlighting a second portion of the piece of music within and advancing through the first, and synchronizing the highlighted second portion with the audio played from the audio output. The software further supports an electronic book format, displaying and playing book contents containing both written language and music notation. Audio playback includes both music and a voice reading the language.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of music and other sounds. In one embodiment, the twelve notes of an octave are labeled. When notes are played, the intervals between the notes are visualized by displaying a line between the labels corresponding to the note labels. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of the six intervals.

Abstract: A music score display device displays a music score representing a predetermined piece of music at a display, and stores a playing result for each measure of the music score in a memory when the piece is played. On the basis of the playing results of the measures stored in the memory, the music score display device generates graph images representing the playing results of the measures, and displays the generated graph images of the measures, superposed on images of the corresponding measures of the music score displayed at the display, such that the images of the measures are visible.

Abstract: A composition tool including a memory capable of storing data and a processor is provided. The processor is configured for using the data such that the composition tool can provide a score interface and a plurality of instrument interfaces, wherein each instrument interface comprising a graphical representation of an instrument and a score section for illustration of at least one part of a musical score. The composition tool can provide a touch screen interface to enable a user to select a portion of the graphical representation of one of the instruments by detecting the user's finger placements on the selected portion of the graphical representation. The composition tool can, in response to the selection of the portion of the graphical representation, provide a representation of at least one musical note that is corresponding to the selected portion of the graphical representation of the instrument in the score section.

Abstract: An electronic music display and methods of using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic music display includes a user interface configured to receive one or more music files, a memory device configured to store the one or more music files, a controller configured to program the electronic music display in accordance with user specified requirements with respect to order of the one or more music files to be displayed and with respect to tempos that corresponding different sections of the one or more music files to be performed, and a display configured to display a sequence of pages of the one or more music files as programmed.

Abstract: A sound emitting system includes an abbreviated keyboard coupled to a speaker. The keyboard includes a plurality of rows stationed above a space bar row. The plurality of rows include labeled keys and unlabeled keys. The labeled keys correspond to five accidental notes and eight natural notes within a first octave. The labeled keys are labeled according to a keyboard layout. The speaker emits a note sound when one of the labeled keys is pressed.

Abstract: A system for creating a musical score may be provided. The system may include a composition tool application that is configured to provide a plurality of instrument interfaces to a user. The instrument interfaces may include a keyboard interface, a stringed instrument interface, and a percussion interface. The plurality of instrument interfaces may each include a representation of an instrument and a score section for illustration of the musical score. The composition tool application may be configured to provide the user with the ability to select a portion of the representation of the instrument. In response to the selection of the portion of the representation of the instrument, the composition tool application may be configured to provide a representation of a note for the instrument in the score section.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

Abstract: A method of creating a visual representation of a musical work. Data processing apparatus analyzes the work, determines attributes, including a the pitch and duration of each note, and creates a data file which is used output the work in a form readable by the human eye. Symbols representing notes are placed on a grid at vertical positions in accordance with their pitch, and horizontal positions representing time. A first basic symbol is assigned to the natural notes in an octave, a second basic symbol is assigned to sharp accidentals, and a third basic symbol is assigned to flat accidentals. The horizontal extent of the symbols represents note duration. Each of the seven natural notes in an octave is assigned a color and a vertical position on the grid, and the sharp accidental and flat accidental notes are assigned the same color and vertical position as the associated natural note.

Abstract: A system and methods guide a user toward performing actions. Embodiments include a guidance system for helping a user play a musical instrument, a musical gaming system where users attempt to play music in accordance with the guidance instructions, and other systems or devices requiring particular user inputs. Through novel combinations of sensor inputs and processing, electronic musical instruments allow simulation of acoustic instruments including but not limited to a Trombone, Trumpet, and Saxophone. Sensor inputs are configured to trigger playback and transitioning of sound and control its various attributes alone, or in combination. To guide a user to interact with these and other instruments and devices, indicators are presented on a display. Indicators prompt actions such as touching, blowing, producing sound, shaking, and tilting, or a combination thereof. Indicators can be configured to prepare a user to take an action.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to s music instruction method. A system is provided which allows a user to more intuitively understand and play music without the complexity of traditional piano learning and embodies comprises a step-by-step instruction method of basic chords. The system also streamlines composition and arrangement of piano music for the beginner. The invention further provided which allows a learner to more intuitively understand basic music theory and performance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on one or more computer storage devices pertaining to integrated music files, The methods include receiving data representative of notes associated with a musical piece. The methods include generating an image that includes at least one glyph, the glyph including a graphical representation of one of the notes of the musical piece. The methods include generating a musical file, the music file including instructions for causing the computer to play the notes of the musical piece. The methods include generating a mapping that referencing the instructions and the glyph. The methods also include generating a sheet music data file, the sheet music data file including the image, the music file, and the mapping.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for assessing a musical performance. The musical performance can include a user's performance of a musical instrument. MIDI or audio notes are input and compared to the notes of a music track. An indication is provided to assess the musical performance. The assessment can be on the basis of timing and/or pitch errors.

Abstract: Electronic systems, methods and apparatus for teaching and examining music are presented. The method includes presenting a user with one or more musical tasks and providing a menu with one or more selectable icons. Selection of one of the icons activates functionality to enable the user to form an element of musical notation. The method includes comparing one or more characteristics of the element of musical notation with one or more predetermined thresholds in response to a user request and generating a mark, score or grade based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Specially designed for relating musical sounds to the conventional way of writing on a staff and vice versa, the controller is formed by a casing which is flat, cylindrical or some other shape, on which a staff is depicted, with, in the areas of the staff corresponding to each of the musical notes, sensors/push-buttons corresponding to natural, flat and sharp notes (or double sharp or double flat or natural sign, if present on the frame), as well as light indicators. The notes can thus be identified aurally when working on the device as if the music was written on a staff, while if a MIDI signal is connected to the control circuit it is possible to display, in real time, on said staff and via the light indicators, each of the notes of said melody, enabling quick and easy identification of said notes.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for associating sheet notes with a woodwind instrument having finger-holes includes a plurality of note indicators, wherein the note indicators are each provided with a discrete color-code and define an annulus sized and arranged to be located on each of the finger holes respectively so that the finger holes can be selectively open and closed by a player's fingers and a sheet music having the sheet notes, wherein each of the sheet notes includes one or more colors that fill the note head and that correspond to a selection of the finger holes that plays a musical version of each of the sheet notes.

Abstract: A synchronized performance process includes performing a first portion of a musical work using musicians and performing a second portion of the musical work using a computer.

Abstract: System of translation between written or performed music and visual, tactile and motion sensation experiences. Specific metaphors for most aspects of music among these non-audio media are described. Examples include rules for color assignment to pitches in a scale; positioning visual representations of notes; visualizing notes between pitches; arranging tactile stimuli to represent pitches; and rendering stages of cadence with motion sensing experiences such as movement within space, or changes in one's tilt, pitch, etc. The system includes documentation of theoretical/interpretive elements such as key signature, current chord, association of notes with melody, as they occur in a piece, along with metaphors for their translation in these non-audible media.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assisting in teaching music to a player of a steel pan/drum. The tool comprises a substantially circular base divided into twelve radial sectors, a central sector, and three concentric, radially spaced rings, thereby having 37 elements. Each element bears an indicium representative of a unitary, distinct note name in a range of three consecutive octaves plus a first note in a fourth consecutive octave. Each ring is arranged in so that a counter-clockwise-adjacent note name is separated by an interval of a fifth and a clockwise-adjacent note name is separated by an interval of a fourth.

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: A device for digitizing a series of notes to be played on a pan instrument includes a processor and software installed on the processor that has a code segment adapted to display a virtual keyboard on a display device. The keyboard has a plurality of pianistically arranged keys, each key having a note name corresponding to a pitch represented by the key imposed thereon. A code segment can receive a user selection of a pan instrument for which music is desired to be entered, retrieve a note range for the selected pan instrument, and electronically mask the virtual keyboard to exclude keys outside the retrieved note range. User input can be received for a series of notes to be encoded for playing on the selected pan instrument.