Abstract: An initial note series is collected from a real-time source of musical input material such as a keyboard or a sequencer playing back musical data, or extracted from musical data stored in memory. The initial note series may be altered to create variations of the initial note series using various mathematical operations. The resulting altered note series, or other data stored in memory is read out according to one or more patterns. The patterns may have steps containing pools of independently selectable items from which random selections are made. A pseudo-random number generator is employed to perform the random selections during processing, where the random sequences thereby generated have the ability to be repeated at specific musical intervals. The resulting musical effect may additionally incorporate a repeated effect, or a repeated effect can be independently performed from input notes in the musical input material.

Abstract: An initial note series is collected from a real-time source of musical input material such as a keyboard or a sequencer playing back musical data, or extracted from musical data stored in memory. The initial note series may be altered to create variations of the initial note series using various mathematical operations. The resulting altered note series, or other data stored in memory is read out according to one or more patterns. The patterns may have steps containing pools of independently selectable items from which random selections are made. A pseudo-random number generator is employed to perform the random selections during processing, where the random sequences thereby generated have the ability to be repeated at specific musical intervals. The resulting musical effect may additionally incorporate a repeated effect, or a repeated effect can be independently performed from input notes in the musical input material.

Abstract: A method practiced in connection with a computer game, video game or the like constantly evolves the game's music by permutting several basic themes and rhythms used. A harmonic pointer and rhythm pointer start the music so as to conform to a musical style desired in connection with a displayed scene or other event. Once the pointers have been set to a current musical style, the permutation process evolves the basic themes and rhythms and regenerates new music whose form is a stream of variations of the original themes thoughout the history of an individual game play experience, thus providing a large amount of musical content without having to store a large, complex, prerecorded musical score defined for each scene of the game. The amount of memory needed for musical passages is limited because a complex musical output is created from only a limited set of basic themes and rhythms. Initial musical themes are set during the game installation and musical themes evolve during the game.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus comprises a processing unit for classification and storage of a plurality of musical compositions, and a control device, such as a keyboard or MIDI connection, for performing of sequences of connoting musical events, to be stored and related to each single musical composition. The same control device may then be, used for performing of one or more sequences of searching musical events, in order to automatically find and subsequently read-out an associated musical composition from a storage memory of the CPU. For this purpose, the processing unit comprises program means for comparing a searching sequence with the connoting sequence of musical events, reading-out one or more of the stored musical compositions in the event of total or partial equivalence between the compared sequences of musical events.

Abstract: In an automatic accompanying apparatus and an automatic accompanying method, the respective part structures of a plurality of basic variation patterns used as a basic accompanying pattern of rhythm are arbitrarily set by a music player. When the music player selects one basic variation pattern from a plurality of basic variation patterns to which the part structures are set in such a manner, the part structure is automatically set in such a manner that part structures of an intro-pattern, an ending pattern, and also a fill-in pattern, which are prepared for this rhythm, are made equal to the part structure of the selected basic variation pattern. The automatic accompaniment is carried out by employing the selected basic variation pattern, and the intro-pattern, ending pattern, and fill-in pattern, which own the same part structures as that of this basic variation pattern. As a result, the automatic accompaniment can be carried out while being matched with a motif of a user through the entire music.

Abstract: A music apparatus is constructed for joint play of music pieces by processing song data. In the music apparatus, a storage device stores song data representing a plurality of music pieces. An operating device is used for designating a first music piece as an object of the joint play among the plurality of the music pieces stored in the storage device. A controller device automatically selects a second music piece from the plurality of the music pieces as another object of the joint play such that the second music piece has a musical compatibility with the first music piece. A processor device retrieves the song data of the first music piece and the song data of the second music piece from the storage device, and processes the song data retrieved from the storage device so as to merge the second music piece to the first music piece.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and composing musical works by selecting existing musical elements and applying modification modules to them. Existing musical selections reside in a database as metrics, or targets for the composition of new pieces. The present invention composes a new piece of music by, for example, specifying component musical features in the selected targets that should be modified or retained in creating the new work. Such musical features include, for example, rhythmic characteristics, harmonic characteristics, and the like. In this manner, a user who is, musically untutored is able to create satisfying, original works having desired characteristics as specified by the user.

Abstract: A music performing apparatus comprises a manipulative music performing device which performs music according to the player's musical performance on the apparatus and an automatic accompaniment performing device which performs musical accompaniment according to automatic accompaniment signals provided in the apparatus. The properties and the manners of a musical performance and an automatic accompaniment are determined by the parameters set by the various controls such as switches and knobs in the control panel provided on the apparatus. A state of combination of such parameters is defined as a registration for a musical performance. Different registrations are stored in a data storage device representing different combinations of the parameters, and a desired one of the registrations is selectively called by the user to set the performance properties and manners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for composing a musical rhythm whereby an initial generation rhythm population having a plurality of individual rhythms is provided, and a new generation rhythm population is repeatedly generated from a preceding generation rhythm population, beginning with the initial generation rhythm population. In order to evolve the rhythm populations, individual rhythms of a rhythm population of interest are evaluated according to a predetermined evaluating function to thereby determine a rhythm valuation, and genetic operations are performed on the rhythm population of interest in a manner such that the rhythm valuation will generally increase with each new generation rhythm population. The evolving operation is stopped when a predetermined terminating condition is met.

Abstract: A system, and related method, for creating music in real time includes an input device and a real-time music generator. The input device is used by a user to provide rhythm-related signals and pitch-related signals to the real-time music generator. The real time music generator receives the rhythm-related and pitch-related signals and creates or composes in real time music that includes pitches based on the pitch-related signals and rhythmic activity based on the rhythm-related signals. The input device can provide pitch related and rhythm-related signals that are representative of position, velocity, or acceleration. The real-time music generator can derive position, velocity, or acceleration from the pitch-related and rhythm-related signals and compose in real time music comprising pitches and rhythm activity based on the derived information.

Abstract: Separately from an accompaniment style data memory having stored therein one or more accompaniment style data each including performance data for an automatic accompaniment, a modifying data memory is provided which has stored therein one or more modifying data sets each including style designating data for designating any of the accompaniment style data stored in said accompaniment style data memory and modification instructing data for modifying contents of the accompaniment style data designated by the style designating data. Desired one of the modifying data sets is selected and read out from the modifying data memory. One of the accompaniment style data is read out from the accompaniment style data memory in response to the style designating data of the read-out modifying data set read out by said readout section and its contents are modified in accordance with the modification instructing data of the read-out modifying data set, so as to generate modified accompaniment style data.

Abstract: An apparatus for composing a melody by switching musical phrases sequentially corresponding to key input signals, and playing the switched musical phrases smoothly. The apparatus selects musical phrase data, which consists of note data and phrase change information data from a memory corresponding to the key input signals, then reads selected phrase data and plays a musical phrase corresponding to the phrase data. If a key input signal is detected during the playing of a musical phrase, the apparatus selects phrase data corresponding to the signal at the timing that the latest phrase change information data is read after the detection. The note data has a predetermined scale note value and read timing. The phrase change information data has a predetermined read timing. The scale note value and the read timing are predetermined so that a melody becomes in rhythm and in tune when musical phrases are sequentially played according to the note data that are included in selected phrase data.

Abstract: A karaoke music piece is selected through a music-piece selecting section 2, and a rhythm for the performance of the karaoke music piece is designated through a rhythm designating section 5. A performance section 6 reads a melody system track of the selected karaoke music piece, and supplies the performance data to a tone generator 8. On the other hand, a rhythm pattern producing section 7 produces a rhythm performance data for the designated rhythm based on a chord and a beat at that time, and supplies the produced data to the tone generator 8. Accordingly, the selected karaoke music piece can be played with the designated rhythm which is different from the original one.

Abstract: In a method of generating musical tones through a plurality of channels according to performance information by means of a processor placed in either of a working state and an idling state and a buffer connected to the processor, control information is successively produced for the plurality of the channels according to the performance information when the same is successively inputted. A regular task of the processor is periodically instituted according to the control information for successively executing a routine synthesis of waveform samples of the musical tones allotted to the plurality of the channels and for temporarily storing the waveform samples in the buffer. It is detected when the processor occasionally stays in the idling state for instituting an irregular task of the processor to execute an advance synthesis of a waveform sample of a musical tone allotted to a particular one of the channels and for reserving the waveform sample in advance.

Abstract: An electronic music system has an input device, one or more computer storage media, a rhythm generator, a pitch selector, and a sound generator. The input device generates rhythm-related input signals and pitch-related input signals in response to manipulations of the input device by a user attempting to create and play a solo. The computer storage media have a plurality of user-selectable musical accompaniment tracks over which the user can create and play the solo and a plurality of rhythm blocks wherein each rhythm block defines, for at least one note, at least a time at which the note should be played. The computer storage media also store at least a portion of the solo created by the user over a predetermined time interval in the immediate past.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument including: a mode selecting unit for selecting a mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic performance mode and a manual performance mode; a musical style storage for storing performance atmosphere data of a plurality of musical styles; a performance data storage for storing performance data of a plurality of programs each matching one of the musical styles; a musical style selection member responsive to a manipulation by a performer for selecting a musical style from the performance atmosphere data stored in the musical style storage; a musical tone signal generator for generating a musical tone signal in accordance with a musical tone parameter; and a musical tone parameter generating unit for generating and outputting the musical tone parameter to the musical tone signal generator during the automatic performance mode, in accordance with the performance atmosphere data representing the musical style selected by the musical style selection member and the performa

Abstract: An arpeggiator scans key-pushing data and produces in sequence a plurality of playing data according to results of the scanning. The arpeggiator includes a rhythm pattern table having at least one step which stores therein a time interval of a rhythm, a sound generation continuing time and a sound generation strength coefficient. The arpeggio playing is performed according to the rhythm pattern table. The arpeggiator further includes a scan mode table having at least one step which stores one of a plurality of scan functions. The key-pushing data is scanned by sequentially referring to the stored scan function so as to produce playing data based on which the arpeggio playing is performed. The arpeggiator has a mode where the key-pushing data is erased based on key-releasing data and another mode where erasure of the key-pushing data is prohibited based on given hold data.

Abstract: A centrally controlled voice synthesizer includes a memory which is preprogrammed with voice data, melody data, address data, and control data, an input processor for receiving an external signal and outputting a triggering signal, a clock generator for generating clock signals; a control logic unit receiving the clock signal from the clock generator, being triggered by the triggering signal from the input processor thus fetching the voice data, the melody data, the address data, and the control data from the memory, a decoder decodes the data fetched from the memory via the logic control unit and generates a control signal, a rhythm generator for outputting a rhythm signal to the logic control unit upon receiving the clock signal from the clock generator and the control signal from the decoder, a digital-to-analog converter connected to the memory and converts digital voice data from the memory to analog voice signal, a transistor connected to the digital-to-analog converter for amplifying the analog voice s

Abstract: An electronic music system has an input device, one or more computer storage media, a rhythm generator, a pitch selector, and a sound generator. The input device generates rhythm-related input signals and pitch-related input signals in response to manipulations of the input device by a user attempting to create and play a solo. The computer storage media have a plurality of user-selectable musical accompaniment tracks over which the user can create and play the solo and a plurality of rhythm blocks wherein each rhythm block defines, for at least one note, at least a time at which the note should be played. The computer storage media also store at least a portion of the solo created by the user over a predetermined time interval in the immediate past.

Abstract: A performance-information analyzing apparatus, which is employed by an electronic musical instrument, is provided to analyze performance information which represents at least a pitch and a key-on timing with respect to each sound to be produced. A note length is calculated on the basis of a key-on interval representative of a time interval between two key-on timings. One note length, whose frequency of occurrence is relatively high, is selected from among a plurality of note lengths sequentially calculated with respect to a plurality of sounds to be produced. A pair of time and location of bar-line is automatically determined in accordance with a predetermined condition on the basis of the note length selected. The selection for the note length can be made under the consideration of the number of the notes which have the same pitch and which indicate a continuous sound to be described between two measures across the bar-line in the score.

Abstract: A melody controlling apparatus is provided with: a reproducing device for reproducing first digital sound source controlling information and melody controlling information related to the first digital sound source controlling information; a memory for storing melody changing information; a melody changing device for reading the melody changing information from the memory according to the melody controlling information reproduced by the reproducing device, and changing the first digital sound source controlling information on the basis of the melody changing information to generate second digital sound source controlling information; and a digital sound source for generating music information signal from the second digital sound source controlling information.

Abstract: A rhythm pattern memory having rhythm patterns stored therein, the rhythm patterns being composed of pattern data corresponding to the types of percussion instruments, and a conversion table memory having a plurality of conversion tables for altering sound data each representative of a desired percussion instrument sound to sound data representative of an other percussion instrument sound are provided. A desired percussion instrument sound data in the rhythm pattern selected from the rhythm pattern memory by a rhythm pattern selector is altered to a desired percussion sound data according to the conversion table selected from the conversion table memory by the conversion table selector, and the resulting percussion sound data is converted by a sound source to the corresponding percussion sound signal to be output.

Abstract: An indication or image on a display unit is switched in response to changes in performance data of a tune which is being played automatically. Tone pitch data included in the performance data are detected, and the indication (image) on a display is switched in response to changes in the detected tone pitch data. Velocity data and tone color data in the performance data may be used in place of the tone pitch data. If a tune is automatically played based on a plurality of performance data which are simultaneously read out, the indication on the display is switched based on changes in either of the plurality of performance data. If switching data representing changes of rhythm of the tune is included in the performance data, the switching data are detected, and are used to change a way of switching the indication (image) on the display. The indication or image on the display may be switched at timings based on beats or strong beats or at timings of measures.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus for an electronic musical instrument, which includes a change-instructing device for instructing alteration between first performance pattern and second performance pattern; a first controller for, when the readout device is reading out none of first to fourth automatic performance data at time alteration of a performance pattern is instructed by the change-instructing device, selecting the first automatic performance data or the second automatic performance data in accordance with an instruction of the change-instructing device, and causing a readout device to read out the selected automatic performance data in accordance with an instruction of a start-instructing device; and a second controller for causing the readout device, when reading out the first automatic performance data at a time alteration of a performance pattern is instructed by the change-instructing device, to stop reading out the first automatic performance data, read out the third automatic performance data

Abstract: In a pattern memory are stored plural performance patterns, each of which has one or more measures. Plural ones of the performance patterns are optionally selected and read out from the pattern memory, so as to make a music piece made up of time-series combinations of the selected performance patterns. The thus-made music piece is stored into a song memory. A suitable device such as a switch or a detector or a suitable process is employed to instruct to make a music piece in auftakt form. For this purpose, such a method may be employed, for instance, where it is detected that the melody part is in the form of an auftakt music piece, and in response to this detection, it is automatically instructed that the music piece made up of combinations of the performance patters should also be made in auftakt form.

Abstract: Rhythm patterns are created by producing primitive data not having any fixed meaning and by associating the primitive data with desired creating parameters among a plurality of creating parameters for specifying meanings of the primitive data. The rhythm patterns may be created by storing a rule data base for associating a plurality of parameters specifying the features of rhythm and a plurality of rhythm patterns beforehand in a memory, entering the plurality of parameters, making reference to the rule data base on the basis of the plurality of input parameters, and creating the desired rhythm patterns by an inference system.

Abstract: An automatic arrangement apparatus for automatically producing performance data indicative of a predetermined performance part of a musical tune on a basis of an arrangement condition intended to be arranged. The arrangement apparatus includes a baeklng type table memory for memorizing rhythm backing and non-rhythm backing in compliance with a predetermined combination of a performance style, loudness of musical tones and a performance feeling or mood such as melodic or rhythmic feeling. Based on the arrangement condition applied from an external equipment such as an electronic musical instrument or an external recorder by operation of an Input device, either the rhythm backing or the non-rhythm backing is selected to produce a backing part at a timing of a rhythm pattern memorized in a rhythm pattern memory or at a timing of variation of chords memorized in a chord progression memory.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, there is no creation of new automatic accompaniment data and the performer can carry out automatic accompaniment using favored optional automatic accompaniment data. The electronic musical instrument provides storage apparatus for storing automatic performance data, a designator for designating a fixed region of the automatic performance data and a automatic accompaniment apparatus which performs automatic accompaniment based on a pattern of the fixed region designated by the designator. Therefore, when the performer designates an optional region of the automatic performance data storage apparatus, automatic accompaniment of the patterns in the optional region designated by the automatic accompaniment apparatus using the designator is carried out.

Abstract: An indication or image on a display unit is switched in response to changes in performance data of a tune which is being played automatically. Tone pitch data included in the performance data are detected, and the indication on the display unit is switched in response to changes in the detected tone pitch data. Velocity data and tone color data in the performance data may be used in place of the tone pitch data. If a tune is automatically played based on a plurality of performance data which are simultaneously read out, the indication on the display unit is switched based on changes in either of the plurality of performance data. If switching data representing changes of rhythm of the tune is included in the performance data, the switching data are detected, and are used to change a way of switching the indication (image) on the display unit. The indication or image on the display unit may be switched at timings based on beats or strong beats or at timings of measures.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a plurality of tone generating substrates, a connection portion, a channel detector and a channel assigner. Each of the plurality of tone generating substrates has at least one tone generation channel which generates a tone signal in response to assignment information input thereto. The connection portion has a plurality of connection slots with which the tone generating substrates are connected. The channel detector detects a number of all the tone generation channels of the tone generating substrates connected with the connection portion. The channel assigner, responsive to performance information input thereto, assigns the performance information as assignment information to one of the tone generation channels detected by the channel detector. The assigned tone generation channel generates a tone signal in accordance with the performance information.

Abstract: An auto-play apparatus associated with a keyboard instrument is arranged for generating auto-accompaniment tones such as chord, bass drum lines to have a specific rhythm pattern. When a player determines tone-up of a music piece during a performance, he or she operates an intonation dial (22) arranged on an operation panel (2) or an expression pedal (23). Then, an intonation value representing a tone-up level of the music piece is generated as numerical value information. A corresponding play pattern is read out from an auto-accompaniment pattern ROM (6) according to the intonation value and a rhythm pattern selected in advance upon operation of an operation member of the operation panel (2), thus starting an auto-play operation. Auto-accompaniment pattern data corresponding to the intonation value is programmed to change the play pattern according to a tone-up state of a music piece during the performance of the music piece.

Abstract: An automatic melody composer composes a melody on a phrase by phrase basis. A phrase database storage stores data of many and various phrases. A generating index database storage stores records of music generating index. Each record describes or indicates appropriate phrases in the phase database and how melody is modified or developed in moving from one musical time unit to another. A decoder selects an index record from the generating index database, retrieves, from the phrase database, phrase components according to the index record, and combines them into a phrase. Thus, the composer quickly provides a natural melody formed with a chain of phrases without requiring complicated data processing.

Abstract: Rhythm patterns are created by producing primitive data not having any fixed meaning and by associating the primitive data with desired creating parameters among a plurality of creating parameters for specifying meanings of the primitive data. The rhythm patterns may be created by storing a rule data base for associating a plurality of parameters specifying the features of rhythm and a plurality of rhythm patterns beforehand in a memory, entering the plurality of parameters, making reference to the rule data base on the basis of the plurality of input parameters, and creating the desired rhythm patterns by an inference system.

Abstract: An automatic playing apparatus which reads tone information from a ROM piece by piece to play a demonstration. The tone information stored in the ROM includes note data for generation of a musical tone as well as data for changing the parameters of music corresponding to the note data. When a demonstration is played, the note data and the data for changing the music parameters stored in the ROM are read out piece by piece, and the associated musical tones are generated accordingly. In this way, the musical piece being automatically played changes with each repetition, so that listeners hear a different version of the piece each time it is re-played.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus for sequentially reading out performance data sequentially stored in a performance data memory to execute automatic performance, detects depression of a step forward key, and generates a tone for a predetermined time T.sub.3 on the basis of performance data in the performance data memory designated by an address pointer. When the step forward key is depressed again within the predetermined Time T.sub.3 from its first depression, the same performance data tone is continuously generated for the predetermined time T.sub.3 from the second depression timing of the step forward key. When the step forward key is continuously depressed for a predetermined time T.sub.2 or more from its first depression timing, the address pointer is stepped up upon each predetermined time T.sub.1 to generate a performance data tone sequentially designated by the address pointer. According to this automatic performance apparatus, automatic performance data can be rapidly edited by simple manipulation.

Abstract: An electronic rhythm instrument having two or more rhythm switches which correspond to rhythmical sounds, and which generates rhythmical sounds corresponding to the rhythm switch operated. In the electronic rhythm instrument, one of the rhythmical sounds can be assigned commonly to a plurality of the rhythm switches, and further, a tone pitch and/or a tone volume can be assigned to each rhythm switch to which one of the rhythmical sounds is assigned commonly when a primary mode is selected. After the assignment, when a secondary mode is selected and one of the rhythm switches is operated, the preassigned rhythmical sound having the tone pitch and/or the tone volume assigned to the operated rhythm switch can be generated. The present invention can assign a tone-pitch scale and/or a tone-volume scale to a number of rhythm switches. When the tone-pitch scale is assigned to the rhythm switches, a melody can be produced according to the tone-pitch scale.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument includes note data memory (35) for storing note data strings of a plurality of different short phrases, and a tone generator (37) for generating tones on the basis of a note data string read out from the note data memory (35). In response to a key depression operation, a note data string of a short phrase assigned to the ON key is selected and read out. Tone strength data of the readout note data string are multiplied with a key operation strength value, and product data are output to the tone generator (37). A player performs an adlib play upon a combination of the phrases. The tone volume can be controlled in units of phrases according to key touch data.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument, in which a phrase for about one bar is assigned to each of keys across two octaves, a note data string of each phrase is read out from a memory in accordance with a one-finger key operation, and corresponding tones are generated. Key numbers, key depression velocities, and key depression timings of a series of key operations in a phrase play mode are recorded in a recording medium. In a playback mode, a note data string of a phrase corresponding to a playback key number is read out from the memory. Tone generation strength data in the note data are multiplied with the playback key depression velocity, thus obtaining a modified note data string. Playback tones of a phrase play close to an actual play can be generated by modifying key depression strengths of phrase tones pre-programmed in the memory.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument provides at least one pad to which a desirable musical tone such as a percussion instrument tone is assigned. When operating the pad, the corresponding musical tone is to be generated. Thereafter, when the pad operation is terminated, the musical tone can be simultaneously muted, decayed gradually or continuously generated for a while in accordance with the performer's control. An effected tone, i.e., a musical tone to which a musical effect is applied, can be also assigned to the pad. In this case, by operating the pad, the assigned effected tone can be generated.

Abstract: An automatic musical editing apparatus is presented which permits easy and efficient alterations of tone generation timing while listening to a musical score. The apparatus employs a CPU 1 which controls the overall function of the apparatus according to the steps stored in memories, and interfaces with the various sections through a bus B. The RAM memories are used to store rhythm pattern data, including a header region HD for storing temporary data, followed by a duration data to specify the generation timing for the first tone DU1, followed by an event data IV1 to specify the first tone. The remaining tones are stored in the same alternating pattern of timings and corresponding tones. The end of the rhythm pattern is indicated by the end data ED.

Abstract: A rhythm performance apparatus comprises a memory, ten-key pad or selection switch, drum pads or operation member, and a CPU. The memory has a plurality of rhythm pattern storage areas, including at least one write enable area, for sequentially storing rhythm tones designated by instrument number data and an optional parameter such as a touch data and an instrument localization data in units of tone generation timings. The ten-key pad or selection switch is used for designating a desired storage area and one of the write enable areas. The drum pad and the operation member are used for designating an instrument number and a touch. The CPU copies an optional parameter of the designated instrument number in the designated storage area to the designated write enable area as an optional parameter corresponding to the designated instrument number in the designated write enable area.

Abstract: A motif performing apparatus for use in an electronic musical instrument, which effects an automatic performance of a motif only while sounds are being radiated. The motif performing apparatus is able to store information representing motifs to be played, and to read and output information representing each of the motifs, separately, while instruction units for instructing a radiation of musical sounds are operated. Accordingly, even if the operation of an instruction unit is unchanged, the performance is varied according to a pattern of the information. Further, as long as the instruction unit is operated, a plurality of musical sounds are generated automatically and sequentially according to the pattern of the information, and thus a performance can be easily effected.

Abstract: A computerized musical instrument system has a processing system for converting multiple modes of music data input into relative rhythm coded data in the format of pitch codes and relative rhythm codes for designating respective types of rhythm elements, including the pitches, as they occur in the beats or other basic music intervals of a music piece. The relative rhythm codes represent the relative proportions by which the designated rhythm elements divide each beat. In a relative rhythm coding mode, pitch and rhythm data are entered via a keyboard and relative rhythm code and control code keys. The music data may also be input in the form of MIDI formatted data, audio or digital sound input, real-time performance (keypress) data, or optically scanned data from printed music notation. The instrument system can provide various forms of outputs including synthesized sound, a display or music notation, stored music data, printed output, and related audio and/or image effects.

Abstract: There is provided a music sheet having a magnetic data recording section. The magnetic data recording section is provided in parallel with a lower edge of the sheet and stores automatic performance data for manual performance, a front surface of the sheet is described with a music including an introduction and an ending, and a rear surface that is described with an advice or guidance for performing the music. The music sheet is convenient not only to a not yet skilled performer but also to a skilled performer in order to perform or exercise the music.

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

Abstract: A method for electronically processing and storing musical information involves separating the musical information into a plurality of segments, each representing some portion of a measure, and assigning a sequential time dimension value to each segment. The musical information is also separated into plurality of channels, with each channel representing a sound source and having a sound dimension value assigned to it. The musical information for a given channel and segment is stored in a memory array by associating the musical information corresponding to a given channel and segment with the memory array node specified by the time dimension value and sound dimension value assigned to the given channel and segment.

Abstract: A computerized music notation system includes a first keyboard having pitch keys, a second keyboard for entering relative rhythm codes representing the relative proportions by which the entered pitches and other rhythm types divide a beat and a terminator code to mark the end of each beat, and a computer executing a processing program for generating output music notation in beat units based upon the pitch data and the rhythm data. The pitch and rhythm data sets are independent of each other. The computer processes the pitch data assigning pitch names in the selected key of music, and the rhythm data in beat units by assigning computed fixed duration values to the rhythm types in accordance with the selected time signature. The pitch and rhythm data are combined and processed for output with other notation features, such as staff lines, stems, flags, beams, articulation marks, etc.

Abstract: An automatic accompaniment apparatus performs an automatic accompaniment having much variety with less storing amount of information (e.g., rhythm pattern data or pattern data). Based on the stored information, generation of tone or chord is controlled. In addition, tie expression or shifting operation is also controlled. In the shifting operation, some of constituent tones constituting the chord are sequentially generated in a shifting manner. The tie expression is applied to the constituent tones which are commonly used between preceding chord and present chord.

Abstract: An automatic musical performance apparatus comprising two groups of tracks: one for storing pattern data of musical performance, the other for storing level data that modify the volume of tones produced on the basis of the pattern data, so that tone volume of each track can be altered while listening to the tone being reproduced. Tone volume varies depending on volume control and key-velocity. One of these can be selected to be modified by the level data, thus causing different effect on tone volume control. There are three kinds of level data: track, group, and total. Track level data modify each track data in the pattern data, each set of group level data modifies track data belonging to the same group, and the total level data uniformly modifies all track data. Using group level data facilitates the setting of level data. The pattern data can include a number track data having different loop length and rhythm style, thus enabling the automatic performance of polyrhythm style.

Abstract: Data for a plurality of musical pieces is preset in a ROM pack and also on a tape recorder. Musical piece data read out from the ROM pack or tape recorder is supplied from a control section to melody generators, a chord generator, a bass generator and a rhythm generator. Melody data, chord data, and rhythm data obtained from these generators are coupled through an amplifier to a loudspeaker.