Abstract: Disclosed is a modulation method for modulating n-bit data (n=p+q+r). The modulation method includes forming a time difference between a data impulse and a sync impulse to correspond to p-bit data, modulating the amplitude of the sync impulse to correspond to q-bit data and modulating the amplitude of the data impulse to correspond to r-bit data, and combining the sync impulse and the data impulse. As an example, n may be equal to p+q+r.

Abstract: A user-friendly graphical user interface is proposed to enable creation of a playlist of data elements of any type. A graphical object is displayed representing a content based logical map arranged in two or three dimensions and defining characteristics at predefined coordinates. A trajectory defined by a mathematical spline function and having a start point, an end point and one or more intermediate points is drawn and can be changed by moving the steering point of at least one of the start point and the end point. The data elements for the playlist are selected by searching in meta-data for characteristics that best match the characteristics of points along the trajectory.

Abstract: In order to play waveform data back at a variable performance tempo by using waveform data which complies with a desired reference tempo, the present invention performs a timeline-expansion/contraction control on the waveform data to be played back, according to the relationship between the performance tempo and the reference tempo. The present invention also determines whether to limit the playback of the waveform data according to the relationship between the performance tempo and the reference tempo. In the case that playback is to be limited, the present invention stops playback of the waveform data, or reduces the resolution of playback processing and continues playback of the waveform data. The present invention stops playback of the waveform data when, for example, the relationship between the performance tempo and the reference tempo is a relationship in which the waveform data would be played back at a performance tempo which would cause a processing delay or a deterioration of sound quality.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of method and system of directory sharing and management in a group communication environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a fast-search server includes processing a character of a query of music data, referencing the character with a reverse index of a music database, determining that the character matches a data record of the music database using the reverse index and returning the data record of the music database prior to receiving all characters of the query of music data from a user. The reverse index may be created from a combination of letters appearing as a string in a data field of the music database. The method may include preforking the character of the query of music data along with other processes in the fast-search server to minimize concurrency issues and to minimize threading locks.

Abstract: A portable music player for the playback of a digital audio file comprises a memory for storing a plurality of digital audio files; an audio output; a control for setting a desired change in pitch or tempo; and a digital signal processor configured to process a digital audio file and recover an audio signal therefrom, perceptibly alter one of the pitch and the tempo of the audio signal in response to the desired change in pitch or tempo without perceptibly altering the other of the pitch and tempo, and output the altered audio signal to the audio output.

Abstract: Computer-based methods infer a metrical grid from music that has been input without a predetermined time signature or tempo, enabling such free rhythm input to be annotated with the inferred grid, and stored and transcribed as a musical score. The methods use Bayesian modeling techniques, in which an optimal metrical grid is inferred by identifying the metrical grid that best explains the given sequence of notes by maximizing the posterior probability that it represents the note sequence. Prior musical input from a given user as well as explicit information about the musical style of the input may be used to improve the accuracy of the transcription.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing. Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting music for outputting based on tempo (or some other attribute). For example, the computing device may only play songs having a particular tempo.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for facilitating improving health of a user. In accordance with some applications, a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user, is received. A second physiological variable, which is not entirely under the direct voluntary control of the user, is received. Responsive to the first and second variables, the second physiological variable is changed in a desired manner, by using circuitry to direct the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action, by generating an output signal. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A music application guides a user with some musical experience through the steps of creating and editing a musical enhancement file that enhances and plays in synchronicity with an audio signal of an original artist's recorded performance. This enables others, perhaps with lesser musical ability than the original artist, to play-along with the original artist by following melodic, chordal, rhythmic, and verbal prompts. The music application accounts for differences in the timing of the performance from a standard tempo by guiding the user through the process of creating a tempo map for the performance and by associating the tempo map with MIDI information of the enhancement file. Enhancements may contain MIDI information, audio signal information, and/or video signal information which may be played back in synchronicity with the recorded performance to provide an aural and visual aid to others playing-along who may have less musical experience.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a beat counter device for sampling a plurality of voice samples by differentiating tempos from each other in a selected rhythm. The beat counter device comprises a seven segment indicator, a display unit, at least one directional key, an adjustment wheel, a volume button, an ON/OFF button, a microphone, a microphone port and a head phone port. The pressing operation of the ON/OFF button results in the microphone to perform a sampling of voices samples by separating a tempo from another tempo associated with a selected rhythm. The seven-segment indicator counts the number of tempos in the selected rhythm in each multi-measure time signature. The sampled voices are outputted through the headphone port.

Abstract: A personal music mixing system with an embodiment providing beats and vocals configured using a web browser and musical compositions generated from said beats and vocals. Said embodiment provides a plurality of beats and vocals that a user may suitably mix to create a new musical composition and make such composition available for future playback by the user or by others. In some embodiments, the user advantageously may hear a sample musical composition having beats and vocals with particular user-configured parameter settings and may adjust said settings until the user deems the musical composition complete.

Abstract: A tempo detecting device 100 includes an envelope detecting means 1 that detects an envelope of musical composition data, a frequency-component detecting means 2 that performs a discrete Fast Fourier Transform processing on the detected envelope to thereby detect a frequency spectrum, and a tempo detecting means 3 that detects, based on a characteristic of the detected frequency spectrum, a tempo of the musical composition data.

Abstract: A computer implemented method allows a user to collectively adjust tracks in a digital workstation. The method includes causing the display of at least one internal track and at least one external track. The method then allows the collective adjusting of the tempo, tempo and pitch, or tuning of each internal track and each external track in response to receiving a command. The adjusted tempo and/or adjusted tuning value can be displayed.

Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.

Abstract: A method for constructing a distance histogram for nearest neighbor classification. A training sample is determined for each of two classes. For each defect, a distance is measured in the feature space between the defect and the training sample for each of the classes. All of the distances for a given defect are normalized by dividing each distance for the given defect by the sum of all of the distances for the given defect. A histogram is constructed by plotting a chart of the normalized distances versus the number of defects having the distances. A threshold bar is placed on the center of the histogram to construct a normal nearest neighbor classifier. The threshold bar can be adjusted to the left or to the right to construct a weighted nearest neighbor classifier.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing. Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting music for outputting based on tempo (or some other attribute). For example, the computing device may only play songs having a particular tempo.

Abstract: A timer may be for timing a current time period corresponding to an amount of time since a previous operation of an operator. Circuitry may be for processing data to carry out a performance based on a set tempo. The circuitry may be configured to change a position of the performance to a specified position of the performance in a case where the operator is operated and the current time period equals or exceeds a specified time period. The circuitry may be configured to change the tempo based on the current time period in a case where the operator is operated and the current time period is less than the specified time period.

Abstract: A performance apparatus capable of reproducing music pieces while making changeover between the music pieces without disturbing the rhythm of exercise, dance, or the like performed by a user to the rhythm of music. A beat position is acquired that will appear in a preceding performance data for the first time after a preparatory time required for changing the reproduction of the preceding music piece to the reproduction of a subsequent music piece elapses from when a music selection instruction is given. The reproduction of the subsequent music piece is started at the same time when the music is reproduced up to the acquired beat position.

Abstract: A computer implemented method allows a DAW to adjust a variable tempo of an audio file independent of a global tempo. The method includes causing the display of a musical arrangement having a global tempo. The musical arrangement includes an audio file having a variable tempo which is independent of the global tempo. The method includes adjusting the variable tempo of the audio file, wherein the variable tempo begins at an initial tempo and adjusts to an end tempo over a set length of time. The method can also include outputting the audio file having the variable tempo in response to a command to play the musical arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audio device that adjusts the cadence of played songs. A user sensor determines cadence data based on movement of the user. A desired cadence is determined based on the cadence data received from the sensor. The cadence of songs is determined by low pass filtering digital representations of the songs and determining the period (T) of the back beat of the songs. An adjustment of the period (T) of the songs is then determined such that the adjustment of the period (T) of the songs results in the songs having the desired cadence. The period (T) of the back beat of the subsequent songs are then adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audio device that adjusts the cadence of played songs. All songs in a playlist may be adjusted to match the cadence of a particular song. First, the desired cadence of a reference song is determined by low pass filtering a digital representation of the reference song and determining the period (T) of the back beat of the reference song. The cadence of subsequent songs is then determined by low pass filtering digital representations of the subsequent songs and determining the period (T) of the back beat of the subsequent songs. An adjustment of the period (T) of the subsequent songs is then determined such that the adjustment of the period (T) of the subsequent songs results in the subsequent songs having the desired cadence (i.e., the cadence of the reference song). The period (T) of the back beat of the subsequent songs are then adjusted.

Abstract: Method for providing an overview of pieces of music, comprising: providing at least two pieces of music; determining at least two sections of said pieces of music, wherein one of said sections is determined from one of said pieces of music and another of said sections is determined from another of said pieces of music; and arranging said sections in a sequence.

Abstract: A method of matching the tempo and phase in pieces of music which allows the conjunction of the pieces of music to form a continuous stream of music. The interactive music player which digitally executes the method of matching the tempo and phase in pieces of music is also disclosed.

Abstract: A performance control apparatus that prevents erroneous key depressions from disturbing musical performance and allow an inexperience player to play at ease. A performance operator is adapted to generate performance operation information in response to performance operations by a user, the performance operation information including information indicative of performing timing in automatic performance. A storage device is adapted to store data of a music piece comprising sequence data of note information for individual musical tones.

Abstract: A method of matching the tempo and phase in pieces of music which allows the conjunction of the pieces of music to form a continuous stream of music. The interactive music player which digitally executes the method of matching the tempo and phase in pieces of music is also disclosed.

Abstract: A music piece reproduction device comprises a recording section (12) for recording a plurality of music piece data each possessing a sound data file and a beat guide file containing information on the sound data file, and a control section (1) for controlling so as to connect the sound data files recorded in the recording section (12), using a predetermined method. A command comment, indicating what kind of editing is capable of being performed and at which position in the music piece, is added to the beat guide file, and the control section successively reproduces a preceding music piece and a subsequence music piece based on the command comments of these two music pieces.

Abstract: There is provided a tempo detection apparatus capable of detecting, from the acoustic signal of a human performance of a musical piece having a fluctuating tempo, the average tempo of the entire piece of music and the correct beat positions, and further, the meter of the musical piece and the position of the first beat.

Abstract: An electronic musical apparatus for training to play the apparatus in correct timing comprises a play timing notifying device which notifies reference time points in a music progression for operating the apparatus to play music, an operation detecting device for detecting each of player's operations on the apparatus as a player operates the apparatus with reference to the reference time points, a time deviation detecting device for detecting a time deviation of each of the player's operations from corresponding one of the reference time points, a tolerance range setting device for setting a tolerance range with respect to each of the reference time point by taking into consideration a plurality of the past detected time deviations, the tolerance range being for evaluating whether a detected time deviation falls within the tolerance range or not, and a tone generation control device which controls generation of tones for the player's operations differently according to whether each detected time deviation fall

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing. Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting music for outputting based on tempo (or some other attribute). For example, the computing device may only play songs having a particular tempo.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: There are provided a singing voice-synthesizing method and apparatus capable of performing synthesis of natural singing voices close to human singing voices based on performance data being input in real time. Performance data is inputted for each phonetic unit constituting a lyric, to supply phonetic unit information, singing-starting time point information, singing length information, etc. Each performance data is inputted in timing earlier than the actual singing-starting time point, and a phonetic unit transition time length is generated. By using the phonetic unit transition time, the singing-starting time point information, and the singing length information, the singing-starting time points and singing duration times of the first and second phonemes are determined. In the singing voice synthesis, for each phoneme, a singing voice is generated at the determined singing-starting time point and continues to be generated for the determined singing duration time.

Abstract: Filtering is performed on original waveform to remove components of a predetermined frequency band from the waveform, and dividing positions of the original waveform data are determined on the basis of envelope levels of the filtered waveform. The dividing positions may be determined on the basis of differentiation of an envelope of the filtered waveform. Rise positions in the original waveform data are detected, and one rise position may be selected from among one or more rise positions detected within a predetermined range of the original waveform and extracted as a dividing position of the original waveform. Presumed beat positions in the original waveform may be detected, and rise positions of the original waveform may be detected within predetermined ranges corresponding to the presumed beat positions.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone control system which is capable of preventing control not intended by the user even when the user stops moving when controlling the generation of musical tones reflecting motion or physical posture of the user. A motion detecting device capable of being carried by an operator generates a detected motion signal corresponding to motion of the operator carrying the device, and transmits same to an external device. A musical tone generating device generates musical tones. A control device receives the detected motion signal transmitted from the motion detecting device and controls generation of musical tones from the musical tone generating device based on the received detected motion signal.

Abstract: Generally, a mood-based playlisting system may select content to maintain a mood consistency between selections of content. In one example, electronic content may be made available to users by determining a mood indicator indicating a present mood state of a user, determining a mood spectrum describing mood indicators that are consistent with the mood indicator for the track, and selecting a next track having a mood indicator that lies within the mood spectrum. In another example, content may be selected by determining a coordinate mood location indicating the present mood state of a user, determining a compatible mood volume indicating potential mood indicators for a next track that is compatible with the present mood, identifying one or more tracks having mood indicators that lie within the compatible mood volume, and enabling the user to access one or more of the identified tracks.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus for changing a tempo of an input audio signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnification designator capable of designating a plurality of different magnifications. A device is capable of automatically detecting a beat(s) per minute, BPM, or the audio input signal. The device may also detect a beat period of the input audio signal. The device also changes the BPM or beat period in accordance with a magnification designated by the magnification designator. Further, the device changes the tempo of the audio signal in accordance with the changed BPM and the changed beat period.

Abstract: A method for determining rhythm units (beats per minute or BPM) in (digital) audio data forming a musical piece. The audio data is split among a plurality of determination paths wherein it is subdivided into predetermined frequency bands. The data is analyzed for transients in order to determine attack events. In addition, the time intervals between two successive attack events are measured. In this case, the time intervals are averaged and defined as the frequency-band-specific rhythm unit (BPM) of the audio data in the respective determination path. Thus, the rhythm unit which exhibits the highest beat number (BPM number) is selected from the frequency-band-specific rhythm units (BPM) of the determination paths.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: Many non-musicians enjoy listening to music, and would like to be able to play along with it, but do not have the talent or the time to learn to play a musical instrument. The system described herein allows non-musicians to follow along with a display that is based on the principles of musical notation, but is designed to be intuitive and require no training to use. The player is guided through the steps of playing a rhythm along with a musical performance, and the system provides the illusion that the player is actually playing a melodic part on an instrument. In addition, the system indicates how closely the player is following the guide, and it also scores the player's performance. The score is used to drive interactive feedback to the player. The system can be configured to work in local area networks or wide area networks with low latency or high latency in the network.

Abstract: An audio information reproducing apparatus reproduces one audio information and reproduces another audio information after said one audio information. The apparatus is provided with: a detecting device for detecting one time period required for one beat of said one audio information, and also detecting another time period for one beat of said another audio information; and a reproducing device for reproducing said another audio information continuously to said one audio information while controlling the detected another time period to be coincident with the detected one time period. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus is provided with: a detecting device for detecting one beat timing which is a timing of a beat of said one audio information and also detecting another beat timing which is a timing of a beat of said another audio information, so that the reproducing device controls the detected another beat timing to be coincident with the detected one beat timing.

Abstract: There is provided an improved system and method of determining the tempo of a digitized musical work that, optionally, allows a user to participate in the BPM determination. A first preferred aspect includes determination of estimates of the BPM of a musical work by utilizing at least two different algorithms, thereby producing a plurality of separate BPM candidates. As a further preferred aspect, the method utilizes, as an optional step, input from the user to assist in selecting the “best” BPM from among the plurality of BPMs determined previously. Preferably, the user is given the option of “tapping along” with the music by pressing the mouse or a key on the computer in time to the music as it is played. The program analyzes the first few taps and, from that input, selects from the BPMs the one that is most consistent with the user's input.

Abstract: There is provided an improved system and method of determining the tempo of a digitized musical work that, optionally, allows a user to participate in the BPM determination. A first preferred aspect includes determination of estimates of the BPM of a musical work by utilizing at least two different algorithms, thereby producing a plurality of separate BPM candidates. As a further preferred aspect, the method utilizes, as an optional step, input from the user to assist in selecting the “best” BPM from among the plurality of BPMs determined previously. Preferably, the user is given the option of “tapping along” with the music by pressing the mouse or a key on the computer in time to the music as it is played. The program analyzes the first few taps and, from that input, selects from the BPMs the one that is most consistent with the user's input.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an electronic system by which it is possible to have an accompaniment that automatically tracks the performance tempo of a performer. The system is equipped with a ROM in which a sequence of performance data that comprise a main performance composition that is to be performed by the performer is stored. The system receives input from the performer, for example, keystrokes of a keyboard, and the relative performance tempo of the performance by the performer is calculated with respect to a segment of the performance. An accompaniment is then generated by the system by comparing the detected tempo of the performance of the artist with the tempo of the reference performance that is stored in ROM. By knowing the difference in tempo between the reference piece stored in ROM and the piece as being performed by the performer, the system may then adjust the tempo of the accompaniment to match the tempo of the performance by the artist.

Abstract: A method for real time tempo detection is disclosed. The method includes receiving an audio input, downsampling the input, converting the input from time domain data to frequency domain data, dividing the frequency domain data into a plurality of frequency bands. Each frequency band is associated with a resonator bank, which has a plurality of resonators. Each resonator has a center frequency. The method further comprises of filtering out high order noise of the frequency domain data, stimulating the resonator bank with the filtered frequency domain data, summing up the amplitudes of the outputs of the resonators of the same center frequency. Each local maximum corresponds to a tempo contained within the audio input. The method further comprises of sorting the local maxima by the sum of the amplitudes and returning the tempo corresponding to the largest local maxima for determination of tempo of the audio input.

Abstract: The MIDI reproducing block has such a sound source as a synthesizer and synthesizes and reproduces electronic sounds sequentially according to entered MIDI playing information, thereby generating MIDI sound signals of an accompaniment music. Generated MIDI sound signals are supplied to the mixer. The audio reproducing block reproduces audio sound signals according to entered audio information. Generated audio sound signals are supplied to the mixer. The tempo change time setting block sets a tempo change time in entered tempo change information. Tempo change information in which a tempo change time is set is supplied to both MIDI reproducing block and audio reproducing block. The mixer mixes supplied MIDI sound signals with audio sound signals, thereby generating reproduction signals, then outputs the signals after the sound volume is adjusted. Generated reproduction signals are then supplied to the speaker. The speaker then outputs supplied reproduction signals as sounds.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus that is responsive to a manual player of an input implement for producing either an arpeggio performance or a pattern performance in a modified form. Specifically, the present invention includes: a sequencer block that is responsive to manual play for generating a sequence of original note data representing either the arpeggio performance or the pattern performance; an input block to set control parameters; a play effector block to process the original note data according to the control parameters; a transposer block that shifts the altered note data by a predetermined interval to thereby generate shifted note data; a note effector block that generates additional note data in superposed relation to the shifted note data; a tone generator block that is receptive of the shifted note data and the additional note data for generating corresponding musical tones to thereby provide the modified form of either of the arpeggio performance and the pattern performance.

Abstract: An automatic music composing method automatically composes background music matching an atmosphere and a reproduction time of an input moving or changing image. A moving or changing image is inputted and divided into scenes, a feature of each scene is extracted, an automatic music composing parameter is obtained from the feature, background music is automatically composed using the parameter and scene reproduction time, and the composed background music is output along with the moving or changing image.

Abstract: An automatic performance section and an effect imparting section or (and) a pitch measuring section are provided in combination within a single device, and the operations of these sections are collectively controlled by a processor. To an external sound signal input from outside the device, the effect imparting section imparts an effect designated by designating data. For tuning purposes, the pitch measuring section detects zero-cross points of the external sound signal to measure the pitch of the signal. Under the control of the processor, the automatic performance section, which has automatic performance data and change data stored therein, under the control of the processor, reads out the performance data to perform an automatic performance process and also reads out the change data for changing the designating data to thereby change an effect to be imparted.

Abstract: There is generated a rhythm corresponding to a designated tempo and meter of a music piece to be recorded. Performance of a musical instrument is started at specific timing according to the generated rhythm, and the musical information resulting from the performance is recorded onto an MD (Mini Disk). The address on the MD read out when the performance of the music piece is started is retrieved as a start address of the music piece. After the recording, the retrieved start address is recorded onto the UTOC (User's-table-of-contents) area of the disk along with the designated tempo and meter. By reading out the start address, tempo and meter to calculate a measure number and start address of a desired measure on the basis of the read out information, display of a measure number being currently reproduced and quick access to the starting point of any desired measure can be achieved.