Music composition system and method

Abstract

A system, program code, and method for music composition, comprising: displaying a composition object according to a first value, wherein the first value includes a musical event; displaying a first and second indicator, wherein the first and second indicator describes the first value; selecting the composition object; graphically altering the first indicator; changing the first value to a second value; and graphically altering the second indicator. The first indicator comprises the position of the composition object relative to a displayed virtual instrument. The second indicator is not keyed to shapes, rather comprises a color. The method and system further incorporates a graphical user interface including a virtual music instrument; the virtual music instrument includes a plurality of virtual keys, each key corresponding to a key on a performance module.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 764,235 filed on Jan. 31, 2006 and Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 758,885 filed on Jan. 13, 2006, which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is a Continuation Application of, under 35 U.S.C. § 121, and claims priority to, under 35 U.S.C. § 121, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No.: 11 / 669,103, entitled Music Composition System and Method, by Hal C. Salter, filed on Jan. 30, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to methods and systems of music performing and composition, specifically to methods and systems for playing, creating, composing, displaying, and editing music data.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Music composition provides an opportunity for creative expression. People have taken some advantage of this opportunity from the beginni...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available composition methods and systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a composition method and system which enables users of all musical skill levels a forum to express creativity in a skillful way. In addition to providing simple, fun, and creative ways to create, edit, and play music compositions; the present invention also teaches and assists users in music composition.

Problems solved by technology

While such technology has greatly enhanced the ability to create, play, and store music compositions, many of the current systems and methods utilizing these technologies are complex, expensive, and may require a user to have substantial musical experience and training.

Additionally, while some systems and methods are adept and proficient in one area of music composition, those same systems and methods may be inadequate in other areas.

For example, one system may excel in playing and recording music compositions, while being inadequate and inept in areas of creating and editing music compositions, and vice versa.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include: difficulty of use, especially for younger users; a high learning curve; failure to provide an intuitive interface; including obstacles that limit creative expression; and failing to provide sufficient guidance and / or skill enhancing effects.

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