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. As a result, it is possible to preemptively prevent a system freeze and solve problems such as the generation of music which has a slower tempo than the desired performance tempo, or the generation of music which includes the intermittent cutting out of sound due to noise, or a significant reduction to sound quality.

The present invention provides touch sensor means for detecting the touch location along the length of an outfitted piano key as it is pressed, so as to then offset the notes of an associated piano keyboard accordingly during play. When such an outfitted key is pressed in combination with other piano keys, the touch location along the length of the outfitted key, and the separation intervals and timing of the key presses, are analyzed to determine the intended chord, such that before any notes are sounded, the notes of the pressed keys are configured for the sounding of that chord. This arrangement enables playing a wide range of notes using just a few keys, so as to provide a substantially reduced-size keyboard with full-sized keys sufficient for real-time playing. This arrangement also enables configuring the note offsets of those pressed keys to conform to a selected musical key, so as to simplify the layout of the keyboard by eliminating its black keys, while still supporting the playing of non-conforming notes. This arrangement further enables applying pitch variation to those note offsets in order to emulate the string stretching, whammy bar, and fretless neck playing techniques for guitars and basses. This arrangement even further enables playing advanced chords in a simplified manner. Finally, this arrangement enables providing a wide assortment of keyboards that can differ in the type, number, size, and functionality of their outfitted keys.

The present invention provides touch sensor means for detecting the touch location along the length of an outfitted piano key as it is pressed, so as to then offset the notes of an associated piano keyboard accordingly during play. When such an outfitted key is pressed in combination with other piano keys, the touch location along the length of the outfitted key, and the separation intervals and timing of the key presses, are analyzed to determine the intended chord, such that before any notes are sounded, the notes of the pressed keys are configured for the sounding of that chord. This arrangement enables playing a wide range of notes using just a few keys, so as to provide a substantially reduced-size keyboard with full-sized keys sufficient for real-time playing. This arrangement also enables configuring the note offsets of those pressed keys to conform to a selected musical key, so as to simplify the layout of the keyboard by eliminating its black keys, while still supporting the playing of non-conforming notes. This arrangement further enables applying pitch variation to those note offsets in order to emulate the string stretching, whammy bar, and fretless neck playing techniques for guitars and basses. This arrangement even further enables playing advanced chords in a simplified manner. Finally, this arrangement enables providing a wide assortment of keyboards that can differ in the type, number, size, and functionality of their outfitted keys.