Methods and apparatus to classify media based on a pitch-independent timbre attribute from a media signal are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an interface to access a media signal; and an audio characteristic extractor to determine a spectrum of audio corresponding to the media signal; and determine a timbre-independent pitch attribute of the audio based on an inverse transform of a complex argument of a transform of the spectrum.

Methods and digital circuits provide frequency correction to frequency synthesizers. Dual switched-capacitor voltage detectors connected to an input signal periodically sample the voltage of the input signal, and then determine a fundamental frequency of the input signal from the output of the dual switched-capacitor voltage detectors. The sample period of the dual switched-capacitor voltage detectors is proportional to a time period between a previous pair of voltage peaks detected in the input signal, thereby eliminating harmonic components in the original signal which might otherwise cause errors in frequency estimation without causing unwanted sluggishness in the transient response of the frequency detection process. The time period between the previous pair of detected voltage peaks is used to create a decay signal that initiates a capacitor decay time for each voltage detector. Two additional digital methods of extracting the fundamental frequency as well as an envelope of an analog audio signal are also described, one utilizing a sliding sample rate, and the other utilizing a fixed sample rate, for processing. These methods expand the array of techniques available for detecting the fundamental frequency of an arbitrary monophonic audio signal within one cycle making it possible to implement the disclosed methods on a much wider array of platforms, including but not limited to microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSP), microprocessors, software running in desktop PCs, and software running in mobile applications.

A method for generating voice note identifications for digital musical instrument note controlling signals. The method provides voice identification for every note in digital interface, which makes music learning intuitive and easier. The method can be used with a majority of digital instruments as a part of such instruments. Solfege is used as voice note identification system since it is widely used in music education. However, any such system can be used or newly devised by preparing a different set of patches.

A method and apparatus for music generation may include steps of receiving any length of input; recognizing pitches and rhythm of the input; generating a first segment of a full music; generating segments other than the first segment to complete the full music; generating connecting notes, chords and beats of the segments of the full music and handling anacrusis; and generating instrument accompaniment for the full music, and comprise a music generating system to realize the steps of music generation.

Methods and apparatus to classify media based on a pitch-independent timbre attribute from a media signal are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an interface to access a media signal; and an audio characteristic extractor to determine a spectrum of audio corresponding to the media signal; and determine a timbre-independent pitch attribute of the audio based on an inverse transform of a complex argument of a transform of the spectrum.

With reference to FIG. 7a the present invention relates to transducer apparatus (200) for use with a reed instrument (201) having an air chamber (15) forming a resonant cavity whose resonance characteristics are controlled by opening and closing of tone holes (17A, 17B) connecting the air chamber to the exterior of the reed instrument. The transducer apparatus comprises attachment means (202) for releasably securing the transducer apparatus to a mouthpiece (201) of the reed instrument in place of a reed. A reed replacement section (203) has a housing with an abutment surface for abutting a surface part of the mouthpiece which would be abutted by a reed secured to the mouthpiece. An air passage extends through the housing of the reed replacement section (203) from an air inlet (211) through which a player of the instrument can blow to an air outlet (213) through which air blown by the player is delivered to atmosphere, without passing through the air chamber (15) within the reed instrument. A speaker (208) is supported by the housing and delivers sound to the air chamber (15). An air chamber microphone (209) is supported by the housing and receives sound in the air chamber (15). An electronic processing unit (204) has: an excitation unit (101) which produces an excitation signal for driving the speaker (208); a processor (102) for receiving a measurement signal produced by the microphone and for detecting from the measurement signal a musical note played by the instrument; a synthesizer (220) for generating an electronic signal embodying a musical note which corresponds to the detected musical note; and output means (103) for transmitting the musical note generated by the synthesizer to a receiver external of the transducer apparatus. The invention also relates to a system for representing the sounds of a reed instrument having the components of the transducer apparatus, to an electronic system for determining a musical note played by a reed instrument having the components of the transducer apparatus and to a method of practising playing of a reed instrument comprising use of the components of the transducer apparatus.

Provided is an electrophonic chordophone system (20) comprising sensor (24) configured to be operatively responsive to respective strings of a guitar (22). The system (20) also includes non-transitory processor-readable storage means (26) which contains first and second user-configurable tonal formats (28) and (30). Also included is processor (32), arranged in signal communication with the sensor (24) and storage means (26), and adapted to associate a melody group of notes producible by the strings with the first tonal format (28) in a one-to-one mapping or direct correlation, and to associate a control group of notes producible by the strings with the second tonal format (30) in a one-to-many mapping or indirect correlation. Also included is a synthesiser (34), arranged in signal communication with the processor (32), and configured to produce both the first and second tonal formats simultaneously in substantial real-time. The first tonal format (28) is actuatable via the melody group of notes and the second tonal format (30) is dynamically selectable via the control group of notes and also actuatable via the melody group of notes. In this manner, a melody is producible via the first tonal format (28) with a dynamic backing track producible via the second tonal format (30), all using one guitar (22).

A low-cost and high-compatibility optical pickup including a light source, one set of optical sensors, and a controller. The light source illuminates a string assembled on an instrument. The set of optical sensors corresponding to the light source is provided to sense the shading of the string. The controller supplies the sensed data from the set of optical sensors to a system host for recognition of the melody played on the string. Considering the other strings assembled on the instrument, the optical pickup includes other sets of optical sensors to sense the shading of the other strings which are also illuminated by the light source. The controller also supplies the sensed data of the other sets of optical sensors to the system host for recognition of the melody played on the other strings.

A transducer apparatus for a labrosone is disclosed, the labrosone having a labrosone resonant chamber. A labrosone speaker delivers a sound signal to the labrosone resonant chamber. A labrosone microphone receives a resultant sound from the labrosone resonant chamber. A mouthpiece microphone receives sound from a labrosone mouthpiece. An electronic processor is connected to the labrosone speaker, and receives signals from the labrosone microphone and the mouthpiece microphone. The electronic processor generates an excitation signal which is delivered as an acoustic excitation signal to the labrosone resonant chamber by the labrosone speaker. The electronic processor uses the signals from the labrosone microphone and the mouthpiece microphone to determine a desired musical note which a player of the labrosone wishes to play. The electronic processor then synthesizes and outputs the desired musical note to an output device, whereby the musical note is played audibly and/or displayed visually to the player.

A hand-held strumming device includes a hollow body, a power source, a motor, a regulator, and a strummer. The power source is disposed in the hollow body. The motor is in electrical communication with the power source. The regulator is in electrical communication with both the motor and the power source. The regulator is configured to selectively adjust a rotational speed of the motor. The strummer is rotatably disposed on the disk. The strummer is configured to be presented to strings of a stringed instrument upon rotation of the motor to strum the strings.