Notation-support method in music composition based on interval-pitch conversion

Abstract

With computer-assisted musical composition systems, composition work is becoming easier. However, it is still hard for beginners to externalize melodies efficiently because of the lack of their abilities to identify pitch. In order to externalize a melody, it is necessary to identify the pitch of each note. Although many beginners cannot identify the pitch of a note, they can cognize the interval between two notes. Hence, with supporting conversion of information of intervals into information of pitch, beginners can externalize melodies more easily. In this paper, we propose a notation-support method based on interval-pitch conversion. Intervals of notes are input as vertical distance between notes through a graphic tablet. Pitch of each note is calculated from its distance between fiducial notes, defined as their pitch by beginners. A method for supporting manual modification of pitch is also proposed. This method allows beginners to modify pitch of a note with a view to maintaining intervals of notes. Experimental results show that our method was appropriate for beginners who can recognize intervals. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.