Innovation Category: Software Prototypes/Non-Commercial Products

Music Genie, an Algorithmic Music Composition Software Aide, facilitates Human-Computer collaboration to generate note sequences, and rhythmic timing relationships while applying microtonal tuning profiles.

Music Genie is a composition aide intended to be a source for musical motifs mediated by a human composer. Built using the JUCE development environment, it is implemented in three generic computational modules:
1) Note Sequence Generator – creates series of musical notes
2) Timing Generator – creates timing information: note duration and rhythm
3) Tuning Profile Generator – assigns a frequency to each MIDI note number
This generative data is then merged to form a complete MIDI file, compatible with any MIDI supporting device.

The time has come for an enlightened approach to the use of computing systems in the musical composition creative process.

Music Genie is not a substitute for talent of artistic taste. It is meant for serious composers seeking to utilize algorithmic generative techniques.
The Note Sequence Generator is based on scale definition music theory to create a Tonality Space from which a motif is extracted.

Each module can accommodate a new generative methodology (NSG libraries to come)

The Timing Generator logically combines base waveforms to produce rhythmic information and can be recursively processed.

Music Genie facilitates on-the-fly tuning adjustments that are not derived from Tuning Tables which limit note frequencies to 128 values but allows infinite real time frequency adjustments thereby enabling temperament to be modulated. For example, the note frequencies of an Ionian scale in C, require a recalculation of all notes when modulated to the key of C#. If there a 12 chromatic tones in an octave, and 12 base octaves, 144 base octave note frequencies are required. If each Key Signature spans 88-notes (a la a piano keyboard) 1056 frequencies are necessary, well beyond the capability of a Tuning Table.

From a conceptual perspective, the modular structure of the NSG, TG and TPG potentially can accept input parameters from any app that generates note sequences, timing data and/or tuning profiles.

Music Genie is not AI based but facilitates a true collaboration between a human composer and computer via the use of algorithmically generated motifs, rhythms and tunings that are aesthetically moderated by the composer to create musical compositions that neither could produce individually.

Via standard MIDI hardware interface, or internally to DAW by MIDI source selection

No current commercial plans, perhaps licensable to DAW SW app manufacturers. I am interested in working with other MIDI app developers.

o VST3 plugin
o Module library functions
o Motif Harmonization: supports the input of a single channel MIDI file (i.e., melody), or Music Genie created motif, to generate a harmonized sequence of notes.
o Recursive Timing Data Generation: facilitates input of MIDI channel Timing Profile data, either as generated by the Timing Generation Module or an existing MIDI track. This feature enables the creation of a series of rhythmically related Timing Profiles.

'Milli' since 1991 a training tool for children to sing karaoke.
Milli displays lyrics by syllable, sings the melody and harmony with the user's voice.

The song programming method utilizes most MIDI vocal harmonizers from the Digitech VHM5, circa 1991, to TC Helicon Voiceworks, circa 2012.

The method result is a non-robotic voice, pitch perfect.
Useful in studio to experiment with and produce vocal harmonies without need for other singers.
Offers harmonizing karaoke to the masses.

Since 1991, Milli has provided an uplifting and educational singing experience for thousands of holiday festival attendees.

Milli utilizes the standard wavetable provided in all PCs. No need for expensive external module.
Milli directs a MIDI out to most hardware harmonizers.
Milli has had some experimental success with software VST Plug-in harmonizers.

There have been many attempts to provide harmonizing karaoke to the public rather than limit to musicians.
Froglips, Concert Soft, Tune 1000, Tiger Karaoke, Various home keyboards, Soulo Karaoke.
Programming and syncing is arduous so song libraries have been limited.
I have combined several utilities and written macros to hasten the process.
I purchased the entire Tune 1000 library and reworked for my own use.
I have purchased and experimented with every harmonizer over the years.
TC Electronics Voiceworks (Not Plus) is the best harmonizer but production ceased in 2012.

I can add appropriate vocal tracks to any well-produced MIDI file for market to the general public, but the harmonizers are no longer manufactured.
I hope that TC Electronics could provide a single program version of the Voiceworks such as was the Tune MIDI HHarmony Box, circa 1990.

"Spaceship" synthesizer: Craft rich, dynamic sounds with dual oscillators, LFOs, ADSR envelope, and intuitive playability. Ideal for music creators seeking depth and control.

"Spaceship" is a software synthesizer built with SynthEdit, featuring multi-waveform oscillators, LFOs, a multi-mode filter, and a user-friendly interface for advanced sound design.

Introduction of Software Synthesizer Created with SynthEdit "Spaceship"

Video demo:https://youtu.be/8mOo1BTgcnY

This is a versatile and powerful software synthesizer plugin. Built entirely within SynthEdit, this virtual instrument packs a range of sound design capabilities into an intuitive interface.

At its core lies a multi-waveform oscillator with independent control over pulse width and volume. This fat, analog-style Oscillator A can be switched between waveforms like sawtooth, triangle, sine, and pulse for sculpting basic timbres. Oscillator B offers additional tone-shaping options with tune and octave controls alongside its own volume knob.

Further sonic animation comes from two LFOs with adjustable rate and depth parameters. Multiple parameters are editable, including pitch modulation, filter sweeps, amplitude effects and more using these low frequency oscillators to add movement and interest. The multi-mode filter provides a smooth slope to shape tones, under the influence of an ADSR envelope that can tweak the attack, decay, sustain and release.

Bringing it all together is the playable keyboard with capabilities for pitch bending and portamento glides between notes. This grants hands-on control over the synthesizer for volcanic leads, mournful pads, scintillating arpeggios and other sounds.

The straightforward interface belies the depth available in this synth plugin. Between the versatile oscillators, animation from the LFOs, tapering from the filter and envelope, and playability of the keyboard, there is enormous creative potential at your fingertips. This instrument invites you to explore, experiment and craft your own electronic music compositions, sound effects, underscore beds and more.

Whether the purpose of creation are producing atmospheric soundscapes, spiky bass lines, shimmering textures or driving sequences, this synthesizer plugin puts intuitive sound design within reach. The quick workflow and deep modulation capabilities make it simple to dial in sounds, yet sufficiently complex for creative sound programming.

The most inspiring use of the "Spaceship" synthesizer is for creating complex, evolving soundscapes and textures that can transform and elevate film scores, ambient music, and experimental sound art.

"Spaceship" synthesizer seamlessly integrates with other MIDI devices and software, supporting direct MIDI connectivity for real-time performance control and automation, enhancing its versatility in studio and live settings.

None yet

None yet

Calliope is a future-looking experimental fully AI-powered MIDI-based DAW in your browser. An environment for computer-assisted MIDI music composition streammable to any MIDI device.

Calliope is an in-browser MIDI environment for computer-assisted composition. It offers the power of our MMM AI model to batch generate in-context multi-track music patterns.

Calliope is a future-looking experimental AI-based MIDI DAW in your browser.
Generative music capabilities.
Highly controllable set of parameters.
All in your browser no install required.
Can handle complex MIDI compositions.
Can generate large batches of MIDI files at once.
Enable automatic stylistic ranking of MIDI files.
Unique thought-through workflow interface.

Calliope's mission is to democratize musical creativity by facilitating the creative process of composing music. Our approach is to support 1) the high-quality controllable generation of musical ideas and 2) the guided evaluation of those ideas to move closer to help artists and lay users express unique pieces of musical work in MIDI.

Calliope is useful for quickly generate multi-track MIDI patterns of inspiration (generating from scratch), for overcoming writer's block, or for getting alternative composition ideas for your piece.

Calliope is built with a MIDI streaming feature. This enables it to discover MIDI I/O on the device and the user can stream generated MIDI composition to their favorite DAW i.e., Ableton Live.

Currently, the system is available as a free online prototype. We do not yet have any plan for commercialization, but will be open to ideas along those lines i.e., subscription model (freemium for all users + a pricing structure for advanced features).

We are planning to:
1) Improve the user interface/interaction to make it frictionless and intuitive to new users.
2) improve the performance of the generative music AI model with more user controls and faster processing speed.
3) extend further the music evaluation capabilities with improved visualization and comparison (ranking and filtering) of MIDI files to enable a full creative process loop where the user can generate hundreds of ideas and filter through them efficiently.

MIDI-enhanced keyboard polyphony with real-time per-note multitimbrality. Imagine playing Bach, but now each voice has its own distinct timbre.

Polyfluous is software that sits between a MIDI keyboard and one or more multitimbral synthesizers. When the performer plays on the keyboard, Polyfluous directs the incoming MIDI messages to synthesizer channels as specified in a score. In this way, one can play polyphonic music such as a Bach fugue and have each voice played with a different instrument.

I believe it opens up new sonic possibilities for live performance.

I'm not sure I understand the question, but I hope others will recognize the possibilities it offers and be inspired to create something amazing with it.

Polyfluous runs on a computer that is connected to a MIDI keyboard and to one or more synthesizers.

No plans at the moment.

No plans at the moment.

Through a revolutionary interface design, Chord Board is a fundamentally new way to make music, accessible to everyone and inspiring at every level.

First, Chord Board will be an app. Then, it will be software and then hardware. Regardless of its format, Chord Board is a fundamentally new music-creation interface – truly, a new musical instrument in the world. The patented O-chords allow the complete novice to instantly make chords and see their relationships. Users can play and learn chords with ease. They can sequence chords with ease. They can easily select from chord relationships and see them sequenced before their eyes. They can use the astonishingly simple new Hand Board to easily jam along with a chord progression with leads, basslines, and more. They can set it to Pentatonic so that they never hit a “wrong” note, or go free form and redefine what is right and wrong. Chord Board is a game changer in learning and making music. It inspires anyone at any musical level to create and learn while doing it.

One of Chord Board’s key innovations is that it uses technology to turn playing an instrument upside down. The biggest challenge for anyone learning a new instrument is figuring out where to put their fingers to play notes and chords. For instance, to play chords and notes, they have to move their fingers to fixed positions all over the fretboard on a guitar, or keyboard on a piano. Chord Board turns this paradigm upside down by using technology to move the chords and notes under the musician’s fingers.

Another key innovation is using technology to turn the sequencer upside down. In a traditional sequencer, chords and notes are programmed into sequencer steps. The musician has to remember what they put into each step when they press the pad or as the lights blink on by during playback. Chord Board turns this paradigm upside down by hiding the sequencer behind a series of O-Chords. Each O-Chord is designated by a chord root note within the selected key. The O-Chords laid out, become the sequencer when played back with the transport.

A third key innovation is the patented companion Hand Board. The Hand Board allows the musician to play individual notes, optionally enhanced by arpeggiation, synchronized to the currently playing Chord Board chord. The Hand Board is laid out like a hand, only with seven fingers instead of five. The Hand Board turns the paradigm upside down by mapping the Pentatonic scale to the musician’s hand’s five fingers. The remaining two notes in the scale map to an extra pinky and an extra thumb.

The Hand Board then tracks the currently playing Chord Board chord and maps the index finger to the chord’s root note, the middle finger to the chord’s third and the ring finger to the chord’s fifth. In this fashion, the musician will merely have to press their first three fingers on the Hand Board’s first three fingers to always be playing the root-third-fifth of the chord. When the Chord Board chord changes, the technology remaps the notes played by the Hand Board’s fingers, and without having to move up and down a fretboard or piano roll, and without having to move at all, the musician is now playing the new chord’s root-third-fifth. There is no way to make soloing over chords any easier.

What’s more, the fingers of the Hand Board are split into five segments. Each segment represents an octave. So, with a slight bend or stretch of the finger, the musician has access to a full five octaves of every note, and without having to memorize and practice moving up and down a fret board or piano roll for octave switches.

There are many more innovations and conveniences offered by Chord Board and its companion Hand Board, that are too numerous to list here. For a full list of features, click here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/g955hnk85eidl8hkn5gv5/2024-06-06-Chord-Board-App-Features.pdf?rlkey=fgic819ycph20mxirpo4tmw05&dl=0

Chord Board provides the immediate ability for those with little or no musical knowledge to make beautiful music while effortlessly (even subconsciously) teaching themselves music theory along the way. Whether it’s for children to learn music or for those with disabilities to play music in ways their dexterity has not allowed, or whether it’s for any musician being inspired to create and better understand music and the web of relationships therein, Chord Board inspires and enables individuals to create and learn. That makes the world a better place.

At the other end of the spectrum, for professional musicians, they are able to play chords that they may not otherwise be able to play and hyper quickly experiment with new chord sounds and sequences, inspiring them to higher levels of creativity

Chord Board is a MIDI controller at its core. It sends note and chord MIDI information through multiple, dedicated, user configurable channels, over USB or MIDI Din, and reads and synchronizes with MIDI clock and transport signals. In this way it can integrate with all modern DAWs, MIDI controllers, and MIDI compatible devices. Chord Board will also have built in synthesized instruments and drum patterns to be able to operate stand alone.

Chord Board will be released first in App form, in two versions, Standard and Pro. Pro will have the full feature set, and Standard will have a stripped down feature set. Standard will be released on a subscription model at $4.99 per month, and Pro at $11.99 per month. There will also be an option to purchase a perpetual license for $299 with one year of included updates.

Revenue generated from the App subscriptions will be funneled back into marketing and into engineering and development of hardware versions of Chord Board, including Pro, Standard and Baby versions.

In addition to the two patents already awarded, there are two more related patents being prosecuted. There is the Beat Board, which applies Hand Board concepts to allow unskilled musicians to create complex rhythmic patterns. And there is the Arp Board which allows the musician to use one finger to create complex arpeggiated patterns.

Play with abstract, musical concepts no differently than a toddler playing in a sandbox with toys.

Musicality VR stems from years of collaborative sound production with individuals who don't necessarily read music. It addresses some frustrations associated with conventional Western music education and asserts that VR technology can democratize musical exploration and understanding. By offering ways to observe, inspect, and interact with musical concepts while playing or composing, it emphasizes the freedom of play—much like a toddler exploring and tasting the physical world with endless excitement.

Musicality VR expands the concept of musical composition to include instrument and theory building. It provides interactive objects imbued with foundational proto-theoretical constraints, allowing users to construct tuning systems and keyboard layouts in mid-air. Regardless of your experience level with music and sound, if you have ears, eyes, and hands, there's something valuable to be gleaned from Musicality VR. While it is already mature and functional, it is just getting started.

Many music technology projects iterate on a proscriptive model of music, often tethered to the staff and piano keyboard. Of course the obvious benefit here is familiarity. But what if the staff is not the best place for developing musical ideas? If one takes an interest in extended just intonation, must this expanded gamut of tones be understood in relation to 7 pitch classes? Musicality VR anticipates that music of future generations may not be compatible with the common practice period.

- Remote music lessons where student and teacher are embedded in a space of living, tangible ideas.
- NINJAM style virtual-real-time online jamming where the backing track and instruments are constructed collaboratively in VR space.
- Playing a keyboard with a layout that morphs as part of the composition.
- Composing in a space where the entire “making-of” is self documenting.
- Build your own Harry Partch instrument!

It embraces the power of web technologies with a tightly integrated web application that offers sound toys, analyzers, visualizers, and both conventional and experimental dynamic notation. Music often exploits the brain’s hunger for temporally correlated events. Technologies like MIDI beat clock, OSC, and other real-time networking tools make it exceedingly rewarding for multiple players—human or otherwise, local or remote—to communicate with varying levels of specificity in perfect synchronization.

Low latency spatial audio is achieved by controlling IEM’s suite of ambisonics VSTs via OSC. A bespoke additive synthesizer written in Max/MSP is also controlled by OSC and MIDI, then routed to tracks in REAPER. MIDI beat clock turns the virtual gears of rhythm wheels which can be placed in space to yield synchronized physics based interactions.

I am creating this project to inspire individuals to engage deeply with sound and to encourage seasoned musicians to re-evaluate their existing knowledge. My long-term vision is for this endeavor to evolve into a public good. At present, I am seeking crowdfunding, grants, and other forms of support to enable me to devote more time and energy to its development, free from the market pressures that demand conformity. This open-ended environment can be accessed affordably by anyone with a standalone VR headset, providing unique and valuable tools for music schools, universities, and sound therapy practitioners as well as musicians and casual audio explorers.

Currently, it comprises a collection of several moving parts running on a high-end PC. One short-term goal is to package the experience into a standalone Meta Quest app with local LAN-based multiplayer, enabling real-time collaboration in a shared mixed-reality space. Each networked headset would act as a MIDI controller, with a server producing the sounds.

Mid-term, a synthesizer will be rewritten for some subset of the experience to run entirely self contained on a Quest headset. Multiplayer capabilities will be expanded to allow remote collaboration.