Online musical medleys
There is a vast amount of music available online. Unfortunately, accessing it is problematic since there are no quick browsing tools and no facilities allowing users to search music based on similarities in type. An online audio /music database has been developed, providing a music map to allow searches. It consists of a Music Browser, which allows users to browse through music, search for musical similarities between pieces and compile their own musical collections. Music can also be manipulated by means of the Sound Palette. The Sound Palette can automatically extract the tempo and the metrics from a piece of music. It categorizes music based on motivic repetitions and variations. In this way, the music database can be searched to locate music with the same musical patterns. Creative users can also compose their own music by retrieving, editing and processing sounds they wish to use. The model exploits pitch intervals and contour and rhythm to carry out its functions and is tried and tested on several musical genres such as jazz, contemporary and classical. The creators foresee that it can be incorporated into existing music software environments such as Finale or Siblius. It could also be developed into a standalone system with appropriate funding.
