Abstract

A microcomputer based music apparatus allows a user to gain efficient access to a desired chord progression (CP). To this end, the apparatus includes a chord progression database (CPDB) containing a large collection of practical CPs with various kinds of style and harmonic rhythm. A database localizing manager provides a localized virtual space of CPs preselected from CPDB in accordance with the user's musical tastes and intentions. To help the user think of a melody and its harmonization in an integrated mental process, a suitability testing feature evaluates suitability between a CP (from CPDB) and a melody (supplied from the user) based on stored melody pattern rules. A music editor electronically manages (edits) structures of an intended music piece and provides a desired chain of phrases (each including attributes, CP and melody) in accordance with user's commands to construct a desired music piece, thus aiding the user's music composing activities.