GB2427505A

GB2427505A - Alternative method of writing music for keyboard instruments

Info

Publication number: GB2427505A
Application number: GB0512609A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Abraham Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-21
Filing date: 2005-06-21
Publication date: 2006-12-27
Also published as: GB0512609D0

Abstract

An alternative method of writing and reading music for keyboard musical instruments assigns a specific logical alphanumeric code to every key of the instrument. Keys to the left of Middle C are assigned the letter 'L' as part of the code and keys to the right of Middle C are assigned the letter 'R'. Sharp and flat keys would additionally be assigned the letter 'B'. The keys are also assigned a number as part of the code. In one embodiment (fig 3.2), this number increases with distance of the key away from Middle C. In a second embodiment (fig 3.3), the number increases from the left side of the keyboard to Middle C in respect of the keys designated by the letter 'L' and from Middle C to the right side of the keyboard in respect of the keys designated by the letter 'R'. Sheet music using this code would contain parallel instructions for the keys to be played by the right hand and those to be played by the left hand. Use of this code would enable a person to play a keyboard instrument without knowledge of traditional staff notation.

Description

LRP Code 14.06.05

Description Background The invention relates to an alternative method of writing and reading music specifically in relation to playing the piano and keyboard. (The term piano will be used throughout this document with the double meaning of keyboard and piano). It follows the similar concept to how guitar tablature has revolutionised and revitalised the guitar and its related industries. Problem Invention Solves The problem is many people do and would enjoying playing the piano. However, many people are hampered by the fact that they need to learn and understand how traditional music is written to be able to read it. Thus, they do not pursue the interest as they don't have the time or cannot get to grips with learning and understanding written music in order to play the piano. What the invention does The invention is a coding system on the piano. By assigning every piano key/note with a specific logical code, it is possible to read and write music notes in an alternative format to that of traditional music. The aim here is to make it easier to understand this system, which will allow people to learn how to play their favourite songs. I.e. it will be possible to convert music into this code and publish written music in this LRP code for people to play who cannot understand traditional written music. Detailed Description Please refer to the Drawings section Figure 1. Here you will see 3 diagrams (1.1, 1.2 and 1.3) 1.1 = illustrates the keys on a piano, with associated traditional piano notes. 1.2 = illustrates the keys on a piano, with the new LRP coding system 1.3 = illustrates the keys on a piano, with the new LRP coding system (alternatively written,) Thus any note of music that is possible of the piano can be translated to the piano code. An understanding of LPR is that the "middle C" is the centre of the keyboard and therefore every note to the right is prefixed by the letter R for right hand, and L for the left hand in relation to notes left on the middle C. Each key increases in number the further you move away from middle C I.e., Rl, R2, R3 etc. The sharps and flats that are usually the small black keys are constructed in the exact same method. But are labelled as RB1, LB1, and LB2 etc. If foot pedals are used, these can be named as LF (left) and RF (right). In piano is quite frequent for both hands to be say at the left hand side (left of Middle C) of the piano. Therefore if using your right hand for notes denoted as Left hand side notes in could be written as ( R ) L10. This suggests using your right hand to play L10 as your left hand is already playing notes further left. This works for notes right of middle C is you were playing only high notes. i.e. ( L ) R5 suggests playing the G with your left hand to allow the right hand to play the higher notes required (to the right of the piano). Please refer to the drawings section Figure 2. Here you will see how the LRP piano code is written. Drawings Figure 2.1 What this displays is the standard 4/4 bar of music in LRP. Another unique feature of the music is the parallel writing to separate what the left and right hand are doing. Hence its easier to write and understand especially for non musicians... i.e. on beat 1 of the 1st bar, the left hand is in the chord of C Major (simultaneously hitting L14,12,10 & 7 = C,E,G &C), while the right is doing nothing. On the 2nd beat, the left hand is just playing L14, while simultaneously the right hand is playing C Major at a higher Octave and so on. This benefit of separating the left and right hand in written LPR code is especially handy for when both hands are at one side of the piano for a piece of music( as I have mentioned in the last paragraph to assist the figure 1 diagrams.). An example of this is shown in 2.1, bar 2, 3rd beat, where the left hand has come over to the right hand side section to play C major, to allow the right hand to hit the high note C of R15. Thus, the parallel systems co-ordinates the correct hand movements. Drawings Figure 2.2 What this illustrates is the difference between writing the same piece of music in traditional music in comparison to the exact same piece of music being written in LRP. Thus, comparing the 2 diagrams on in figure 2.2, you can see that LRP guides the user to the exact notes on the keyboard without requiring the musical knowledge to translate the notes and find them on the piano. The left hand is left blank indicating it is not used in this particular piece of music. Please refer to the drawings section Figure 3. This is for reference as is show LRP and LRP alternative for every note on the piano i.e. all 88 keys.

Claims

1. The LRP code is a specific/unique coding system which can be assigned to musical instruments such as a piano or keyboard and is written in a unique format for users to translate to allow them to play musical sounds.

2. The unique writing of the code in Claim 1 refers to the the parallel instruction to the right and left hands, which each follow a seperate line of code that runs parallel to eachother.