GB2519390A

GB2519390A - Musical instruction system

Info

Publication number: GB2519390A
Application number: GB1405869.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Peter Matthews
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-01
Filing date: 2014-04-01
Publication date: 2015-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-01
Also published as: GB201405869D0; GB2519390B; WO2015150748A1

Abstract

An apparatus 1, for use in providing musical instruction to a user, has a feeder 10 for feeding a document 15 through a display area and a receptacle configured to receive a musical keyboard. The keyboard 2 has a plurality of keys positioned sequentially in a first dimension, each of the plurality of keys being marked with a key indicator. The document is marked with a series of document indicators 16 each identifying one of the key indicators, wherein the series of document indicators is positioned in such a way that that when each of the series of document indicators passes through the display area the document indicator is collocated, in the first dimension, with the key marked with the key indicator identified by the document indicator. The apparatus provides an association between sheet music and keys to be played which does not rely on a user's skill or experience with the instrument or with reading traditional sheet music. Claims to a computerised display of the document are also disclosed.

Description

I

Musical Instruction System

Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for use in musical instruction.

Background

In the field of musical instruction, many students/pupils attempting to learn to play a musical instrument regard the initial steps involved in learning difficult and many tend to lose interest before even learning basic skills such as playing a simple melody or reading standard musical notation. In order to prevent beginner students giving up learning, finding a way of keeping students interested early on is desirable.

Statements of Invention

According to an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a feeder for feeding a document through a display area; and a receptacle configured to receive a musical keyboard having a plurality of keys positioned sequentially in a first dimension, each of the plurality of keys being marked with a key indicator; the document being marked with a series of document indicators each identifying one of the key indicators, wherein the series of document indicators is positioned in such a way that, when each of the series of document indicators passes through the display area, the document indicator is collocated, in the first dimension, with the key marked with the key indicator identified by the document indicator.

The apparatus provides an association between the sheet music and the keys to be played which does not rely on the user's skill or experience with the instrument or with reading traditional sheet music By providing a visual connection, a user is able to play simple musical sequences relying on simple spatial and visual associations, enabling the user to advance much faster than by traditional methods in terms of their playing ability.

The document may be divided into a series of vertical strips (that is to say, strips each occupying a single range of positions in the first dimension), each strip being in alignment with, and substantially equal in width to, a corresponding key from amongst a plurality of keys. The alignment may be considered from the viewpoint of a user of the musical keyboard, with the musical keyboard running across the field of vision of the user from left to right. These strips are selectively marked with a series of indicators which, when passed through the display area, collocate (align), in the first dimension (which is defined by the positioning of the plurality of keys), with the keys to which they correspond, In other words, the document is marked with a series of indicators each in alignment with a corresponding key from amongst the plurality of keys. When the indicators pass through the display area they are collocated, in the first dimension, with the keys to which they correspond. The document may be for example a paper document or similar.

Embodiments may be provided independently of the document, or embodiments may include the document, and the document indicators are positioned on the document in such a way that when each of the document indicators passes through the display area, the document indicator is collocated in the first dimension with the key marked with the key indicator identified by the document indicator.

The display area is a notional region in the vicinity of the musical keyboard. The user may wish to treat the area immediately in front, or immediately behind, the musical keyboard as the display area. The display area is an area in which the document is visible to the user, and in which the document indicators are collocated in the first dimension with the key indicators that the document indicators identify, respectively. Thus, the location of the display area may be determined by the placement of the musical keyboard and the document. In turn, the placement of the document and/or the musical keyboard may be determined by the placement of the feeder and/or the receptacle.

The musical keyboard is a set of adjacent depressible (or otherwise able to be triggered) keys. Typically, a musical keyboard is found on a piano, a clavichord, an organ, or an electric keyboard. The musical keyboard may contain keys for playing the twelve notes of the Western musical scale, optionally in more than one octave. Embodiments may omit certain keys so that the musical keyboard in question is, in fact, the seven natural notes of the C major scale. Optionally, the musical keyboard may include all twelve notes, but only the keys of the seven natural notes be marked, and the document only include document indicators identifying (and collocated in the first dimension with) keys from among those of the seven natural notes. Keys on a musical keyboard are placed in sequence, and it is that sequence which defines the first dimension in embodiments, that is to say, the first dimension is relative to the musical keyboard.

Collocation is taken to mean having the same location, coincident with, being co-located with, occupying the same, or substantially the same range of locations, or overlapping with the same or substantially the same limits. It is to be understood that the locus of points collocated with a key in the first dimension is actually effectively a plane, and it is the document itself, or indeed a support or backboard for the document, which defines the plane in which the document indicators are located and hence the plane of the collocation with the key indicator.

In an embodiment of the invention, the receptacle is configured to fix the position of the musical keyboard in the first dimension.

By fixing the position of the musical keyboard, the location of the keys is fixed in the first dimension. Therefore, when feeding the document with the document indicators, it is possible to fix, in a mechanical sense, the relative position of the document indicators such that, when the document is fed through the apparatus, the document indicators will be collocated in the first dimension with the key indicators on the keys. The receptacle may also be configured to fix or constrain the position in the first dimension of the document relative to the keys.

In another preferred embodiment the document is obscured from view except when passing through the display area, and the feeder is configured to progress the document through the display area in a step-wise manner and to suspend the document in such a way that the indicators become stationary in the display area for a period of time.

By obscuring the part of the document which is outside the display area, the user's attention is drawn towards the appropriate part of the document. Step-wise progression of the document may be gradual i.e. line-by-line. The feeder may operate under an applied force.

Suspend in this case means to suspend the progression of the document through the feeder.

Adjustment of the progression speed allows the apparatus to be adapted to the playing speed of the student. The applied force may be applied by a user, by gravity, or by a mechanical element to the feeder including a motor or clockwork component. Optionally, the applied force may be applied by means of a wind-up spool providing string which may be attached to the document and when the spool is rotated (wound up) this movement causes the document to scroll through the display area. The document may be obscured from view by the musical keyboard and/or the receptacle and/or an obscuring screen.

In a further optional embodiment the apparatus is shaped to enable disassembly and reassembly.

The apparatus may be reduced in overall size, for example flat-packed, for transport or when not in use. Component parts making up the apparatus are removably attachable to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

Optionally, in a further embodiment the document is divided (e.g. marked with divisions) in the first dimension into a series of strips, the strips running in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, each corresponding to a key from amongst the plurality of keys, into each of which strips may be placed one or more document indicators identifying the key indicator of the key to which the strip corresponds.

The strips are aligned with the keys to which they correspond (from the viewpoint of a keyboard userlplayer) and are vertical in appearance (that is to say, are vertical, or perpendicular to the left-right axis, in the plane of the document) when viewed by the keyboard user. In other words, from the viewpoint of a keyboard user (crudely estimated as a plan view of the document), the strips run perpendicular to the orientation of a conventional musical stave.

Optionally, the strips are substantially equal in width to the keys to which they correspond.

This provides a benefit that the appearance of the strips is similar to that of the keys allowing for faster recognition of correlation between the strips and the keys. Particularly, the alignment of the strips with the keys to which they correspond is maintained as the document is fed through the apparatus. Therefore, the visual association of the features is emphasised allowing for easier association of the key with the corresponding strip, and hence the document indicator.

In an exemplary embodiment, the document indicators on the document are divided into one or more groups, with each group being linked by a connector to denote a sequence of document indicators.

The document indicators may be grouped to better distinguish the group from other document indicators and to provide a more clear association of the document indicators within the group from those not within the group. In an example, the sequence of document indicators corresponds to a sequence of keys to be played. The connector may preferably be a sign or arrow. Furthermore, pieces of music often repeat sequences of keys to be played.

Grouping document indicators in this way facilitates easy indication of a sequence of keys that should be repeated before moving on to a subsequent group.

Optionally, in an embodiment, the connector is directional, linking a start document indicator to an end document indicator from among the group of document indicators. This may optionally be done via one or more intermediate document indicators.

A directional indicator with a start and end paint gives the user the ability to see where to begin playing and where to end, and also indicates the direction in which to continue if interrupted.

As a further option of the document indicators in a particular group of document indicators, more than one of the document indicators, each which document indicator identifying a different key indicator, are collocated with one another on the document in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and the connector progresses between the more than one document indicators.

If a number of keys are to be played in quick succession, it is helpful to have an overview of those keys in advance. Therefore, document indicators may be positioned in parallel with the keys of the keyboard (collocated in the second dimension). This, in combination with the connector, allows for improved readability of the document indicators and therefore makes playing the indicated sequence of keys easier for the user.

The progression of the connector between document indicators corresponds to the sequence in which the keys having the key identifiers identified by the respective document indicators should be played. Depending on the order in which the keys should be played, the connector can progress in either direction in the second dimension on the document.

The document defines a plane in which the second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension runs (the first dimension being defined by the keys).

In a still further optional embodiment, of the document indicators in a particular group of document indicators, more than one of the document indicators each identifying the same key indicator are collocated with one another on the document in the first dimension.

For example, in order to avoid overlap of the document indicators, when the same key is to be played twice in a sequence, the document indicators may be collocated (aligned from the view of the user) in the first dimension. For example, the connector can effectively loop round in a semi-circular fashion so that two lines of document indicators become linked.

Optionally, each of the document indicators has a form which is similar to the form of one of the key indicators, and thereby the document indicator identifies the one of the key indicators.

By providing document indicators and key indicators which are visually alike, a correlation between the indicators can quickly be established. Said alike indicators will be collocated in the first dimension. The document indicator may be identical or substantially identical to the key indicator which it identifies. The key indicators may be alphanumeric symbols, with each document indicator having the form of the alphanumeric symbol of the key indicator which it identifies.

In a further optional embodiment, the form of each key indicator is determined by its position in the first dimension.

In order to standardise the apparatus for users to learn to use, a system may be implemented in which key indicators have a specified distance from a reference point in the first dimension. Each key (or each key per twelve notes of the Western musical scale) occupies a different (though possibly partially overlapping) position or range of positions in the first dimension, and each of said keys has a different key indicator. Thus, the form of the key indicator is determined by its position in the first dimension. For example, the same note may be labelled E flat when playing in a flat key and D sharp when playing in a sharp key.

Optionally, the key indicators are a logically ordered series of reference signs, progressing in one direction in the first dimension.

For example, a logically ordered series of reference signs may include sequentially numbered keys from left to right on the keyboard. Alternatives include alphabetic or alphanumeric or numeric labels or indicators which mimic the layout of a typical musical stave. The indicator may be shaped to identify the reference sign of the corresponding key.

Optionally, the document indicators are each in the form of one of the logically ordered series of reference signs, and the document indicator is in the form of the reference sign of the key indicator which the document indicator identifies.

Optionally, the apparatus may be at least partially embodied on a computer, wherein the document is a data document for display on a computer monitor.

The data document may be in any computerised form, such as a Word (.doc) or PDF (.pdf) document or similar. The computer monitor may preferably be of equal width to the keyboard to further enhance the association between the document indicators (displayed on the monitor) and the key indicators (and keys).

As a further option, in embodiments wherein the apparatus is at least partially embodied on a computer, the feeder is a set of instructions stored on a memory which, when executed by the computer, cause the data document to scroll up or down the computer monitor.

In a similar manner to the movement of the document, the computer monitor displays information which may be scrolled (moved up or down) to display the appropriate (the document indicators representing the most recently played and the forthcoming musical notes from among the notes in the musical piece being played or instructed) information in the display area. The movement of the document may be a smooth progression and/or an intermittent (step-by-step) movement.

In a further embodiment the computer comprises a microphone, and the computer is configured to determine when a key of the musical keyboard corresponding to a document indicator has been pressed, and to scroll the document upwards on the computer monitor such that the indicator due to be played next according to the series of indicators is displayed on the computer monitor.

In this way, the apparatus monitors the keys that have been played and moves the document along so that the appropriate data is displayed. This function may be adapted to the speed (tempo) of the musical sequence. The computer optionally further comprises a headphone socket for connecting headphones to the computer.

Optionally, the feeder is a slideable tray.

A feeder in the form of a slideable tray allows for adjustment of the tray if required. The tray supports the document relative to the musical keyboard and receptacle, and is moveable by a user or other feeder mechanism.

Optionally, in an embodiment, the feeder is operable to move the document.

Moving the document by the corresponding movement of the slideable tray allows the document to be fed at a rate determined by the movement of the tray, allowing for greater control of the movement. This can help as different students play musical sequences at different rates and will tend to get faster with practice until the ideal tempo is reached.

Optionally, the receptacle and the keyboard are integral.

The apparatus may comprise a single unit including the receptacle and the keyboard. This embodiment may reduce manufacturing costs and aid ease of manufacturing. With a simpler configuration the apparatus may be manufactured of a more durable material to provide a longer lasting system, which is less susceptible to wear and tear.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a board which is configured to support the document in the display area.

The apparatus may include a board which directs the document such that the user of the apparatus may view the information on the document from a desired angle, for example view the surface of the document, displaying the information, in a plan view. The board and the feeder may be integral, or may be mechanically connectable to one another.

Optionally, a document indicator and the key indicator which said document indicator identifies are coloured with the same colour.

Most students will be able to establish the association between the respective indicators more quickly if colours are used. The same colour is taken to include colours which are substantially the same colour, since variations due to printing onto different media are likely to occur.

As a further option, the apparatus may include a stand which is configured to support an end of the board at an elevated position both with respect to a surface on which the support is placed, and with respect to the other end of the board.

Furthermore, the apparatus may be contained within a portable housing and/or the portable housing may comprise the apparatus.

To increase the transportability of the apparatus, a portable housing such as a bag or other container may be provided, This apparatus is for example intended to be used by music tutors who often have to travel to their lessons or to meet their pupils. By providing a portable housing, transport of the apparatus can be made more practical. The portable housing may be dimensioned so as to accommodate the apparatus in the disassembled state to further reduce the size during transport.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus for musical instruction including a document; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus without the document; Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are incremental steps in playing a musical sequence; Figure 4 is perspective view of a keyboard and aligned document; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus without a backboard; Figure 6 is an example of the document; Figure 7 is an example of the document showing document indicators for the song "Frére Jacques"; Figure 8 is an example of the document showing document indicators and key indicators for enharmonic notes; Figure 9 is an example of the document showing document indicators for the song Ten Green Bottles"; Figure 10 is an example of the document using letters as document indicators; Figure 11 is an example of the document using letters accompanied by additional indicators; Figure 12 is an example of the document using letters accompanied by simplified musical notation denoting rhythm; Figure 13 is an example of the document using letters accompanied by stave sections as musical notation; Figure 14 is an example of the document using stave sections as document indicators; Figure 15 is an example of the document wherein the document indicators are highlighted; Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing relative positioning of the document indicators and the key indicators; Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing relative positioning of the document indicators and the key indicators; Figure 18 is an embodiment of the apparatus as embodied on a computer; Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the first dimension and the second dimension; Figure 20 shows an embodiment of the apparatus in component form; and Figure 21 shows an embodiment of the apparatus contained in a portable housing.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a musical instruction system including an apparatus for use in the tuition of pupils (users) in the use of musical instruments such as a musical keyboard.

The apparatus is intended to assist in speeding up the early stages of tuition to help young or novice users learn to play simple tunes very early on with little or no practical experience, or knowledge of musical notation. The system provides means for displaying various forms of musical notation in a simplified manner in order to allow an inexperienced user to play a musical instrument such as a musical keyboard. The system includes a supporting apparatus, a musical keyboard and a document. The system employs spatial alignment and correspondence between indicators on a document and indicators on musical keys to guide or instruct a player/user/pupil as to the sequence in which to depress keys in order to play a tune or musical piece.

In an embodiment the apparatus receives a document containing markings, the markings indicating notes to be played. The markings (referred to elsewhere as document indicators) are provided with sufficient information to establish how they should be played. The document is fed through the apparatus from the top, as seen from the user's perspective (crudely estimated as a plan view of the document) when playing the keyboard. Of course, embodiments are equally effective if fed from the bottom up, and are not limited to a particular feeding direction. As the document passes through the user's field of view, markings on the document pass through a display area. The display area being the area either just above the keyboard or just below the keyboard when observed in a plan view. The proximity of this area to the keyboard and specifically each key to be played increases the ease of association of the markings with specific keys. The document progresses through the apparatus in a direction, which lies in a plane perpendicular to an axis defined by the line of keys on the keyboard (first dimension). The document is marked with markings which are aligned with respective keys and, as the document passes through the apparatus, remain so aligned. Alignment in this sense is a common location in the first dimension, the first dimension being the dimension in which the keys are sequentially positioned. Once the document has passed through the display area entirely (so that all the markings indicating keys to be played have passed through the display area) the process may be repeated with the same or a different document.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the musical instruction system 1, with a musical keyboard 2 positioned for use. The system includes a supporting apparatus 10 comprised of various component parts which are shaped so as to attach detachably from each other to form the supporting apparatus shown. The apparatus shown in figure 1 includes a sliderboard 11, a frame structure 12 and backboard 13. The sliderboard 11, frame structure 12 and backboard 13 are, in the embodiment shown, made of wood. However, embodiments are not limited in this respect and rigid materials such as metals and rigid plastics may be used for some or all components.

The apparatus, when set up according to the embodiment shown in figure 1, includes a slot (receptacle) 14 for receiving a document (e.g. paper page) 15. The document 15 contains markings (document indicators) 16 which indicate a series of keys 17 to be played in a particular order.

The sliderboard 11 is formed of a rectangular plate substantially equal in width to a document which is to be passed through the apparatus 10 and over the sliderboard 11. The sliderboard 11 acts as a lower guide, to support the document 15 when the document 15 is fed through the apparatus 10.

The frame structure 12 comprises side portions (guides) positioned to allow the sliderboard 11 to slide between them, a cover portion, a back support and an instrument support. The side portions provide guides for guiding the document through the apparatus 10 and restricting side-to-side movement (ie, constrain the document relative to the musical keyboard in the first dimension). The side portions further provide support for a musical keyboard 2, allowing the keyboard 2 to be positioned above the sliderboard 11 so that the document 15 may pass underneath the keyboard 2 when being fed through the apparatus 10. The gap produced below the keyboard 2, resulting from the height of the side portions, is at least large enough for a sheet of paper to pass through, i.e. may be very small. The cover portion is a plate or crossbar which attaches on to the top of the side portions and to which the back support may be attached. The cover portion can also be used to fix the distance between the side portions. The back support comprises two parts. Each part has a substantially triangular (more precisely, as in the arrangement shown, frusto-triangular) shape and is able to attach detachably to the cover portion on one edge so as to provide an angled support for the backboard 13. The instrument support is configured to accept a musical keyboard 2 and provide a reference point from which the distance of keys 17 on the keyboard and markings 16 on the document can be determined.

The backboard 13 comprises a rectangular plate, having a width greater than that of the sliderboard 11, providing a support for the document 15. The rectangular plate attaches to the frame structure by slotting into grooves in the frame structure, The grooves being so positioned that the backboard 13 is attachable behind the keyboard 2 from the perspective of the keyboard user. The grooves are angled slightly such that the back board forms approximately a 45 degree angle to the sliderboard 11 and frame structure 12. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 10, wherein the document 15 is omitted so as to show the backboard 13 and connection between the backboard 13 and the frame structure 12.

The sliderboard 11 may include ridges or similar which, when the document 15 is passed thereover, provide additional friction to prevent the document 15 moving (slipping) unintentionally when being passed through the apparatus 10. The sliderboard 11 may have an equal or greater width than the document.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the side portions extend along the side of the sliderboard 11. In this case the side portions may include grooves into which the sliderboard 11 may be slotted.. Side rails may be attached to the sliderboard 11 or to the side portions, by adhesive or fasteners, in order to assist with the movement of the document 15 through the apparatus 10. The side portions are also shown as extending along a large portion of the length of the sliderboard 11. The side portions may however be shorter in length, but merely sufficiently long to guide the document 15 (prevent side-to-side/rotational movement with respect to the sliderboard 11). The side portions may also each comprise more than one part in order to further assist in the guidance of the document 15.

The backboard 13 is shown as being wider than the width of the sliderboard 11. In an alternative arrangement, the backboard 13 may be narrower than the width of the sliderboard 11. However, the width of the backboard 13 is preferably equal to or larger than the document 15, so as to provide support for the whole area of the document 15.

The display area is approximately coincident with the lower portion of the backboard 13. It is a region through which the document 15 passes visible from a viewpoint of a user of the musical keyboard 2 and in physical proximity to the musical keyboard 2.

Figure 3a shows the system 1 in use, wherein a user is playing the first key 17 in a sequence of keys to be played. As shown, the key 17 (having a key indicator 18 1") is collocated with the corresponding document indicator 16 ("1") in the first dimension. As the document progresses through the apparatus 10, this document indicator 16 will remain so aligned before and after passing through the display area. However, it is the collocation whilst in the display area that instructs the user to depress the key 17. Figure 3b then shows the next key 17 in the sequence of keys being played. Similarly, the key indicator 18 (2") on the key 17 being played is collocated, in the first dimension, with the corresponding document indicator 16 (2"). Figure 3c then similarly shows the third key 17, in the sequence of keys, being played and figure 3d the fourth key 17 being played. Figure 3d also shows that the document has been scrolled or moved in order to show the fourth document indicator 16 corresponding to the key indicator 18 of the key 17 to be played. As shown in figures 3a to 3d, the document indicators 16, relating to the keys 17 to be played, are located just above the keyboard 2 in the display area, wherein the display area is in close proximity to the keys 17 to provide easy association with the document indicators 16.

The alignment of the document 15 with the keyboard 2 is shown separately from the apparatus 10 in figure 4. The document 15 shown includes numerical document indicators 16 in each of the strips of the document 15, wherein each of the document indicators 16 corresponds to a key indicator 18 on each of the keys 17 of the keyboard 2 shown, The strips are vertical in orientation when the document 15 is viewed in portrait. Embodiments may be provided with one or more documents 15 divided into strips such as illustrated in Figure 4.

The apparatus 10 is shown in figure 5, wherein the document 15, the keyboard 2 and the backboard 13 are omitted. As shown, the backboard 13 is normally supported by two substantially triangular back supports and slots into two grooves positioned appropriately on the frame structure 12.

Figure 6 shows an example of a document 15 which has been divided into strips/segments which, in use, will line up (that is, be collocated in the first dimension) with the keys 17 of a keyboard 2, as shown in figures 3a to 3d for example. This example is similar to the document 15 shown in figure 4.

Figures 7 to 15 show comparative examples of different forms of document indicators 16, all of which may be incorporated into the embodiments of this invention.

The first of these examples, shown in figure 7, shows the document indicators 16 as numbers. The series of keys 17 to be played is indicated by a series of document indicators 16 connected by a directional connector. The directional connector includes an arrow-head and arrow-tail as well as intermediate directional markings. The directional connector is combined with the word "START" at the beginning of the sequence to ensure the document indicators 16 are not read from an incorrect starting point. Document indicators 16 joined by a single connector may be termed a group of document indicators 16, The term "END" may be added following the final document indicator 16 in a group to signify the end of that sequence of keys 17 to be played. Each group may be accompanied by an additional indicator, such as "PLAYED TWICE", shown in figure 7 on the right-hand side of the document 15, which may be used to indicate that the sequence of keys 17 identified by a group should be repeated. Where an additional indicator is used, the document 15 may be divided by lines or other breaks to further emphasise which sequence or sequences are to be repeated. Figure 7 shows one example of a document indicator 16 arrangement on a document 15 which may be incorporated into any embodiment of this invention. This shows the arrangement for the song "Frere Jacques". The corresponding keys (not shown) are the seven natural notes of more than one octave and are marked with numbers corresponding to the document indicators 16.

Figure 8 shows an example of different document indicators 16, and correspondingly different key indicators 18, relating to the same key 17 to be played. The notes of each depicted key 17 to be played may be described as enharmonic notes. An enharmonic note is a note having an enharmonic equivalent, or a note which is the same but is named differently. In this example more than one document indicator 16, and corresponding key indicator 18, may indicate a single key 17 to be played. Each document indicator 16 will however still identify the key indicator 18 which is collocated in the first dimension with said document indicator 16.

Figure 9 shows an example of a different arrangement, for the song "Ten Green Bottles".

This arrangement has many similarities to that shown in figure 7. One difference between the arrangements is, in figure 9, the presence of multiple document indicators 16 within a single strip of the document 15. This arrangement mimics that of standard musical notation in that, as shown, three identical document indicators 16 "111", which are collocated with each other in the second dimension and are, in use, collocated with the key indicator 18 (not shown) in the first dimension, indicate that a key 17 is to be played three times. Figure 9 further shows an example of two identical document indicators 16 "66", which are collocated in the second dimension and are collocated with the key indicator 18 (not shown) in the first dimension.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the document 15 in which the document indicators 16 take the form of letters, rather than numbers (as illustrated in figures 7 and 9). In the particular embodiment illustrated the letters correspond to the note of the corresponding key 17 to be played. The additional indicator "PLAYED TWICE" has in this case been simplified to "x2". Such a document 15 is intended for use with a musical keyboard 2 to which corresponding letters have been marked on the keys 17 as key indicators 18. In an optional embodiment the document indicators 16 may be a set of numbers and the key indicators 18 a set of letters, or vice versa, with correspondence established by alphanumeric ordering of the respective sets.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the document 15 in which the document indicators 16 include additional embellishment (additional indicators) showing for example detail relating to a beat when no key 17 is to be played, which may be denoted by the addition of REST, The embodiments shown in figures 7 and 10 have been combined in figure 11 such that the document indicators 16 include an indication of the key 17 to be played and a number sequence to indicate the order of the keys 17 to be played and introduce the user to the concept of a bar of music. The second line of figure 11 shows that at the fourth beat the document indicator 16 indicates "REST", at which point no keys 17 are to be played. An advantage of this embodiment is that, by including the additional indicators with the document indicators 16 a user is encouraged to count the beats of a bar when playing each key 17. This embodiment in which the additional indicators are numbers is just one option for indicating on which beat of the bar a key 17 is to be played.

Put into context, sooner or later, the student is going to start counting the beats to the bar when playing the keys 17 in a sequence. He or she will also become familiar with time signatures indicating how many beats there are to a bar, and become familiar with bar lines.

For this reason figure 11 includes additional indicators in the form of numbers above the document indicators 16 (in this embodiment letters) and bar lines. The numbers indicate what beat of the bar each note is to be played on. The word count' is additionally included above the first document indicator 16 in the shown sequence. Two notes occurring in a single beat (quavers in English or eight notes in American) are indicated, firstly by a number above a letter, and secondly by a letter with the word AND' above it. A time signature (how many beats to a bar) is shown here as 414 (four crochets in English or four quarter notes in American). When a note is not played on a beat, the word REST' is written over the bracketed number occurring on that beat.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which the notes of Western musical notation are used in combination with the document indicators 16 described in the previous embodiments. As shown, the length of time that a key 17 is to be played may be indicated by adding the appropriate note of Western musical notation (independently of the stave in this example).

Further, this embodiment also includes time signature information and bar lines, similarly to the embodiment shown in figure 11. This embodiment may serve as an intermediate stage in a user's learning progression in which the document indicator 16 instructs which key 17 to depress and conveys additional information, such as the iength of the note. Thus introducing a user to some information presented in the form of Western or modern musical notation, whilst providing other information, such as which key 17 to play, in a simpler form.

Figure 13 shows a further embodiment in which the document indicators 16 are accompanied by embellishment in the form of stave portions from Western musical notation.

This embodiment is intended for use as an intermediate stage between beginner learners, at a stage before learning to read musical notation, and more advanced learners, able to read Western musical notation. By replacing or embellishing the document indicators 16, which already have a positional correspondence to the key indicators 18, students become familiar with standard musical notation, but continue to learn in the same manner as with more basic notation. This embodiment gives an indication of the note and timing of each key 17 to be played and how it would appear on the stave in Western musical notation, which may be accompanied by other document indicators 16, such as those described in the previous embodiments, which give an indication of the key 17 to be played. Figure 13 includes a treble clef sign, positioned before the first document indicator 16 in the sequence, for indicating the pitch of the notes to be played.

Figure 14 shows an embodiment in which the document indicators 16 are presented in the form of stave sections of Western musical notation without any additional information. This embodiment is useful for students at a more advanced stage than any of the previous embodiments described. This embodiment provides the bridge between standard musical notation and the simplified notation. Again, the keys 17 of the musical keyboard 2 are marked with corresponding stave sections so that stave sections on the document 15, when in the display area, are collocated with a key 17 on the musical keyboard 2 marked with a key indicator 18 corresponding to the same stave section, Figure 14 also includes a treble clef similar to that shown in figure 13.

Figure 15 shows an embodiment of the document 15 in which certain document indicators 16 are highlighted in some way to increase their distinctiveness. This may be particularly useful when all 12 keys 17 are in use and there is some overlap in the first dimension between keys 17. The document indicator 16 highlighting may for example use different colours or individual patterns for each document indicator 16. These may be different for each key indicator 18 and its corresponding document indicators 16. Alternatively, different highlighting may correlate to the notes of the keyboard 2. For example, each octave may be highlighted similarly with the individual notes being highlighted differently. The key indicators 18 may be highlighted similarly to the corresponding document indicators 16. Sharp notes and flat notes may be indicated by the use of an appropriate marking. In figure 15 sharps are denoted by a triangle above the letter indicating the key 17 and flats are denoted by a horizontal line above the letter indicating the key 17.

Figure 16 shows an example in which, of the document indicators 16 in a particular group of document indicators 16, more than one of the document indicators 16, each identifying the same key indicator 18, are collocated with one another on the document 15 in the first dimension. As shown in figure 16, the key indicators 18 are all collocated in the second dimension, i.e. they would all have the same coordinate in the second dimension, The patterns shown on the document indicators 16 and key indicators 18 are the same for corresponding document indicators 16 and key indicators 18, i.e. document indicators 16 and key indicators 18 that are collocated in the first dimension.

Figure 17 shows an example in which, of the document indicators 16 in a particular group of document indicators 16, more than one of the document indicators 16, each identifying a different key indicator 18, are collocated with one another on the document in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and the connector progresses between the more than one document indicators 16. As shown in figure 17, the document indicators 16 are collocated in the second dimension and the key indicators 18 are collocated in the second dimension. Similarly to figure 16, the patterns shown on the document indicators 16 and key indicators 18 are the same for document indicators 16 and key indicators 18 that are collocated in the first dimension.

Figure 18 shows an embodiment of the apparatus in which the document 15 is embodied in a computerised document and displayed on a computer monitor. The screen allows for the document 15 to be scrolled in such a way that strips/segments of the document 15, which are collocated with the keys 17 of the keyboard 2 in the first dimension, remain so collocated while the document 15 is scrolled.

Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the orientation of the first dimension with respect to a basic musical keyboard 2, the second dimension, a line of collocation in the first dimension and a line of collocation in the second dimension. When compared to a standard Cartesian coordinate system, the first dimension shown represents the abscissa (x-axis) and the second dimension represents the ordinate (y-axis).

The first dimension is defined by the series of keys 17 of a keyboard 2, wherein the first dimension may be taken as passing through the line of keys 17. The line of collocation in the first dimension is therefore a line on which any and all paints have the same "x" value (coordinate), The second dimension is defined as a dimension perpendicular to the first dimension. The second dimension may further be defined by reference to the document 15 in that document indicators 16, defined by reference to the second dimension, lie in a plane defined by the document 15. Taking this into account the dimensions may be represented as shown in figure 19.

The line of collocation in the first dimension, as shown, is parallel to the second dimension.

This is because the second dimension may be considered to be also a line of collocation in the first dimension, wherein the x coordinate of every point on the line representing the second dimension is zero.

In the context of the invention, the document 15 is scrolled along the second dimension, in such a way that the document 15 and the document indicators 16 remain on respective lines of collocation in the first dimension. This provides a visual alignment of the document indicator 16 and a corresponding key indicator 18 on a key 17 to be played from the point of view of the user.

Figure 20 shows an example of how the apparatus 10 is shaped to enable disassembly and reassembly. Figure 20 shows the apparatus 10 in the disassembled form. The apparatus 10 may be reduced in overall size, for example flat-packed, for transport or when not in use.

Component parts making up the apparatus 10 are removably attachable to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

Figure 21 shows an example of the apparatus 10 in its component form, contained within a portable housing for transport. In this example the portable housing is a bag. By providing such a portable housing, transport of the apparatus 10 can be made more practical. As mentioned, the portable housing may be dimensioned so as to accommodate the apparatus lOin the disassembled state, as shown in figure 21, to reduce the overall size for transport.

Although the embodiments are discussed separately, it should be understood that features and consequences thereof discussed in relation to one embodiment may be combined with other embodiments.

In certain embodiments, various features may be embodied by software. Such features may be provided as a computer program or a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. A computer program embodying elements of the invention may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or it could, for example, be in the form of a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website, or it could be in any other form.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus comprising: a feeder for feeding a document through a display area; and a receptacle configured to receive a musical keyboard having a plurality of keys positioned sequentially in a first dimension, each of the plurality of keys being marked with a key indicator; the document being marked with a series of document indicators each identifying one of the key indicators, wherein the series of document indicators is positioned in such a way that that when each of the series of document indicators passes through the display area the document indicator is collocated, in the first dimension, with the key marked with the key indicator identified by the document indicator.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to fix the position of the musical keyboard in the first dimension.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the document is obscured from view except when passing through the display area, and wherein the feeder is configured to progress the document through the display area in a step-wise manner and to suspend the document in such a way that the indicators become stationary in the display area for a period of time.
4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is shaped to enable disassembly and reassembly.
5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the document is divided in the first dimension into a series of strips running in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension each corresponding to a key from amongst the plurality of keys, into each of which strips may be placed one or more document indicators identifying the key indicator of the key to which the strip corresponds.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the strips are substantially equal in width to the keys to which they correspond.
7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the document indicators on the document are divided into one or more groups, with each group being linked by a connector to denote a sequence of document indicators.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connector is directional, linking a start document indicator to an end document indicator from among the group of document indicators.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, of the document indicators in a particular group of document indicators, more than one of the document indicators each identifying a different key indicator are collocated with one another on the document in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and the connector progresses between the more than one document indicators.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, of the document indicators in a particular group of document indicators, more than one of the document indicators each identifying the same key indicator are collocated with one another on the document in the first dimension.
11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the document indicators has a form which is similar to the form of one of the key indicators, and thereby the document indicator identifies the one of the key indicators.
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the form of each key indicator is determined by its position in the first dimension.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the key indicators are a logically ordered series of reference signs, progressing in one direction in the first dimension.
14. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the document indicators are each in the form of one of the logically ordered series of reference signs, and the document indicator is in the form of the reference sign of the key indicator which the document indicator identifies.
15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims at least partially embodied on a computer, wherein the document is a data document for display on a computer monitor.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the feeder is a set of instructions stored on a memory which, when executed by the computer1 cause the data document to scroll up the computer monitor.
17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the computer comprises a microphone, and the computer is configured to determine when a key of the musical keyboard corresponding to a document indicator has been pressed, and to scroll the document upwards on the computer monitor such that the indicator due to be played next according to the series of indicators is displayed on the computer monitor.
18. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feeder is a slideable tray.
19. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feeder is operable to move the document.
20. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle and the key board are integral.
21. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a board which is configured to support the document in the display area.
22. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a document indicator and the key indicator which said document indicator identifies are coloured with the same colour.
23. The apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: a stand which is configured to support an end of the board at an elevated position both with respect to a surface on which the support is placed, and with respect to the other end of the board.
24. A portable housing comprising the apparatus according to any preceding claim.
25. A apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figure 1, 2, 3a -3d, 4, 5, 15, 18, 20 or 21 of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus comprising: a backboard configured to support a document in a display area behind a musical keyboard; a stand configured to support an end of the backboard at an elevated position both with respect to a surface on which the stand is placed, and with respect to the other end of the backboard; a slideable tray1 moveable by a user to feed the document through the display area; and a frame structure comprising side portions positioned to allow the slideable tray to slide between them, and configured to support the musical keyboard above the IC) slideable tray so that the document, when being fed by the slideable tray, may pass underneath the musical keyboard from the display area behind the musical keyboard, the musical keyboard having a plurality of keys positioned sequentially in a first dimension, each of the plurality of keys being marked with a key indicator; 0 the document being marked with a series of document indicators each identifying one of the key indicators, wherein the series of document indicators is positioned in such a way that that when each of the series of document indicators passes through the display area the document indicator is coflocated, in the first dimension, with the key marked with the key indicator identified by the document indicator, 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to fix the position of the musical keyboard in the first dimension.3. The apparatus according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the document is obscured from view except when passing through the display area, and wherein the feeder is configured to progress the document through the display area in a step-wise manner and to suspend the document in such a way that the indicators become stationary in the display area for a period of time.4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is shaped to enable disassembly and reassembly.5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the document is divided in the first dimension into a series of strips running in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension each corresponding to a key from amongst the plurality of keys, into each of which strips may be placed one or more document indicators identifying the key indicator of the key to which the strip corresponds.LI") 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the strips are substantially equal in width to the keys to which they correspond.7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the document indicators on the document are divided into one or more groups, with each group being linked by a connector to denote a sequence of document indicators.8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connector is directional, linking a start document indicator to an end document indicator from among the group of document indicators.9, The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, of the document indicators in a particular group of document indicators, more than one of the document indicators each identifying a different key indicator are collocated with one another on the document in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and the connector progresses between the more than one document indicators.10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, of the document indicators in a particular group of document indicators, more than one of the document indicators each identifying the same key indicator are collocated with one another on the document in the first dimension.11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the document indicators has a form which is similar to the form of one of the key indicators, and thereby the document indicator identifies the one of the key indicators.12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the form of each key to indicator is determined by its position in the first dimension.13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the key indicators are a logically ordered series of reference signs, progressing in one direction in the first dimension.14. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the document indicators are each in the form of one of the logicafly ordered series of reference signs, and the document indicator is in the form of the reference sign of the key indicator which the document indicator identifies.15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding ciaims, wherein a document indicator and the key indicator which said document indicator identifies are coloured with the same colour.16. A portable housing comprising the apparatus according to any preceding claim.17. An apparatus comprising: a computer storing a set of instructions on a memory which, when executed by the computer, cause the data document to scroll up a computer monitor; and a musical keyboard having a plurality of keys positioned sequentially in a first dimension, each of the plurality of keys being marked with a key indicator; the data document being marked with a series of document indicators each to identifying one of the key indicators, wherein the series of document indicators is positioned in such a way that, when each of the series of document indicators passes through the display area, the document indicator is collocated, in the first dimension, with the key marked with the key indicator identified by the document indicator; 0 wherein the computer comprises a microphone, and the computer is configured to determine when a key of the musical keyboard corresponding to a document indicator has been pressed, and to scroll the document upwards on the computer monitor such that the indicator due to be played next according to the series of indicators is displayed on the computer monitor.18. A apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figure 1, 2, 3a -3d, 4, 5, 15, or 18 of the accompanying drawings.