Intelligent musical instrument systems

This paper explores issues related to the application of computer knowledge engineering techniques to musical information, particularly composition. Familiarity with these areas will aid a knowledge engineer in constructing a system for manipulating musical concepts. Knowledge base engineering is examined within the framework provided by Mathews in which his description of an intelligent system for music exploration is considered. Mathews refers to his system as an Intelligent Instrument System. The criteria for an intelligent instrument system is interdisciplinary, and suggest the applicability of artificial intelligence research. This framework is discussed in the context of: a general schema for a musical knowledge base; a brief survey of the field; a discussion, which addresses the feasibility of such systems.