Real-Time Maqam Estimation Model in Max/MSP Configured for the Nāy

Fadi M Al-Ghawanmeh,Mohammad W Abed,Mohammad T Al-Ghawanmeh

doi:10.4236/ijcns.2016.92004

Abstract

Automatic maqam estimation is considered significant toward improving multimedia live music performances and automatic accompaniment. This contribution proposed a real-time maqam estimation model developed in the visual programming language MAX/MSP and configured for the nāydukah. The model’s design stood on basic formulas of Arab music maqamat as explained in theory and applied in practice. The model consisted of different layers of competition; the first was for the identification of the instant tonic of the melodic figure, and the second was for the recognition of its identifying E (E, E half-flat and E flat). Those two competitions were used to estimate the maqam in real-time. Then, accumulated estimation results were used to estimate the maqam in longer durations; five-second and full duration. The model was evaluated using professionally performed nāy improvisations. Results reflected a success in estimating all the studied maqamat when the full improvisation was considered. In addition, results were very good for real-time and five-second estimation where average estimation confidence was 75.98% and 80.04%, respectively.

Highlights

Real-Time Music Systems, Arab Music, Maqam Estimation, Nāy, Music Signal Processing. This contribution proposed a real-time maqam estimation model configured for the nāy and based on basic formulas of the Arab maqamat as explained in theory and applied in practice
The evaluation sample was not big, but qualitatively, we believe it was sufficient to give a clear indication on the performance of the maqam estimation model
The improvisations were performed on the main nāy instrument, the dokah, by a well-experienced nāyist who has been performing in Jordan and abroad for about twenty years

Summary

Introduction

This contribution proposed a real-time maqam estimation model configured for the nāy and based on basic formulas of the Arab maqamat (plural of maqam) as explained in theory and applied in practice. The article presented an evaluation of this model when using nāy improvisations as input. To the best of our knowledge, this contribution is the first presenting a real-time maqam estimation model adapted and tested for an Arab instrument. It is worth pointing out that unlike occidental music, only narrow attention was paid—in literature as. How to cite this paper: Al-Ghawanmeh, F.M., Al-Ghawanmeh, M.T. and Abed, M.W. (2016) Real-Time Maqam Estimation Model in Max/MSP Configured for the Nāy. Communications, Network and System Sciences, 9, 39-54.

Results

Discussion

Conclusion