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

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.