Discovery and Utilization of Jazz Motifs for Computer-Generated Solos

Building on previous work in computer generated jazz solos using probabilistic grammars, this paper describes research extending the capabilities of the current learning process and grammar representation used in the Impro-Visor educational music software with the concepts of motifs and motif patterns. An approach has been developed using clustering, best match search techniques, and probabilistic grammar rules to identify motifs and incorporate them into computer generated solos. The abilities of this technique are further expanded through the use of motif patterns. Motif patterns are used to induce coherence in generated solos by learning the patterns in which motifs were used in a given set of transcriptions. This approach is implemented as a feature of the ImproVisor software.