Automated Tune Identification

Beatrice Robertson published a comprehensive recap of this topic in the
040420 MMD.  The links shown are not functional today, but the
principle and application of up-down tune identification are very much
alive.  Like the websites for many topics we don't live with every day,
they seem to move around and change when we are ignoring them, making
it quite a search to find them once again when needed.

The Parsons Up Down system is mentioned as the established concept, and
Melody Hound as a viable program.  The URL given in Beatrice's posting
is now invalid, but http://www.melodyhound.com has it, and more!  You
can search for your melody in several ways: by playing the melody
on a keyboard (with note timing), singing or whistling it, using the
Parsons Up-Down Code, or simply by rhythm for you toe tappers.  In
every case you are helped along graphically or with sound clips.

In fact, this website is very heavy on classical examples, and can go
out on the web to find further selections.  My test piece was "Mary Had
A Little Lamb," and it is now clear why I was not invited into the
percussion section of our band due to my inconsistent timing.

All the best in your tune searches.  I usually start mine by phoning
Robbie and going "da-da-de-dum-de-dah."  He gets it every time, even if
I have inverted it just to be obtuse.

Karl Petersen
Boise, Idaho