Performance learning system

Abstract

A performance learning system is described for a program such as a musical score, a play, or vocal performance. An ensemble rendition of a program is recorded on a first track of a magnetic tape with a particular performance, which normally is a part of the program, being omitted from the prerecorded ensemble rendition. A control track is provided, along side the ensemble rendition on the magnetic tape, with control signals representative of preselected stop locations separating learning segments on a visual representation of the omitted performance. A student may record a performance on a third track of the tape while an exemplary performance of the omitted performance such as may be formed by a professional or teacher is recorded on a fourth track. A record/playback apparatus is provided with a track selection network to enable the playback of a desired track or combination of tracks. A backtrack network is provided to enable a student, who is learning the omitted performance, to conveniently repeat previous learning segments by automatically returning the tape to the desired learning segment. The stop control signals may be formed of intelligible words when the tape is played back in a first direction, to orally identify the stop locations on the visual representations of the omitted performance. When the tape is moved in an opposite backtrack direction, the stop control signals operate to stop the tape at the desired previous learning segment. A system for forming the prerecorded magnetic program learning tape is described.