Metronome with clock display

Abstract

A metronome that marks musical time by displaying a clock face having a measure of music depicted about the periphery includes a rotating indicator that sweeps about the clock face to indicate the rhythm. In one aspect, a computer program generates a screen display having a clock face and a clock hand mounted in the center to rotate continuously in typical clock fashion. Using drag-and-drop techniques, notes and other rhythm symbols are placed on the clock face. As the clock hand rotates past each of the indicia, an audible sound is generated to denote that particular aspect of the rhythm in real time. In addition, a display of one or more regular polygons may be presented to indicate counting in a number equal to the number of sides of the polygon. Polygons may be overlaid to display and sound polymetric rhythms, each vertex corresponding to a counted beat. The metronome may comprise a mechanical or electromechanical device having a variable speed clock drive, and the clock hand may sound the rhythm directly by percussive contact or proximity interaction with each note indicator on the clock face. The display of the clock face may be augmented by providing lighted indicators placed at each of the indicia and illuminated as the clock hand passes by. Alternatively, a plurality of lighted points are spaced about the periphery of the clock face and illuminated in clockwise sequence to indicated the progress of counting a measure of music.