A Model Based Systems Engineering Approach to Automated Music Arrangement

Abstract

MBSE (Model Based Systems Engineering) is considered a valuable and effective approach not only in engineering domains, although it appears to bring a potential assistance to artistic visions and initiatives. The cross-domain capitalization is the key to further innovation and advances in technology. This paper describes an MBSE approach, applied to the development of a complex multi-component arrangement system, to generate an automated music arrangement for any melody, with a harmonically correct result. The user introduces the melody in the form of a MIDI file. The system analyzes the melody, detects the scale, then follows algorithms based on thorough theoretical and harmonic studies, to finally generate the arrangement based on the selected music genre (classical, jazz, pop, etc.). Compared to other existing systems in the market, the developed system largely reduces the dissonance between the melody and the arrangement, which makes the final arrangement a good accompaniment to the melody.