Method and apparatus for studying music

A method for fabricating a data storage medium for use as part of a musical performance analysis system, the method comprising the steps of:

• storing a composite audio signal of a preexisting musical performance having a plurality of instrumental parts and a rhythmic sequence of musical beats;
• storing time data synchronized to the composite audio signal;
• and
• sequentially storing a separate digital simulation for at least selected ones of said instrumental parts, said digital simulations being generated independently of said preexisting musical performance.

A data storage medium having a plurality of storage areas comprising:

• a first area for storing a preexisting composite audio signal comprising a sequence of sounds representing a musical performance having a plurality of instrumental parts;
• a second area for storing separate digital simulations of at least one of said instrumental parts, and
• each of said digital simulations being generated independently of said preexisting composite audio signal;
• and
• a third area for storing timing data synchronized to said composite audio signal,
• at least selected ones of said sounds of said preexisting composite audio signal in the first area having corresponding digital simulation data in said second area and corresponding timing data in said third area.