Method and apparatus for controlling the tempo and volume of a MIDI file during playback through a MIDI player device

A method for controlling a tempo of a MIDI file having a plurality of MIDI instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

• incrementing a counter at a first rate;
• transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to a general MIDI-compatible device at the first rate;
• receiving an input signal from a data input device;
• determining a first count value of the counter when the input signal is received;
• and
• transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to the general MIDI-compatible device at a second rate when the first count value has a predetermined logical relationship to a second count value associated with a lyric instruction to be executed.

A computer system configured to permit a user to control a tempo of a MIDI file having a plurality of MIDI instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to said processor, said memory having stored therein a sequence of instructions which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor to perform the steps of:
• incrementing a counter at a first rate;
• transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to a general MIDI-compatible device at the first rate;
• receiving an input signal from a data input device;
• determining a first increment value when the input signal is received;
• determining a first average value from the first increment value and a predetermined number of second increment values;
• and
• transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to the general MIDI-compatible device at a second rate when the first average value has a predetermined logical relationship to a second average value.

A computer system configured to permit a user to control a tempo of a MIDI file having a plurality of MIDI instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to said processor, the memory having stored therein a sequence of instructions which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor to perform the steps of:
• incrementing a counter at a first rate;
• transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to a general MIDI-compatible device at the first rate;
• receiving an input signal from a data input device;
• determining a first count value of the counter when the input signal is received;
• and
• transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to the general MIDI-compatible device at a second rate when the first count value has a predetermined logical relationship to a second count value associated with a lyric instruction to be executed.