BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Students of music typically need to understand music theory and concepts such as melody, harmony and rhythm. These concepts encompass pitch, rhythm, timing and note values, rests and their values, key signatures, time signatures, scales, chords and their inversions, accidentals (sharps and flats), bass clef and treble clef, note groupings and phrasings and sight reading. To some, the theoretical aspects of music can be uninteresting and unenjoyable.

In order to make learning music theory more enjoyable, games such as"Scherzo"have been developed which utilize tokens in the form of cards that display one or more musical notes on a stave or which provide a treble or bass clef. A note card may be oriented in either of two ways and adjacent either a treble or bass clef card so that the note displayed can have any of four possible pitches. This game can be played in a number of ways to improve and develop an understanding of music theory while providing entertainment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a game that is more flexible in terms the variety of different musical games that can be played while being easy to learn and highly educational.

More particularly, the present invention provides a game particularly well suited to facilitating musical education by giving each musical note a set or predetermined pitch which, optionally, can be modified if desired.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of playing a game including the step of forming at least a portion of a musical score by combining two or more tokens which each indicate at least one musical

note of predetermined pitch.

In a particular embodiment, in forming said at least a portion of a musical score, at least one of said two or more tokens is used to alter the predetermined pitch of the musical note of at least one other of said two or more tokens.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a game comprising a plurality of tokens wherein each token indicates, respectively, at least one musical note of predetermined pitch and two or more of said plurality of tokens are, in combination, capable of forming at least a portion of a musical score.

Preferably, the game further comprises rules for playing the game.

Preferably, the game is played according to the method of the first aspect.

According to the invention, there is provided a plurality of tokens that in combination, may be capable of representing groups of notes, such as scales, intervals (for example major, minor, augmented and diminished intervals) or chords (including triads and extended chords), when arranged in an appropriate sequence.

Scales may be diatonic scales such as the major diatonic scale, minor scales such as the melodic, harmonic and natural minor scales, synthetic scales such as whole tone, diminished and altered dominant scales, modally-derived scales such as lydian, ionian, aeolian, locrian, dorian, myxolydian and phrygian scales and various synthetic scales derived therefrom (for example the lydian dominant scale) as well as scales of particular ethnomusical origins such as major and minor pentatonic scales, Indian and"blues"scales, although without limitation thereto.

Preferably, each of said tokens indicates a clef.

Preferably, each of said at least one notes has a predetermined pitch.

In one embodiment, in forming said at least a portion of a musical score, said at least one token that indicates a clef may, is use, alter the

predetermined pitch of the musical note of another of said two or more tokens.

Generally, the invention provides tokens in the form of said first and second groups of playing cards that in combination form diatonic major scales spanning at least an octave.

In a particular embodiment, said game comprises: (i) a first group of tokens wherein each token indicates two different, unique musical notes, each note having a predetermined pitch; and (ii) a second group of tokens wherein each token indicates a single, unique musical note having a predetermined pitch.

In one particular embodiment, said game provides tokens in the form of said first and second groups of tokens that form at least one diatonic major scale.

For example, three different diatonic major scales may be formed as follows : (a) a C major scale which spans greater than three octaves from C to A above high C; (b) a C# major scale which spans greater than three octaves from C# to A# above high C; and (c) a C b major scale which spans greater than three octaves from C t to A b above high C.

Preferably, according to this embodiment said second group of tokens forms the scale listed as (a), thereby comprising twenty-seven different playing cards. Each token of said group indicates a single note of predetermined pitch. The single note of predetermined pitch may be duplicated on the token so that the token can be oriented in either of two orientations while indicating the same pitch.

Preferably, according to this embodiment said first group of tokens forms the scales listed as (b) and (c), thereby comprising twenty-seven different tokens. Each token of said first group indicates two single notes of predetermined pitch, wherein the respective single notes indicated by

each token are not the same. The two notes are indicated on each token so that the orientation of the token determines which of the two notes is used. By choosing a particular token orientation, the scales in (b) and (c) above may be formed.

Preferably, each token of said first group indicates, a sharp and a flat of a respective note of a scale, for example D# and D b on the same card.

In a particular embodiment, the tokens of said second group may have black markings and the tokens of said first group may have red markings. These colourings are particularly applicable where the tokens are in the form of a deck of 54 playing cards suitable for use in standard card games.

Although the aforementioned embodiment describes tokens in the form of playing cards, said tokens may be in any form such as discs, coins, dice, tickets or even computer-generated images, although without limitation thereto.

Tokens may also display other musical notation that indicates rhythm and time including semibreve, minim and dotted minim, crotchet and dotted crotchet, quaver, semiquaver, rests, indicators of score structure such as repeat markings, coda and d. s al coda and time signatures such as 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8 although without limitation thereto.

Also contemplated are dynamic indicators such as accents, staccato, loudness, diminuendo and crescendo as are well known in the field of music.

Throughout this specification, "comprise","comprises", and "comprising"are used inclusively rather than exclusively, in that a stated integer or group of integers may include other integers or groups of integers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an example of a token of the present invention which indicates a single note of predetermined pitch; FIG. 2 is an example of a token of the present invention which indicates two different notes, each of predetermined pitch; FIG. 3A is an example of two tokens of the present invention placed adjacent each other thereby indicating an interval between respective notes; FIG. 3B is an example where the two tokens of FIG. 3A are placed adjacent each other in a different orientation to FIG. 3A thereby indicating a different interval between respective notes; FIG. 4A is an example of two tokens of the present invention placed one overlapping another thereby producing an interval formed by respective notes indicated by the two cards; FIG. 4B is an example of two tokens of the present invention placed one overlapping another in an opposite orientation to that shown in FIG. 4A, thereby producing a different interval formed by respective notes indicated by the two cards; FIG. 5 is an example of tokens of the present invention that indicate time signatures; and Table 1 is a non-limiting summary of intervals that may be created using tokens of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG 1, card 10 has a single musical note which in this embodiment is a D, duplicated as notes 11 and 21 respectively located on ledger lines 12,22 of staves 13,23. Card 10 is one member of aforementioned group (a) that can be used to create a C major scale.

Bass clefs 14 and 24 determine the identical pitch of notes 11 and 21 respectively. In this embodiment, notes 11 and 21 are minims or half- notes. Furthermore, notes 11 and 21, staves 13 and 23 and bass clefs 14 and 24 are each also duplicated in the corners of card 10 so that the card 10 can be read regardless of the orientation of the card 10, particularly when a group of cards 10 is held by a player.

Referring to FIG 2, card 110 has two different musical notes 111 and 121. In this embodiment note 111 is an E sharp, located on ledger line 112 of stave 113 and note 121 is an E flat, located on ledger line 122 of stave 123. Card 110 is one member of the aforementioned groups (b) and (c) that can be used to create a C sharp or C flat major scale depending on card orientation. In this embodiment, treble clefs 114 and 124 partly determine the pitches of notes 111 and 121 respectively. In this embodiment, notes 111,121 are quavers or eighth-notes.

Referring to FIG. 3A, card 21 osa has different notes 211A (A flat), 221A (A sharp) while card 210B has a single note (middle C) although duplicated as notes 211 B, 221 B.

Cards 21 OA, 21 OB are placed adjacent each other to form staff 220 that forms at least a portion of a musical score. Successive addition of cards can then extend said musical score. Respective notes 211A, 211B form an interval identified according to its numeric size and its quality. An ascending interval is when the lowest note is first-a descending interval is when the lowest note is the second note of the interval. As an example, the object of this game could be to correctly identify the interval between notes 211A, 211B, which in this case is an augmented fifth descending (A flat to middle C). Referring to the orientation of cards 210A, 210B shown in FIG. 3B, the interval between notes 221A and 211 B, is a minor seventh descending (A sharp to middle C). Once an interval is identified it can be sung or played on a musical instrument.

Types of intervals are as follows and are summarized in Table 1.

Unison-two notes of the same value ; second-two notes one whole tone apart; third-two notes two whole tones apart (major third) or one and a half tones apart (minor third); fourth-two notes two and a half tones apart; fifth-two notes three and a half tones apart; sixth-two notes four and a half tones apart; seventh-two notes five and a half tones apart (major seventh) or five tones apart (minor seventh); octave-two notes six tones apart have a numeric value of eight. Compound intervals are intervals of more than one octave and include ninths, elevenths and

thirteenths. Table 1 summarizes intervals for the purposes of the game.

In FIG. 3A, clef 214A is a treble clef so note 211A is A flat above middle C; clef 214B is a bass clef so note 211B is middle C. The interval is therefore five tones and worth six points.

As a variation on this basic game, cards 210A, 210B may be overlapped as shown in FIG. 4A so that treble clef 214A of card 210A dictates pitch of note 211B of card 21 OB, effectively overriding bass clef 214B of card 21 OB and thereby altering pitch of note 211B from middle C to A below high C, thereby changing the interval between notes 211A and 211 B from five tones (descending) to eight and one half tones (ascending).

Referring to FIG. 3B, if note 221A is chosen (A sharp), the interval between notes 221A and 211 B (middle C) would be six tones.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B cards 210A, 210B may be overlapped so that treble clef 224A of card 210A dictates pitch of note 211 B of card 21 OB, effectively overriding bass clef 214B of card 21 OB and thereby altering pitch of note 211B from middle C to A below high C, thereby changing the interval between notes 221A and 211B from six tones (descending) to seven and one half tones (ascending).

Referring now to FIG. 5, cards 310A, 310B may also include time signatures 330A, 331A and 330B, 331 B respectively, which are described in more detail hereinafter.

Using Table 1 as a guide, a game can be played so that after an agreed number of cards 10 have been dealt to each player (for example five cards 10), the numeric values of each interval created by each player is tallied to create a total points value. The player with the most points wins. It will also be apparent, for example, that an interval of ten semitones could have more value as a minor seventh than as an augmented sixth if a scoring system is chosen where the score attributed corresponds to the value of the interval (eg. seven points for a seventh versus six points for a sixth). Thus according to this example, for scoring purposes the optimal choice of interval may depend on the key of the

musical score being formed. Furthermore, strategic use of cards having bass and/or treble clefs such as described in relation to FIGS. 4A and 4B can maximize scoring potential.

In another embodiment of the game, players agree on a particular scale or chord (preferably a complex extended chord) and the first player to make the scale or chord, as cards are successively dealt to each player, wins the game.

In yet another embodiment, cards are dealt to each player until the deck is exhausted. Players then place their cards face up one on top of the other. If a player deals a card with a rest the next player has to answer the challenge by hoping the next few cards drawn equals the value of the rest. If it does, that player claims the whole pile of cards. If it breaks the value of the rest then the player who played the rest card takes the pile. If while trying to match the value of the rest card, another rest card is turned up then the next player has to meet that challenge. Play continues until there is only one player left.

In a further embodiment for two or more players, the aim is to be left with no cards while an opponent is left with as many cards as possible. Preferably ten cards are dealt to each player and players take turns in putting down cards in the key signature of a scale. Cards can be placed down in any order, as long as they are part of a scale. At any time during play player can change the key, provided the player says "dominant"before playing the card. The card placed down is the fifth note of the new key. Card"flipping"may be used, as the cards of said first group provide a sharp or flat of the same note, and hence may be inverted according to the key currently being played. Players then continue until they have played all their cards. If a player puts a card down which is not correct they have to pick up another card from the pile as penance.

In a still further embodiment, a game is provided wherein the object is to build complete bars out of (ten) 10 cards. In this embodiment, each player is dealt (ten) 10 cards with the remaining cards placed face down,

in a pile. The top card of the pile is then turned face up and placed next to the pile. The upturned card becomes part of a discard pile.

The game is started from the player to the immediate left of the dealer. A player takes a card from the pile or the discard pile in the centre and adds it to the cards in hand. The object is to make up complete bars of music in the time signature of 4/4. If the card picked is useful it is kept but a card must be placed on the discard pile to complete a turn. Play continues until a player is able to put all cards down in one go. Once the cards have been checked by the other players, that player is declared to be the winner. It should be noted that some cards have a note and a rest, the rests being included.

According to this embodiment, the time signature may be changed via two special cards which display 2/4,4/4 or 3/4, 6/8 time signature indicators such as described in FIG. 5 cards where cards 310A, 310B indicate time signatures 330A, 331A and 330B, 331B respectively. If a player picks a time signature card that player has the option to change the time signature or use the card in hand. If a player changes the time signature, the card is placed onto the discard pile and the time signature on the card dictates the time signature of the musical score so formed.

The player then takes a card from the face down pile and continues a normal turn. When the face down pile is exhausted, the discard pile is shuffled and turned face down to form a new pile.

In other embodiments, for the purposes of scoring during play the following points values may be attributed as follows : semibreve: 4; minim: 2; dotted minim: 3; crotchet: 1; dotted crotchet: 1.5 ; quaver: 0.5.

It will also be appreciated that the cards of the invention may be used to play conventional card games such as snap, poker, euchre and the like.

For example, red treble clef cards may be designated as hearts, red bass clef cards as diamonds, black treble clef cards as clubs and black bass clef cards as spades. Numeric values may be ascribed according to pitch, such as C=Ace; D=2; E=3 and so on with the notes

high F, high G and high A being the jack, queen and king respectively.

The time signature cards 310A, 310B in FIG. 5 may be used to indicate jokers.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail herein, and that a variety of other embodiments may be contemplated which are nevertheless consistent with the broad spirit and scope of the invention.

Table 1

Whole tones Half tones Quality Value 0 0 Unison 0 0 Diminished 2nd 1/2 1 Minor 2nd 1 2 Major 2nd 1 1/2 3 Augmented 2nd 1 1 Diminished 3rd 1 1/2 3 Minor 3rd 2 4 Major 3rd 2 1/2 5 Augmented 3rd 2 4 Diminished 4th 21/2 5 Perfect 4th 3 6 Augmented 4th 3 6 Diminished 5th 31/2 7 Perfect 5th 4 8 Augmented 5th 31/2 7 Diminished 6th 4 8 Minor 6th 41/2 9 Major 6th 5 10 Augmented 6th 41/2 9 Diminished 7th 5 10 Minor 7th 51/2 11 Major 7th 6 12 Augmented 7th 51/2 11 Diminished 8ve 6 12 Perfect 8ve 6 1/2 13 Augmented 8ve