Python Script: falling_notes.py

Overview

falling_notes.py is a Python script for visualizing the rhythm of musical notes. It serves as a minimalistic musicgram.

The script processes a track from a MIDI file, plays the file, and visualizes the notes falling in a style reminiscent of "Piano Hero."

The project includes a sample MIDI file with a single track. This file is hardcoded into the script for demonstration purposes.

Visualization Features

• Notes are represented as rectangles.
• Timing: A note is played when its rectangle reaches the bottom line.
• Duration: The rectangle's height is proportional to the note's duration.
• Strong Beats: Strong beats are highlighted in red.

Requirements

Before using the script, ensure the following requirements are met:

• Python: Version 3.8 or higher
• Required Python libraries:
  • mido
  • pygame

Installation

Step 1: Clone the Repository

Clone the repository to your local machine:

git clone https://github.com/cogollud/falling_notes.git
cd repo_name

Step 2: Install the required libraries

pip install mido
pip install pygame

Run

python falling_notes.py

Using Custom MIDI Files

To visualize a different MIDI file:

Use a MIDI editor like MuseScore to create or edit a MIDI file. Replace the hardcoded file name in falling_notes.py with your custom file.

if __name__ == "__main__":    
    # Load the MIDI file into the Song object
    midi_file = "simple.mid"
    song = midi_parser.Song(midi_file)
    print(song) # Print the song information

    # build fallingNotes from the notes of the first track (ignoring the rest of the tracks)
    track = song.tracks[0] 
    fallingNotes = [FallingNote(SCREEN_WIDTH // 2, note) for note in track.notes]

    main_game(midi_file, fallingNotes)

Extend the functionality

This script is just a toy. It only shows the first track, but with a little effort it could show multiple tracks as Piano Hero.