US Patent 8138409 Interactive music training and entertainment system

Embodiments of a music training and entertainment system are described that allows a user to input a selection of source music in a native format, and isolates a desired vocal or instrument component within the source music. The user selects the component of the source music against which he or she will be compared. The system suppresses the non-selected components of the source content to isolate the user-selected component. The system receives user input corresponding to the isolated component, such as a vocal track, and matches the receiver's performance to the original performance. The system then provides meaningful and entertaining feedback to allow the user to practice and improve his or her performance. In a multi-user configuration a number of users, such as a band or ensemble can provide a performance, or individual users can compete against each other to see who can obtain the highest score.