A multi-layered time-based music description approach based on XML

A framework to determine the key, chords, and hierarchical rhythm structure from acoustic musical signals is introduced. The framework is the first attempt to use a rule-based approach that combines low-level features with high-level music knowledge of rhythm and harmonic structure to determine all three of these dimensions of music. Overall, the framework provides a promising platform for the future development of more sophisticated auditory models based on a better understanding of music.