Computational Modelling of Musical Ornamentation: A Systematic Review

Ornamentation is a key part of music expressivity in every culture. These are the extra notes, bends, and variations that make a performance feel alive and authentic. However, in the world of music technology, this important layer is often missing or poorly handled. Current software tools for making and working with music tend to simplify ornamentation or ignore it, which limits their creative potential. This review aims to solve this problem by mapping out all the existing research on computer models for ornamentation. We will catalog the musical genres studied, analyze the technical methods developed, and examine how the performance of these models is evaluated. A central focus will be on translating these findings into practical music technology applications. The ultimate goal is to identify the gaps between current research capabilities and real-world industry needs, thereby highlighting the most promising pathways for future development and commercial innovation.