[Data-modeling] Proposed changes for music composition and instrument modeling

[Christopher R. Maden]

A few changes have been proposed to modeling of musical compositions and 
musical instruments.  I think they’re pretty good, but I’d like to get 
some wider feedback before implementing them.  For the most part, these 
are new types and properties, so nothing will break, but it would be 
nice to have some confidence that we got the model right before 
implementing it.

First, for compositions:

A new type is proposed, called something like “type of composition.” 
Instances would be symphony, opera, string quartet, pop song. 
Compositions would connect to type of composition.

The types of compositions would be a phylogeny pattern; a string quartet 
is a kind of chamber music, a rock opera is a kind of opera and a kind 
of rock composition.

Types of compositions would have typical instrumentations, using a CVT 
to get a number and a performance role: a string quartet typically has 
two vioins, a viola, and a cello.  A brass quintet typically has two 
trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba.

Compositions would get a new property for instrumentation as well, using 
a similar CVT.

As for musical instruments:

We currently have a Musical Instrument Company with no properties.  We 
would change this to Musical Instrument Maker.  We would grab the 
current Guitar Maker property from the Guitar type and move it over to 
Musical Instrument, and reciprocate it from Musical Instrument Maker as 
Models Produced.  We would also add a property to Musical Instrument 
Maker for types of instruments made.  That would allow us to express 
that Steinway makes pianos, and also that Steinway makes the Steinway 
Model L.  Gibson makes acoustic guitars and electric guitars, and 
specifically makes the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson SG.

Thoughts, comments?

~Chris
-- 
Christopher R. Maden
Data Architect
Freebase.com: <URL: http://www.freebase.com/ >
Metaweb Technologes, Inc. <URL: http://www.metaweb.com/ >