The present invention teaches a machine and process that generates music given a set of simple user-specified criteria. The present invention enables music generation wherein a user may specify the duration and tempo of the music to be generated that may then be played or stored for retrieval and use at a later time and does not require the user to be a skilled composer of music. The present invention allows the user to generate music in a very short period of time wherein the music generated by also has beginnings and endings that occur in a manner that is esthetically appropriate. In addition, transitions within the generated music occur in a manner that is esthetically appropriate. Music generated by the present invention also has unique qualities that are desirable to users that use music in their own products or works.