At a time T0, prior read reproduction is started with a volume of 0. Upon starting the prior read reproduction, MIDI events containing note events are sequentially generated. Each time each of the note events is generated, note data is generated based on these note events and sequentially stored in a note pool 123. At a time T1, actual reproduction is started. After the time T1, the actual reproduction and the prior read reproduction are concurrently performed at a same speed. Accordingly, the prior read reproduction precedes invariably two bars ahead of the actual reproduction. Information pertinent to notes contained in a part from a currently played position to a position two bars ahead of the currently played position can be easily obtained from the note pool 123.