In one simple example using the figures above, a framework for a computer animation model can have two control points (e.g. the model of FIGS. 4D and 4E) and six motion patterns (e.g. motion patterns 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, and 620). Additionally, the template can have four harmonic speeds (e.g. 1×, 0.5×, 2×, and 4×). Each harmonic speed is a multiple of a tempo that is determined by audio data that is used in conjunction with an output animation generated using a computer animation model. In this example, the state-space for the computer animation model includes 576 motion states (e.g. (6×4)2 motion states). Each motion state can have a different assigned probability value, so that certain motion states occur more frequently than other motion states. For example, a motion state for the above model in which both control points (e.g. eyebrow areas) use motion pattern 616 at a tempo harmonic equal to the tempo of the music can be set to occur 95% of the time, with the remaining motion states assigned equal probabilities of occurring during the other 5% of the time. The transitions between motion states (e.g. a selection or reselection of a motion state) can occur at fixed periods, or randomly. In other embodiments, any possible triggers or periods for transitioning between motion states can be used, including identifying thresholds or transitions in audio characteristics as described below.
