A timing control method includes generating a timing designation signal according to one of a first generation mode for generating the timing designation signal which designates, based on a detection result of a first event in a performance of a music piece, a timing of a second event in the performance, and a second generation mode for generating the timing designation signal without using the detection result, and outputting a command signal for commanding an execution of the second event according to one of a first output mode for outputting the command signal in accordance with the timing designated by the timing designation signal, and a second output mode for outputting the command signal in accordance with a timing determined based on the music piece.