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MIDI BOOKLET
Megan James



Introduction

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface; it was invented in 1983, very close to the
development of music synthesizers. MIDI is used to produce tracks through software on a
computer. A MIDI keyboard sends messages like: velocity (how hard you hit the key), octave (how
high or low the key is), note (which key is played), pitch bend (if the key is altered on the keyboard)
and length (how long the key is held for). MIDI has many benefit composers can add many
different tracks, whilst changing notes, velocity, length, even position once its been played; making
it easier than playing correctly in one go.

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The purpose of this booklet is for you to know the main features to a MIDI keyboard; the cautions
you should be taking whilst playing one, understand the impact MIDI has had on music
development and understand how to make a track on Logic software through the use of MIDI.




MIDI Keyboards

To understand the basics of MIDI you need to know the main features on a MIDI keyboard. The
main feature would be the keys; the keys allow you to send messages to the computer, which you
can then edit. The input consists of the note played, the octave range it was played in and the
length that it was played for. The octave allows you to play the key in a variety of pitches even if
you only have a minimal number of keys (a small keyboard being around 37 keys). The pitch bend
allows you to change the pitch of the key as you are playing it, without changing the octave. The
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output is being able to play what you are playing through ear/headphones and/or speakers. The
input is being able to edit what you're playing on a software.

Correct posture is very important when playing a MIDI keyboard because a number of well known
musicians suffer from issues like tendinitis (pain in an affected area, from a raptured tendon),
tennis elbow (pain when moving your arm), ganglion (A cyst, most common on the wrist) and
focal dystonia (which prevents the use of one hand). Sitting too low when playing means you have
to constantly have to lift your shoulders, this can cause pain in your arms, back and neck.
MIDI keyboards can vary in price due to the amount of features it has to it and the quality of the
keyboard; they can cost anywhere between 30-600. For example a cheaper keyboard will have
less features (keys, octave and pitch bend) than the more an expensive one.


29.99 579.99


To improve your playing skills, you can follow some simple steps. Your fingers should be able to
glide across the keyboard. It helps if your back is arched because it helps lift your fingers from the
keys faster. If you play common phrases often it can help you remember them easier. You can build
finger strength by practicing equal strength in a flexible material, you shouldnt let one finger be
much more powerful than the rest.

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DAW

DAW stands Digital Audio Workstation, examples of this is: Logic, Cubase and FL Studio. You
can produce tracks through the use of a MIDI keyboard or MIDI controller. You can manipulate
MIDI messages within Logic software by changing the notes velocity, length and positions; you
can switch instruments and keep the notes played. DAW has many benefits, including: composers
can add many different tracks, whilst changing notes, velocity, length, even position once its been
played; making it easier than playing correctly in one go.

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LOGIC EXPRESS

1. Select an empty project as you launch Logic.
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2. Select how many audio/software instrument tracks you want (more can be added), and press
create.

3. I would suggest saving your track every 15 minutes, in case of any disruptions to Logic.
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4. Click on a track, find an instrument in the library (can be changed later).

5.Once recorded, you can use a MIDI keyboard to play any melody/beat you want.
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6.You can use tools like cut, glue and velocity etc, to change the track.

7.By adding more tracks, slowly building up a track.


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8. To quantize you need to double click the track, and drag your mouse over the notes you want to
quantize, then click where it says off(3840), on the drop box, choose which option you think is best
(I would recommend 1/16-Note), this will line up the notes so they are in time.

9.To change the velocity of the note you need to highlight the note/s and select the velocity tool.
With the tool you can drag the velocity up or down.


When the bar is blue, the velocity is low, green, it is a medium velocity and a red bar is a loud
velocity.
10.To copy a track, you can simply copy and paste, however if you want it to carry on you can put
it on a loop by dragging the top of the track along..
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MIDI

Composers use MIDI and DAW together to create tracks you hear today on the radio and in the
charts. MIDI has helped musical development because without it we wouldnt have artists like
Disclosure, Daft Punk or CHVRCHES. Music is constantly changing, making different tracks,
styles and genres. With the whole atmosphere of something being played live, I think its noticeable
that it isn't programmed. However if there were no crowds and it was in a sound treated room,
with the right equipment, it could sound the same as the track. I think it isn't just pop music that
can use it because a MIDI keyboard is able to change its sound to choirs, strings and drums.
I think it should be used in schools to give teenagers the access to be able to make music if they
want to. I think music should be compulsory throughout education because people have to take
science, math's and physical education, but not everyone wants to be a doctor, accountant or
athlete. Bringing music into the system shows children a different aspect to the working world;
there are many more job roles to venture into. I think if you forced students to take music, it
wouldnt put them off it. This is because if a student was into music, they might enjoy the class. If
a student wanted to take music they could choose to do so.





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