Composing with MIDI

MIDI is a boon to composers and arrangers who can develop scores quickly and easily. Early in computer development, MIDI was incorporated into Microsoft and Apple operating systems. Sound cards included synth modules that would create music from MIDI files. Early MIDI connectors used the game port for MIDI in and out. USB ports and now more common. Combined audio and midi interfaces such as the EMU 1620 or 1820 provide optimal connection between musical instruments and the computer.

A MIDI file is equivalent to a printed music score with several advantages: the score can be created in a variety of ways, easily modified, played by different sound modules, and printed for musicians to play. A midi file can also contain all the mixer and sound processing information required to complete a composition, ready for the end users...a CD, DVD, movie score and video soundtrack. The main limitation imposed by such a powerful and versatile tool for music production is a somewhat demanding learning requirement. In professional studios, musicians and sound engineers have advanced understanding of MIDI hardware and software. New students will require study and practice and will benefit greatly if an experienced teacher is available.

MIDI Sequencer; the term sequencer relates to midi software that records and plays note on and off information. A MIDI editor is software that permits changes to the MIDI information. A MIDI file is an analogue of a music score. Written music tells you the pitch of notes and when to turn notes on and off. Additional information in the score tells you how to attack the notes and how loud to play. The same information is generated by a MIDI keyboard, stored in the sequencer and edited in the editor.

MIDI and AUDIO The big difference: a MIDI recording is a relatively small file that must be sent to sound module to hear the result. An audio file is large file that requires only player software to hear the sound. The final destination of MIDI sound generation is an Audio file. The latest and best software combines everything - midi recoding and editing, conversion of MIDI to audio and processing of audio files into the finished product.

At Personal Digital, we use Sonar 8.52, an integrated studio software (DAW). The program began as Cakewalk, a MIDI sequencer/editor that has evolved into sophisticated studio software that handles most aspects of composing, arranging, mixing, recording and mastering. I have used Cakewalk since it began and have benefited from the gradual improvements in midi editing capability. The program still has limitations that requires use of other programs to work around its limitations. In a professional studio environment a work flow develops that involves an eclectic combination of hardware and software tools.

Our composing functions depend on receiving and sending MIDI data to four music sources, the Proteus 2500, Korg Trinity, EMU X2 and the relatively new Korg M3. MIDI compositions are displayed in a variety of ways for editing purposes. A standard music score can be displayed and notes edited in the usual manner of writing music notation.

Piano role editing has become and essential step in finishing the performance of a piece. A piano roll display is remarkably useful for editing a score. Notes become colored bars sitting on a vertical pitch grid. With a mouse, the pitch and duration of notes are easily changed. Groups of notes can be added, deleted or altered quickly. Controllers such as velocity and volume are displayed for easy editing. Tempo changes, note velocity and pitch bending are easily added or edited.

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Many of the topics presented online are from the Sound of Music by Stephen Gislason.
During September 2010 you can Download a Free Copy. Your comments are welcome.

Persona Digital Studio is located on the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada. www.personadigitalstudio.com email music@personadigitalstudio.com. Our Music catalogue includes recorded performances by the P2500 Band, Em4U, and the Persona Classical Consort. Music downloads are available from iTunes, Napster, AmazonMP3 and from our companion website: Persona Digital Online. We enjoy association with Reverb Nation who provides an online service for musicians to present and market their music.

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