Choosing a Keyboard - MIDI

MIDI is a worldwide standard computer language that conveys musical instructions. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and is pronounced "middy." A keyboard with MIDI can be connected to and communicate with other MIDI-equipped devices.

Getting Connected

MIDI messages travel down a MIDI cable from one MIDI device (such as a keyboard) to another MIDI device (such as a personal computer). A MIDI cable carries information in only one direction, so a MIDI-equipped keyboard has a MIDI IN and MIDI OUT port. If you want your keyboard and your computer to be able to "talk" to one another, a MIDI cable is used to connect the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports on your keyboard to the USB (MIDI) port on your computer.

Some keyboards have a USB port which acts as a MIDI interface. You can connect to your computer with a USB cable (like the one for a digital camera) and don't have to purchase a MIDI cable.

What can MIDI do for me?

The important thing about MIDI is not the physical connectors or the electronics behind it, but what it allows you to do. With MIDI you can:

Connect your keyboard to a personal computer

Thanks to MIDI, the computer has emerged as a terrific music-making machine. The possibilities are endless!

• you can use a sequencer (recording studio) computer program which adds to the composing and arranging possibilities of the keyboard

• you can use a notation program which instantly transforms the notes you play into notes on the computer screen, ready for printing. Share your masterpiece with fellow band members or the local choir!
• you can use instructional programs to learn or brush up on your playing, teach children music theory through a series of fun games, and much more
• you have access to a huge library of accompaniment styles and pre-recorded songs available on the Internet

Plenty of websites on the Internet are at your disposal for downloading and purchasing music computer programs, styles and songs. One of the  popular sites is yamahamusicsoft.com,  a treasure chest of products for Yamaha keyboard users. With all of the cool computer stuff available, you can make some good old-fashioned music in a whole new way -- you'll be wondering how you ever managed before!

Connect to another keyboard
You can add the sounds of another MIDI-equipped keyboard to what you play on your keyboard.

Connect to other MIDI instruments
All kinds of electronic instruments such as organs and drum machines and even acoustic instruments such as guitar, violin or saxophone can be equipped with MIDI. You can use your keyboard as a "controller" and any of these instruments can be played and controlled right from the keyboard panel. For example, a church organist would be able to play the organ from a keyboard in various locations in the church to better evaluate the acoustics or adjust the speakers to the pipes.

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