MIDI

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   MIDI
What is MIDI/ MIDI Terminology
 
MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface,” and is pretty much anything that can plug into a computer and make music with the help of various software. For example, one of the more common MIDI instruments is the MIDI keyboard. With it, you can play directly into an application and it will record the notes you play, when you play them. It makes music composition much easier.
 
In this course, students explore the dimensions of sound and texture in music through the use of synthesizer and various MIDI applications. Classwork involves weekly projects in the Electronic Music Studio. Although this may be viewed as an entry-level composition class, good musicianship skills are a must. This is not a computer course; it is a course in music composition.

Student Q&A

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • What did you learn from this course that can be applied to life outside of school?

    I learned that it is okay to start over. It is better to realize a mistake or that you are going down the wrong path sooner and start over than to be ignorant and dig a deep rabbit hole for yourself.

  • What would you tell another student interested in taking this course?

    If you are interested in music and want to hone your craft, both as a musician and as a composer, take this course. You will learn many skills that will help you in your life later as well.

  • Why did you sign up for this course?

    I signed up for this course because I enjoy making music but was never any good at doing it on the computer, and I wanted to improve.

  • What surprised you about this course?

    I was surprised that, even though I had no idea how to play the piano, I was able to translate my knowledge of music theory (much of it learned in this class) to it. By the end of the course, I could not only compose my own music on the computer, but I could learn songs by ear on the piano as well.

  • Is this a subject area you were familiar with before signing up?

    It was relatively familiar, yes. I have been into playing music for a long time but I had only just gotten into composition when I took the course.

Sample Assignments
  • Create a 32 Bar Composition for the flugelhorn and flute
  • Create a MIDI backing track for the flugelhorn
 
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