U N I T 3 7 T H E F U N C T I O N A L M U S I C K E Y B O A R D

MIDI KEYBOARDS

Music in Education - Discuss

 The music keyboard as been a regular part of the school furniture for many years.

 Do you think music should be compulsory throughout education?

 Or do you think the forcing of music on students can put them off it for life?

?

 What does MIDI stand for?  What ‘messages’ can a MIDI keyboard send?  What is meant by DAW?  What are the main functions found on a MIDI

keyboard?

MIDI - Pros and Cons

 Do you think MIDI helps or hinders musical development?

 Can you hear the difference between something programmed and something played live?

 Is it only pop music that can use MIDI systems and techniques effectively?

Unit 37 – The Functional Music Keyboard

 “The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop some of the skills required in order to use a music keyboard effectively.”

 “On completion of this unit a learner should:  1 Be able to use basic techniques when playing the

keyboard  2 Know the functions of the keyboard  3 Be able to use the keyboard to input shaped MIDI

data. "

1 Be able to use basic techniques when playing the keyboard

 Basic technique: correct hand position; appropriate posture at the keyboard; rhythm exercises; technical exercises; practise with single hands; using simple chord progressions

Grading Criteria 1

 P1 Perform technical exercises competently, with few errors

 M1 Perform technical exercises competently and accurately

 D1 Perform technical exercises accurately and fluently

2 Know the functions of the keyboard

 Functions for inputting MIDI: inputting MIDI data; shaping MIDI data at the input stage

 Functions for textures and timbres: experimenting with effects, instrumental sounds; layering of sounds

Grading Criteria 2

 P2 Describe the different functions of a keyboard  M2 Explain the different functions of a keyboard  D2 Comment critically on the different functions of a

keyboard

3 Be able to use the keyboard to input shaped MIDI data

 Input data: connecting keyboard to workstation; understanding role of MIDI keyboard

 Shaped data: shaping of dynamics; rhythmic interest; expression

Grading Criteria 3

 P3 Use a keyboard to input and shape MIDI data competently, with few errors

 M3 Use a keyboard to input and shape MIDI data competently and accurately

 D3 Use a keyboard to input and shape MIDI data accurately and fluently

Skill Set Process

 GC1 ‘Perform technical exercises’

 You will be given a number of audio recordings of melody lines. They will be of different styles and tempos (the BPM will be with its title).

 Along with the click track you are to practice working out, and then replicating the melodies as best you can.

 Where? Working individually in the John Cage Room.

Skill Set Process

 GC2 Describe the different functions of a keyboard

 To be able to describe the functions you must have some experience using the keyboard in a variety of contexts.

 You must also research a variety of other MIDI keyboards to see can how their functions might differ.

Skill Set Process

 GC 3 Input shaped MIDI data

 Again you will need to gain experience using MIDI in a variety of contexts in order to be able to confidently input MIDI data.

GC 2 & 3 Skill Set Process

  Work individually in the John Cage room to develop yours skills of composing with MIDI. Spend sessions working on different aspects: creating drum and percussion tracks; using orchestral instrumentation; layering instruments; editing and shaping the inputted data; experiment with effects.

  Work in 2/3s in the MIDI rooms to: compose or recreate music a number of ways in different genres; create the music and sound design for one or more short film clip; compose a radio jingle or a TV theme tune.

  You will be allocated ‘research’ time outside of the MIDI rooms or cage. Use this time to find resources that will help you discover further functions of MIDI.

Vocational Context

 Nearly all assignments will have a vocational context. This means they have been set to demonstrate the practices often found in the industry.

 The vocational context of Unit 37 The Functional Music Keyboard (GC1-3) is to imagine you are a representative of MIDI.org and have been asked to create a series of demonstrations and guides that promote the use of MIDI to musicians new to DAWs.

Assignment Process GC1

  ‘Be able to use basic techniques when playing the keyboard’

  Record in real-time 3 ‘melodies’ along to a click track.

  Evidence: bounce as mp3 and upload your tracks onto your Soundcloud, clearly name them and link them to your private Tumblr*; take screen shots of the ‘piano roll’ and add to your tumblr; observation evidence of correct posture, warm ups etc will also be taken.

* How you name your tracks will be stated in the assignment brief. You will also create a ‘new page’ on your Tumblr for each Unit assignment.

Assignment Process GC 2

  ‘Know the functions of the Keyboard’

 Design a booklet or web page that promotes the functions of MIDI to all musicians

 Evidence: a booklet that can be uploaded to your tumblr*. All written evidence must be your own (the use of quotes is allowed but must be clearly attributed)

* Ensure you have saved back-up versions of all written evidence.

Assignment Process GC 3

  ‘Be able to use the keyboard to input shaped MIDI data’

  Produce two compositions using the MIDI keyboard in a variety of ways

  Evidence: bounce as mp3 and upload to your soundcloud, then link to your Tumblr*. The compositions can be companion pieces to your booklet, and the latter can contain screen grabs and descriptions of both pieces.

* All assignment work should be uploaded to your password protected Tumblr account. Use your public Tumblr as a scrapbook or diary that accompanies the skill set stage of the process.

Research and topics to discuss:

 How did MIDI become a music industry norm and how did it change the typical recording process?

 What alternative features and functions might you find on a range of different MIDI keyboards?

 What cables and connectors are associated with MIDI systems?

 How might musicians new to MIDI find it useful?

Resources

 Library: Modern Recording Techniques (Chapter 3); Music Tech magazine; other music technology related literature.

 Internet: line6.com; alesis.com; midi.org  The facilities in the MIDI rooms and the John Cage

room. Any equipment you or your friends may have.

Sessions: one half day session in your MIDI room; one 1hr 20 Cage session; one 1hr 20 research period.

A MIDI A B MIDI B

1A 1-3A 1B 1-3B

2A 2B

3A 3B

4A 4-5A 4B (X3) 4-5B

5A (X3) 5B

M AM

M PM

T AM

T PM

W AM

W PM

TH AM

TH PM

F AM

F PM

MIDI ROOM

- B B A A B B A A -

THE CAGE

- A A B B A A B B -