UNI T 37 THE FUNCTI ONAL MUSI C KEYBOARD

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
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