The Amen Break

While you are creating your Drum Lab, check out this fascinating video about the world's most famous 4-bar drum loop.

The Amen Break

MIDI Week 3

This week we will be learning how to quantize in Digital Performer. Quantizing aligns notes you play to a specific rhythmic grid, so your music is precisely on time.

We will also be covering some music fundamentals, like note values and time signatures.

I will be assigning your first project-based lab, the Drum Lab.

Please bring your USB Flash drive this week. We will learn how to save your work to your flash drive.

New Content

I have added content to my MIDI 1 Learning Web page including handouts for Using DP parts 1 and 2, links to this blog and to a page of famous synth sounds, all assignments to date, and notes from my lectures.

MIDI Week 2

This week we will begin using the workstations. We will survey the various components, explore the sounds on the Juno D synth, and begin sequencing in Digital Performer.

You will need your headphones for every class from here on! Please get them ASAP if you haven't already, and bring them to every class.

You will also be reading Chapter 1 in the textbook and answering the review questions at the end of the chapter.

MIDI 1 Spring 2011

Welcome to MIDI 1. This week in MIDI 1 we will lay the groundwork for the semester. Please visit and bookmark my Learning Web page. There you will find the course syllabus, handouts, and assignments. If you ever miss class it will be your responsibility to print out any materials I handed out.

Required Materials for MIDI 1:

Please get your materials as soon as possible and bring them to class. You will need headphones by the 2nd class. You do not need expensive headphones; any pair will do.

1. Pocket USB Flash Drive (1GB minimum)

2. MIDI Power! by Robert Guerin ISBN 978-1598630848

3. CD-Rs for data backup and Audio CDs

4. Jewel cases or paper sleeves for CD-Rs

5. Permanent marker (for labeling CDs)

6. Notebook for notes

7. Stereo Headphones with ¼” and 1/8” plugs

Make sure to fill out the Lab Usage Agreement and return it to the Lab Aid desk located by the front doors of the Performing Arts Center. You will not be able to use the MIDI Lab (418) outside of class without a Lab Usage Agreement on file.