Assignment #22

Midi Files

Midi files are wondrous things, especially for musicians. Midi files are small files (20-50k) that tell a sequencer how to play a particular song.

Goto http://www.jazzware.com/zope and download the Jazz++ Midi Sequencer. Install it.

Goto http://www.zianet.com/jw_laurie/midipage.html and download the old 60’s hit Rhythm of the Rain. Left click to hear it and right click SAVE TARGET AS… to download it. Don’t blink-it’ll only take a second.

Open the midi in the sequencer, play it with the arrow at the top and then 1. change tempos (r or l click on speed) 2. mute or solo instruments (click on P) 3. change instruments (click below PRG) Here’s a list http://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_gm.htm

I use midis to give my aspiring rock star 11 year old a back-up band and to hear how, for instance, a bass line is played. Find midis by searching (name of song) midi on Google. Here’s some more midi programs http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/

Finally, if you can’t find a midi for some song but you have the chords, here’s a $10 program that allows you to quickly turn those chords into an accompaniment. I use it. It works great. It’s called Band Minus One and it’s here: http://www.1manband.nl/bmo/index.htm

Play!!