- Piano Lesson Software Midi Keyboard
- Piano Lesson Software Midi Keyboard Tutorial
- Midi Keyboard Piano Lessons
- Midi Keyboard Lessons
You are reading the right article absolutely if you want some most MIDI software for your device and make use of it in the most efficient way possible. What do the keyboard and computer have when they are in a working state? Communication, right. So MIDI does the same. Basically, we can consider the MIDI as a language which supports and helps in communication between two components and hence there is also software to work with it. We need MIDI for the purpose to play some music and has more work to it. It works like there is a software working with MIDI for the sound purpose like the musical instruments. And while you are busing playing with your MIDI keyboard and as per the output from the computer you will get some other sound of the instrument like that of a saxophone. We have listed for you the best MIDI software and that both for Windows as well as Mac. Apple tv xbox app. It helps to record your playing in a DAW and hence making track after track. There some free and some are paid versions. Also, if you want advanced level service then you definitely have to pay and access it. We have listed them on the basis of reviews, ratings and simple interface to interact with. You will definitely enjoy working with it.
Including loads of video content and an online app, Piano Marvel is designed to be used with a MIDI keyboard so that you can receive instant feedback on your progress. The library is geared towards popular songs, with over 1,500 to choose from across multiple genres, and the game-like lesson plans include thousands of exercises to work through. It also offers a dedicated Virtual MIDI keyboard feature that treats the virtual keyboard program as the external MIDI keyboard. Editing Area: It is the primary music creation area of this software in which you get multiple staff lines along with a lot of musical symbols like clefs, keys, time signatures, chords, notes, and more.
Need and importance?
Ever gave a thought that why do we need such a software? You can play some music with some of your favorite tunes of your choice again. Definitely, there is more to all this. You can also record whatever was recently played, the record also multiple tracks, and also you can make sheet music as well. Its audio interface is very simple and easy to interact with. It has a keyboard basically which comes with the lite version of a DAW, like Abelton or Presonus. Also, the Reaper is expensive enough but it is definitely a very good choice to go for it. It is better to pay and use good service than using a bad one which can lead to extra time and frustration as well.
So, here goes the list of some best free midi software for Windows and Mac as well.
1. Tracktion
Basically, this is the best midi software for Windows and as well as best free midi software too. The convention actually seems to be able to make the version with two iterations before the present one is available for download without any kind of charge. Two years and still feature-packed totally and completely. It is very simple and easy to use at the same time. We might not get all the latest features. You will receive an update each time the company or industry to which it belongs, updates its flagship DAW, which it did on yearly basis. It's a workspace that gives us everything we need in the main window. Also, there I no need to jump to different screens as well. Every single section available is scalable, and hence you can adjust it to suit your workflow. It supports unlimited features which you as an audience will definitely adore and admire. It has features like that of a number of audio and the MIDI tracks available. It is definitely unique and has amazing functionalities.
Platforms: Windows, Mac
2. AmpliTube Custom Shop
It can be counted under the list of best midi keyboard software. It is fully-functioned kind of software and best in the case of a guitar. And hence it is really good application in that purpose. In this free version is available with almost 24 models in total. It includes the digital chromatic tuner, four amps, three mics, two racks, nine stomp boxes, and five cabs. And has some really awesome effects and functionalities. This software of Windows is enough to keep any guitarist happy. Actually, this software allows to directly record from your laptop and makes it simple to use and efficient as well. There is a paid version as well which provides the advanced features of totally high level. It would allow you to expand your collection of amp models, cab sims, and stomp boxes. This software has tones which are actually very authentic and impressive for any user using it. The level of customization is also advanced and high level. It is good rated software by the audience.
Platforms: Windows
3. Klevgrand
Klevgrand, the Stockholm-based production company has certainly carved a name for itself with a slew of fine-sounding instruments featuring some rather esoteric interfaces. Loaded with over 70 presets, the big fun here is the way we can morph between sounds using a nifty sphere-like object at the center of the app. Though this software is not so sufficient accessible synthesizer. This is also not so for the beginners. It will be really hard for the novice users to use this. Though it does have some unique feature with awesome functionalities. If you understand using this software, it may happen that you don't want to use any other software. It has a rock-solid design which is attractive at the same time.
Platforms: Windows, Mac
4. BandLab Cakewalk
This software was once the first ever digital audio workstations but its development was halted last year due to some reasons. It was formerly called as the Cakewalk SONAR. It can be said to be a complete package for the music production. Also a great tool as software for creative writing for songs and instruments. It has advanced level mixing and mastering tools with unlimited MIDI and audio tracks which can help in your own recordings and music. It is a full tool for mastering and editing tools. For music makers and cloud music creation platform has made the download free. Also, this allows you to share your work directly to social media namely YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, and many more other sites and with your friends and family members.
Platforms: Windows
5. FL Studio
This software can be counted in the list of best midi software. It is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It is also called software for music production which is continuously in development. This software allows you to use many amazing features. You can do multi-recording, sequencing capabilities and also has many other effects and music mixing as well. After the download when you start using this you will realize how fast is this and capable as well. This is easy for novice users as instructions are provided. It has great support and always keeps you updated whenever needed. In this software, the sound quality and production value are of professional level. It definitely once gives it a try kind of software, it's so good and simple.
Platforms: Windows
6. GarageBand
It is one of the best midi software for Mac. Basically, it is a music making software which supports both Mac OS and Windows as well. It has a large database of the sound library with some really amazing instruments. It contains presets for guitar and voice and has a virtual session as well for drummers. This is such a sufficient software as it provides lessons for piano and guitar classes. It such awesome software. Even for beginners or novice users, it is the best tool for you as well for its simplicity. It allows you to access the recording part and helps you in recording and making music too. You can record everything with so much of ease with any type of instrument. It allows you to upload and share the same on social media sites and with your friends and family members. It has the best editing tools and has editing and modifying options as well. You will love to know that this software actually doesn't need wi-fi to run or use this. To create music this is the best midi software.
Platform: Mac, Windows
7. Sweet MIDI Player
This is an amazing tool for making music and recording and it doesn't need wi-fi to do any such task. The recording is made very simple and easy by this software. You can directly upload your work to social media. You also have the option of modifying and editing your recordings. This is very good software. Very good for the auditioning of many different kinds of MIDI files. If you are actually running out of time and you are at home then you can use this app to make your changes to it while out and on your phone and when you are back home you can connect back to your Mac OS desktop and the changes you made on your phone will still be there. It is a very convenient software. Very simple interface and easy to use.
Platform: Mac
8. Logic Pro X
This is a very powerful software which allows you to suite according to your needs and requirements. It is a full-fledged and very professional type and level software studio which comes with complete good quality virtual instruments, audio tools, a very huge library of loops and synthesizers. It has a paid version as well with more advanced features having a high level of functionalities. It has very impressive tools and offerings for all professionals as well as for the beginners. It has almost about 255 tracks for each type of composition and with the ability to lay down multiple tracks at the very same time. Many different effects can be applied during the manipulation of the tracks when they are playing. It is very easy to use the software. A free version is available for all the basic features. The editing features though are bit complex and powerful giving control over MIDI patterns. Various aspects of the audio tracks are there available and automate changes are also available. There are no timing issues and also it avoids making erroneous mistakes. Provides many creative and different ideas.
Platform: Mac
9. Ableton Live 10
The other MIDI software is more traditional based and somewhere or the other this software called as Ableton Live 10 is totally unique and different software. Definitely, this comes under the list of best midi software. This software helps you to arrange the parts sequentially on a timeline and also allows you to create shorter clips of music. It is very easy to use and is an ideal software which every single person would want. Jamming is also possible in this software in few simple steps. You can be your own DJ while you use this app.
Platform: Mac, Windows
10. Reason 10 Intro
This software supports almost all the platforms and provides learning lessons. Even for the beginners and novice users, this is the best app due to its simplicity and ease of use. It is fun to use software and supports high-quality music. This has some of the best features which we can't even think of. A different and huge amount of design choices are provided. It has some wonderful effects which we can't simply ignore. It also allows you to build detailed drum patterns and new textures as well. It has a large number of editing features which makes it interesting.
Platform: Mac, Windows
WRAPPING UP!!
Coming to the conclusion, we can all say is don't let the inner self be inside anymore. Take out your creative self and make this world your own stage. You can download them from the links given. So what are you thinking and waiting? Go and download it for some of the best MIDI software are amazing and exactly your type and your creativeness.
I received an email from a blog reader who had recently bought a MIDI keyboard so they could start practicing a bit of piano at home.
My previous blog posts on MIDI keyboards had all said something along the lines of 'plug in your MIDI device and open up you DAW software to play'. But what if you don't want to purchase any expensive software for writing and producing whole musical tracks? What if you just want some free software for practicing piano or messing around?
So following that I set out to find the best FREE MIDI keyboard software out there on each of the most common platforms Windows, Mac/ Apple and Android so you can plug in your MIDI keyboard and start playing straight away. This article summarises what I found.
But first, some context:
How does MIDI Work?
First things first, I always find it useful to briefly explain how MIDI works. If you, like me, came from playing a traditional acoustic instrument such as a piano or guitar, the world of MIDI and digital music production may be a little confusing. If you already know how it works feel free to skip this section!
Piano Lesson Software Midi Keyboard
MIDI is a digital signal, basically a series of 1s and 0s that allows different electronic devices to communicate with one another (I know, it sounds very dystopian!). This code communicates all manner of things from the note pressed, to how hard it is pressed and when it is released.
This is different to traditional instruments that produce an audio signal you can hear either straight away for acoustic instruments or through an amplifier for electric ones.
With a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device not producing an audio signal, it needs to be plugged into another device which can convert the code into something we can hear. In the modern era this is usually a laptop or computer.
Modern MIDI devices pretty much always plug in and communicate via a USB connection. But simply connecting the device isn't enough. The computer will receive the code but to produce a sound it will need software of some sort.
That is where I hope this article will help.
Best Free Midi Keyboard Options – Windows
1) Piano Time for Windows 10
Piano time is a nice option if you simply want to plug in and play the piano.
It is an 'app' but that doesn't mean you need a tablet or phone to use it. Windows is changing to become more similar to Apple in the way they present software creating less of a disconnect between computers, tablets and phones. This means if you have Windows 10, you can now head to the Microsoft store and download apps to your computer.
There are paid apps in the windows store but as with the Apple and Android 'stores' that you may be more familiar with on your phones and tablets, many of the apps are free to download and use.
Ease of Use
Piano time is really easy to plug in and get going. I plugged in my Novation Impulse MIDI keyboard and it instantly recognized it without me having to go into the settings.
Features
Piano time is meant to be simple and for mimicking the sound of a piano. For this reason, you can't really adjust the sound. You won't find different instrument sounds, reverb or delay for example. But this might be a good thing if all you want to do is play the piano.
You can record and save clips of what you are playing which is a nice feature, and this allows you to record one part, play it back and then play something else over the top. Handy if you are doing a bit of songwriting. However, be warned, on the free version these clips will only remain in place whilst the program is open, to save or export the tracks you record as MP3 files you will have to pay a small fee to upgrade.
It comes pre-loaded with a few very basic tracks for you to play along with, think Amazing Grace or Mary Had a Little Lamb. The keys will light up and show you how to play along and you can slow it down or speed it up to suit. Perhaps this is most suitable for the absolute beginner or for a child learning the piano. Also useful for anyone using this to learn the piano are a few basic scale exercises you can play along with.
Other features include a metronome that can be adjusted. I did find the clicking a bit annoying but it does the job.
As with most pieces of MIDI software, you can use your computer keyboard to play if you don't own a MIDI keyboard. I would not recommend this as it is very hard to do, but Piano Time does have a feature called 'key mapping' which will show the corresponding keyboard letters above the relevant keys to help you play.
Sound and Performance
I found the sound to be ok. A nice bit of sustain and reverb make it sound quite realistic. However, the lower notes can sound a bit quiet compared to the higher notes and chords don't sound that great. This is annoying if you are trying to play notes with the left and right hand, as the right hand notes tend to drown out those of the left.
This can be frustrating as a quick ‘stacatto' press of a key isn't any different from when you hold it down. This makes notes merge together when you don't want them to or not ring out for as long as you might have hoped.
For me, the app had virtually no latency (time between pressing a key and hearing the sound). This is partly due to the app, but will also be due to your computer. If you are trying to use it with a computer or laptop that doesn't have much RAM or has a slow processor then this may not be the case. If you are experiencing MIDI delay check out this article.
Other people have noted that when adverts load it can cause the app to crash. This did happen to me once which was a pain. You can get rid of the ads by paying just a small fee so this might be worth doing if you are having this issue.
2) Piano 10 for Windows 10
Piano 10 is very similar in many ways to Piano Time. It is available for download from the Windows app store on any windows device.
Ease of Use
I plugged my keyboard in and it didn't work straight away this time. The menus in the app are also not the easiest to find with a series of symbol buttons to press, so I had to do a bit of random clicking to find out how to do it.
A button saying 'general MIDI' brings up a menu when clicked where you should be able to turn MIDI support on and then select your MIDI keyboard from the list.
So once you figure out what each button symbol means it isn't too hard to use.
Features
Different to Piano Time, Piano 10 has a few different effects and amazingly 126 different sounds for you to chose from. Including reverb, sustain and echo but unfortunately only one of these can be turned on at once.
An auto-chords function is pretty cool and is a great way to help learn different chords and chord types as the keys of the chords light up whilst you play.
As with piano time you can record short clips of yourself playing. You can save these clips but only as .xscore files to re-open in Piano 10 another time.
A metronome is also included with adjustable bpm.
Sound and performance
When testing the default piano sound it was ok, but pressing the keys too lightly meant no sound was played. So if you are trying to practice playing softly you may find this frustrating.
However, when the sustain effect is turned on I thought it sounded much more realistic and it felt nice to play.
Although it is cool having 126 different sounds to choose from, be warned, most of them sound pretty terrible. Fun to mess around with but you would never want to use them in a performance.
Probably the most annoying thing about Piano 10 is the fact you can't change the key size or get more keys to show on the screen. The whole keyboard will still play but you won't see all the keys light up on screen.
Being a free app it also has a banner with ads at the top but these are fairly standard and don't really interfere with the usability.
3) MidiEditor
If you want something a bit more advanced which will allow you to edit and export your MIDI tracks then MIDI Editor is free software that is a great introduction to some more advanced techniques.
Ease of Use
In terms of downloading and installing things are fairly simple. However, unlike the previous two options, this is a more traditional piece of software that you download from a website rather than the Windows App Store.
Once downloaded the settings are easy to find and here you can select your MIDI device and connect.
You should then hear a basic piano sound.
So in terms of getting a sound, it is fairly simple. However, if you are not familiar with MIDI you may find the software slightly confusing due to the more advanced features it has….
Features
Piano Lesson Software Midi Keyboard Tutorial
The screen shows what is known as a ‘piano roll'. This is something to get familiar with if you plan on using MIDI in production.
As you play on your MIDI keyboard and press record you will see lines appear on the screen. This is a visualization of the digital code for each note. You can see it shows which note was played, how long for and other parameters such as velocity (how hard you played that note).
This is what separates digital MIDI data from a traditional audio recording. It is stored as a series of numbers (note, note length, etc) and then a sound is ‘overlayed' on top of that. So you could play the original notes with a piano sound but then change that to strings or a flute for example.
Features such as quantize, which automatically moves mistimed notes onto the correct beat are cool to mess around with.
Sound and performance
As a basic free introduction to MIDI editing software, MidiEditor does a pretty good job.
Midi Keyboard Piano Lessons
There are a couple of things that frustrated me though.
For example, when you record a track you can't see the notes appearing on the screen, you have to wait till you have finished recording and then they will appear. This just felt weird compared to the MIDI input I'm used to in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
There are also no other built-in sounds to test apart from the piano and I couldn't find a way to import my own sounds either. Perhaps I'm expecting too much from free software.
Best Free Midi Keyboard Software on Mac (and Apple devices)
1) Garageband
Garageband has to be my favorite of all the free music making software available. I've written entire songs on the bus using this software on my iPad and have been happier with the sound than some tracks I spent weeks on in the studio!
It comes pre-installed on most Apple products but if not it can be downloaded from the app store for free.
Ease of Use
Garageband is quite a bit more advanced than some of the simple piano apps already mentioned in this article.
It is the closest you are going to get to proper a DAW without having to pay. A DAW is a Digital Audio Workstation. It is where all song artists create songs by piecing together tracks. There are many different ones with different people having different preferences. But if you are new to the music recording world then Garageband is a great place to start.
For this reason, it has massive potential but it does make it a bit confusing for the beginner. For example, when I connected my keyboard, it didn't work straight away. I had to navigate to preferences and select my device and I also had to change the output so I could hear the sound.
Midi Keyboard Lessons
It is a similar process when connecting to an iPad, however, you will have to buy a USB to lightning adapter (such as this one).
All that said it is still very easy to get started in comparison to most DAWs which can be very overwhelming. There are plenty of great videos on Youtube to help you if you get lost.
Features
This is where Garageband excels over the other simpler apps. The possibilities are almost limitless.
Online movie software. You can choose from hundreds of pre-loaded MIDI sounds. There are pre-made drum loops to add in and play along to. Then when you want to add even more sounds or effects you can download free ‘plug-ins.
Because it is a DAW you can layer up multiple tracks, MIDI or Audio to create full songs and there are great built-in features such as EQ and compression so you can even try your hand at mixing!
Sound and Performance
The pre-loaded sounds do sound quite robotic and it is hard to compose a full song that will sound professional using just the MIDI samples. That does, of course, depend on your genre, for some electronic music you can do a pretty good job.
This may not bother you if you just want to practice the piano.
The performance is pretty good, I rarely ever experience any latency when playing. This is dependent on your laptop age and spec.
2) Pianu.com
This option technically applies to Windows too but I couldn't find another free app on the Apple app store that wasn't either terrible or tried to give me a virus.
So Pianu.com is actually a web-based MIDI keyboard and is a great option if you don't want to mess around downloading software and just want to get playing right away.
Ease of Use
This software is so simple to use (at least it was for me anyway!) Just head to pianu.com/keyboard-page and there you will see a big yellow button that says 'Detect My Keyboard'. Press this and you will see the following screen.
You are then ready to start playing
Features
Pianu is not very complex and won't give you all the features of Garageband. But many people have written to me to say they don't want something as complicated as that and just want to play some piano. For this it is perfect.
What Pianu is really meant for though is learning the piano. For this it has lots of built-in lessons, starting with the absolute basics and building you up from there. What I like most is you can play along with a lot of contemporary songs (Coldplay, Taylor Swift etc.) rather than the usual Ode to Joy or Amazing Grace which you get on most apps.
Sound and Performance
You would never want to use this piano for recordings or live performances, but it sounds fine for learning. The one annoying thing is the notes don't fully ring out and eventually just stop suddenly. But this is a minor issue when you are just practicing.
For a web-based application I expected performance to be dodgy, but it really wasn't. In fact I would say I noticed less latency than many other apps and my laptop fan was whirring away.
Best Free Midi Keyboard Software on Android
Yes, that's right, these days you don't even need a computer to use a MIDI device. You can now plug your MIDI keyboard directly into your phone or tablet and use that to create music.
I bought this simple USB C to USB adapter for under $10 and it allows me to play my 49 key MIDI keyboard through my phone.
As with the other devices mentioned above, you will need to download some software (an app) to do this and there are plenty of great free options to choose from.
1) Perfect Piano
Ease of Use
You may already know how to connect your android device to a MIDI keyboard, but if you don't it is very simple (you can find out in this step by step guide).
Once plugged in the Perfect Piano app should automatically detect that a MIDI keyboard is connected and it should work straight away without you having to mess around with any setup! A real bonus for those who just want to plug in and play.
Features
The app has a keyboard that is set as default to a piano sound. But additionally, you get the choice of many more from strings to synths and loads of additional free sounds to download.
There is a sustain button to create the effect of using a piano pedal and you can record your efforts either in MIDI format or in audio format.
The app has some nice additional features such as ‘learn to play'. Where you can play along as notes descend on the screen, very similar to guitar hero (if you remember that game) except you are actually learning a real instrument.
Sound and Performance
With my android phone (which is a few years old now) I had no noticeable lag which amazed me. I've experienced many issues with MIDI latency using computers and laptops over the years. I can't guarantee you won't have issues but if your phone is newer than mine I'm sure it will be fine!
The sounds are really quite impressive. The piano does have that programmed sound but no more so than most other MIDI pianos out there. The synths and strings are great fun to mess around too.
I like how you can adjust the number of keys on the screen. A feature often lacking from many mobile MIDI apps.
Concluding Remarks
Nowadays there are plenty of free MIDI apps and software programs to choose from. The key thing is to ask yourself, what do I need the software to do? If it is to simply practice piano or mess about then stick to something simple. But if you think you might want to create full tracks or use more advanced techniques there is probably something out there for you too.
Once you are ready to progress the best option is to move to a DAW of your choice. I personally use Ableton Live which is particularly good for MIDI. But there are loads of others to choose from. My suggestion would be to download a free trial, watch a few ‘how-to' videos and see which one you find best.
The possibilities of music production using MIDI are pretty endless!