Things You'll Need:
- MIDI-compatible device or keyboard MIDI drivers and software
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Step 1
Purchase compatible cables. If you have a specific device or keyboard you would like to compose on, the chances are good there is a special brand of MIDI cable that is "recommended" for the device. Get a recommendation from your local music retailer, then purchase the cables that suit your needs.
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Step 2
Install the MIDI driver software. The cords you purchased should come with this software, but in the unlikely event that it is missing (or you bought the cables secondhand), there should be some freewware driver options available to you. (Follow the link in Resources.)
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Step 3
Connect the device to the PC. The USB end of the plug should go into a dedicated USB slot, and the other end should plug into your device. Once both sides are plugged in, an indicator light on the device should switch on to let you know the connection was successful.
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Step 4
Open the native MIDI software. The driver you installed should include some rudimentary software that will allow you to play music from your keyboard through your speakers. In some cases, the software will even include advanced "play" and "record" options.
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Step 5
Test your connection. Press a few keys on your device and make sure the sound comes cleanly through the speakers of your PC. If not, you may have to run a troubleshooting program and reconnect.
