How to Use a Computer Keyboard as a MIDI Keyboard

A MIDI keyboard is a full piano-style keyboard that connects to a computer to play music on computer programs in the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) format. If you don't have an actual MIDI keyboard and are looking to play keyboard music on the computer, you can use the keys already at your fingertips. Once you have MIDI drivers and a music sequencer program, all you need is another application that uses your computer's keys as the MIDI musical keys.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with keyboard
• MIDI drivers
• Music sequencer program
• Virtual keyboard program

1. Check to make sure your computer's sound card is updated. Your computer must have MIDI drivers installed on it. If needed, download and install a virtual driver like the Sony Virtual MIDI Router or Maple Virtual Midi Cable.

2. Install a music software program on your computer that has a sequencer, like Cakewalk Sonar, Steinberg Cubase or Propellerhead Reason. These programs allow you to create music on the computer. These programs are often available for purchase and/or download.

3. Download and install a separate program that has a virtual MIDI keyboard that works with your computer keyboard. Bome's Mouse Keyboard and Roni Music's Sweet Little Piano are two such examples.

4. Read and study the online manuals and tutorials for the keyboard program, seeing which computer keys represent which MIDI keys. Write down a guide on paper to help you learn the keys on the program. If you have time, rewrite any keyboard sheet music you plan to use, so the notes match with the computer keys.

Tips & Warnings

• Some keyboard programs also allow you to use the mouse as a MIDI keyboard by moving and clicking it across a virtual keyboard on the screen.

Resources

• Sony Virtual MIDI Router
• Maple Virtual MIDI Cable
• Cakewalk Sonar Demo Version
• Sweet Little Piano
• Bome's Mouse Keyboard