Midi software for teaching/learning keyboards!

[Cheez]

I think I've found the solution to sharing tips and teaching keyboards online. It's called MIDIkeyz. You can load any midi files and it shows a keyboard that lights up the keys when triggered. So the student learns from the midi file visually.

What's exciting is the LMS (live midi sync) technology - syncing audio and video and midi together. Their website isn't very clear, but I gather that meant the ability to record voice/audio and video syncing with the midi - so instructional LMS files can be shared. So you should be able to share using your favorite keyboard patch sound that you record instead of the midi sound coming from the recipient's sound-card. And these files can be slowed down, rewound, fast-forwarded, paused etc to suit the student's needs - without change in pitch (time-stretched).

http://midikeyz.com/index.html

So far, it's sold at gospelmusician.com and priced at $29.99 USD. If you get one or more of their keyboard instructional DVDs for more than $40USD, you get the software free. The software is downloadable and is both PC and Mac compatible.

I'm going to try to see if they are willing to offer a group buy discount. Please have a look at the link and see if you think this is a good idea for SOFT keyboard section to share instructional videos. If you think it's a good idea and would like to have it, please post here so I know how many are interested (the more people interested, the more persuasive power I have to get them to give a group discount).


Interest Level: 4

 

[Cheez]

I've contacted them. It seems they are going to set up a group buy! But it will not be ready for about 2 months from now (ie Jan 2010). So...in the meantime, for those interested, please post here so we can have sufficient number to bring down the price.

The group buy policy will probably be dependent on how many buyers - the more buyers, the higher the discount (probably capped at about 50%).

 

[soft]

Hey Cheez, I think the software basically shows a keyboard with keys lighted up when the midi information triggers the keys. Don't think it can do 'video/audio/midi' at the same time.

But you are right, their website doesn't tell much.

Count me in if you are getting it.

 

[blueprintstudios]

I'd like to get it. I don't play any music instrument and I suck. lol. the only keyboard I play is the qwerty @ 88 - 108wpm. and I plan to focus learning midi in 2010.

pls let me know if you guys are getting it can? thanks ah

 

[Cheez]

James, actually it does audio and video at the same time. That means you can actually have a video of the player talking and explaining, record the voice (and also the instrument itself), and sync everything together with the midi (ie showing the keyboard lighting up). I haven't looked at the interface. I'll probably get the software now just to try. I believe the keyboard will be at the bottom and a video screen somewhere. Beauty is everything is synced and can be time-stretched - including audio/video. This will be a true downloadable tutorial/class method without being physically present with the keyboard instructor.

Actually, the gospelmusician website is already using the LMS technology to share their techniques. The keyboardists are selling LMS files as tutorials. Of course, we will share it freely. Only the software needs to be purchased.

Depending on how much they drop the price for us, I'm willing to chip in an amount to bring the price even further so we can get more keyboardists in SOFT on the same platform.

From their website:


MIDI Player

• Multi-track MIDI file select
• Change Key
• Change Tempo
• Pull key from MIDI file
• Pull tempo from MIDI file
• Ability to set key

Audio Player

• Slow Down Audio and keep the same key/pitch
• Change Key of Audio without changing tempo
• Play MIDI with Audio file. No need for audio inputs to practice

Large keyboard display (61, 76, 88 Key versions)

Note Names Above Keys

• Ability to choose all flats or sharps

LMS Lessons (Audio and Video Sync) with slow-down function for both simultaneously.
Mixer with Mute and Solo Options
Play keys with QWERTY Keyboard
Transmit MIDI with QWERTY keyboard and record to your DAW without needing a musical keyboard.
Full MIDI Transmit and Receive Controls
Octave Controls
Sustain pedal view
Play keys with your computer keyboard
Pitch bend and mod wheel view
Solfège Notation for International Customers
Left-Hand Right-Hand view in different colors
Transport controls
OSX and Windows
ASIO and Core Audio Compatibility



Note the part about "audio and video sync". If it's just midi with keyboard lighting up, they won't mention "audio sync" since the file will trigger the host's GM from the soundcard (ie not audio). Also note the part about "slow down audio and keep the same key/pitch". For pure midi data, that's a moot point. So...it's more than just midi!

 

[teokiatuan]

Hmm i believe GuitarPro has this function as well...?

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

sounds interesting. keep me updated! i'm interested to learn basic midi and keys.

 

[Cheez]

No, Guitar Pro doesn't sync video and audio with midi, as far as I know. You cannot film a video of a live real person talking during when the midi is playing - like a real live class.

What we are talking about here is a real live person (with image and voice) talking and in synced with midi, of which you can slow down the midi playback in sync with the video and audio without any change in pitch. Perfect for a tutorial session. As far as I know, nothing in the market does this...yet. Until now...

 

[blueprintstudios]

ok wait, count me out. I misread something i mistook this for another thingy..

 

[zenesh]

I will be interested. But all depends on the price though. Let me ask around my friends

 

[Cheez]

Original price is 49.99 USD though. It's now currently at 40% discount (29.99 USD). But I'm asking them to give additional group discount on top of that. I think with the discount expiring in December, they will probably give the group discount on top of the original price instead of the current 40% discounted price. I suspect the lowest it will go is 50% - it about $25 USD. But we'll wait and see their group buy discount formula.

I've just got their software. No time to check it out yet.

 

[Cheez]

MIDIKeyz does not work in Vista 64. That's quite sad. I'm going to try in Vista 32.

 

[jerray]

wow count me in!

 

[Cheez]

The software works in Vista 64. You have to install Quicktime for it to work (the mistake I made). I haven't got time to play around too much with it yet. Now terribly busy. Will do it once I get the chance. Then may try to post a video of a sample of how it works.