So you're interested in studying MIDI... First, what is MIDI?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI is a digital communications language created specifically for transmitting musical information between electronic musical instruments (keyboards, drum modules, synthesisers, etc.) and computers. MIDI is widely used in the music industry by composers and arrangers as a musical sketchpad for new work, creating finished music productions, and preparing scores for musicians. It can also be used to facilitate musical theory and aural skills lessons and drills using computers connected to musical keyboards (just one of the many applications technology has in the instruction of music).

We currently offer several ways to learn about MIDI and music technology in the UALR Music Department:

• Intro to MIDI (MUAP2254 sec01): This is a two-hour class offered both Fall and Spring semesters. This class covers the basic set of MIDI commands and MIDI sequencing.
• Intro to Digital Audio (MUAP2254 sec02): This two-hour class is also offered both Fall and Spring semesters. Intro to MIDI is a pre-requisite. This class buildings on the skills developed in the MIDI class, adding material on the recording and processing of audio tracks in addition to MIDI.
• Private MIDI lessons (MUPRXX17): This allows a student to take individual instruction in MIDI like any other musical instrument. It can be taken for one or two credit hours at either the 1000, 2000, or 3000 level.

If you have not had any experience with MIDI before, we strongly advise enrolling in the Intro to MIDI class first. If you already have some experience with MIDI or using computers to create or transcribe music, contact the instructor by e-mail (mwheavner@ualr.edu) to find out about taking private lessons in MIDI. Include detailed information about your previous work with MIDI, and what you want to accomplish by taking MIDI lessons.