Portsmouth High School Music Department
Updated:  2/8/2019
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Recording Projects & Exercises

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MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a digital system that allows certain music hardware and software to communicate. Computer software such as Mixcraft commonly uses MIDI for composing, arranging, or recording music. With MIDI, Mixcraft users can program, note by note, a melody or a drum beat and can quickly assign virtual instruments for play back. This workflow enables composers to experiment with various instrumental arrangements even after a melody has been written. Additional MIDI capabilities include automation, transposition, and even notation. Advanced lesson plans might explore these functions. Because MIDI is an integral component of computer music and of digital music production, students need to have a solid understanding of how to use MIDI in a computer environment.

The following lessons guides students through the process of using MIDI to work on imported pieces, to compose melodies, and to assign virtual instruments for play back
A Survey Of Mixcraft - Download and read   
A SURVEY OF MIXCRAFT.pdf
File Size: 1124 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File



1.  VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS - MIDI Recording / Record Your Own Tracks Live
Mixcraft bundled a variety of built-in, “soft” or virtual instruments with their software. These instruments range from software replications of classic organs, electric pianos, synthesizers and to even drum sets! Educators and students can create these sounds using Mixcraft without owning or recording any of the actual instruments. Simply launch Mixcraft and load up an instrument on Mixcraft’s virtual instrument tracks. Though not required, a MIDI controller works best when performing with virtual instruments.
Exercise 11 - Virtual Instruments               
MIDI Instruments Lesson.pdf
File Size: 407 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Yankee Doodle.mid
File Size: 0 kb
File Type: mid
Download File

RECORDING WITH MIXCRAFT.pdf
File Size: 589 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Free Midi Files:
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MIDIdb.com

​midiworld.com
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Exercise 12 - BEAT Making (MIDI Beats)                          
MIDI Beat Making.pdf
File Size: 326 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


2.  MIXCRAFT LOOPS 
Mixcraft 7 comes bundled with over 6,000 (WOW!) professionally produced loops. Mixcraft loops are segments of pre-recorded and edited audio that spread across a range of different sounds and instruments. Loops include drum beats, guitar chord progressions, keyboard parts, and even world music instruments!​
Exercise 13 - LOOP Making (MIDI Beats)              
Loop Making.pdf
File Size: 466 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Video Tutorials on Loop Construction

Loops & Library: COMPOSING A SONG WITH LOOPS
Using The Performance Panel

Video Tutorials on Using Effects

Using Effects
Basic Effects Types
Using Effects Chain

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Mixcraft Effects List and Descriptions.pdf
File Size: 3945 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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PROJECTS
6A     6B

MIXCRAFT PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Create original projects that are at least 1:00 minute in length, no more than 1:30
  • Projects will fall into two categories:
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6A. VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS Recording
           You will create a project that uses:

           a.  At least 4 tracks
           b.  1 track track will be recorded using the keyboard.
           c.  The remaining tracks will be done either recording from                       keyboard OR using the PIANO / STEP Sequencer


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6B. LOOPS  – You will create a project that uses:

           a. At least 6 tracks
           b. 4 tracks need to be created by the LOOPS FOLDER
           c. You may use more than 6 tracks.
           
d.  You may add a recorded track or a Step Sequencer track in addition

Save each project as: 
 Loops, LAST NAME
 MIDI Recording, LAST NAME



Make sure each project is placed in the appropriate folder:
6A - Virtual Instruments
6B - Loops
Project 6A & 6B RUBRIC

Period 1 - PROJECT 6A - VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS PROJECTS

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Period 1 - PROJECT 6B - LOOP CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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Period 5 - PROJECT 6A - VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS PROJECTS

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Period 5 - PROJECT 6B - LOOP CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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