Note on

Definition

A note on is a MIDI message that indicates the pressing of a key on a keyboard or controller, which triggers the sound production of a musical note. This message includes crucial information such as the pitch of the note, its velocity, and other parameters that can influence the sound produced, including duration and timbre. Note on messages are fundamental for MIDI technology as they allow for the communication between electronic instruments and software, facilitating music composition and performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Note on messages are typically sent when a key is pressed down on a MIDI controller, starting the sound production process.
2. Each note on message contains a note number corresponding to a specific pitch and a velocity value that indicates how forcefully the key was pressed.
3. MIDI channels can transmit multiple note on messages simultaneously, allowing for polyphonic music where multiple notes are played at once.
4. The information in a note on message can be used by software to apply effects or alter the sound, such as changing instruments or adding reverb.
5. Understanding note on messages is essential for composing music digitally, as they form the backbone of how notes are triggered and controlled in MIDI environments.

Review Questions

• How do note on messages facilitate communication between electronic instruments and MIDI software?
  • Note on messages are crucial in establishing communication between electronic instruments and MIDI software because they carry essential data about when a note is played, including pitch and velocity. When a musician presses a key on a MIDI controller, it sends a note on message to the connected software or instrument, allowing it to generate the corresponding sound. This interaction creates a seamless experience for musicians in composing and performing music digitally.
• Analyze how velocity values in note on messages impact the overall sound quality produced by MIDI instruments.
  • Velocity values within note on messages significantly influence the overall sound quality produced by MIDI instruments by determining not only the loudness but also the timbre of each note. Higher velocity values often result in louder sounds with brighter tonal qualities, while lower values yield softer sounds with darker tones. This dynamic control allows musicians to express different emotions and nuances in their performances, making MIDI instruments versatile tools for music creation.
• Evaluate the implications of using note on messages in contemporary music production and performance.
  • The use of note on messages has transformed contemporary music production and performance by enabling intricate control over sounds and facilitating complex arrangements. Musicians can layer multiple notes through polyphony, utilize various effects based on velocity, and integrate different virtual instruments seamlessly. This level of control allows for greater creativity and experimentation in music-making, leading to innovative styles and genres that push the boundaries of traditional performance methods.

Related terms

MIDI: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate with each other.

Velocity: In MIDI, velocity refers to the speed at which a note is played, which affects the loudness and timbre of the sound produced.

Note Off: A note off is a MIDI message that indicates the release of a key, signaling the end of the sound production for that particular note.