Your Little Musical Corner

Ever since I was seven I had a need for an area to create music at home. There was always a

keyboard I had in use and that is still the case today. The setup is simple, but there is a lot one can accomplish with what is shown below. Without further ado, I’d like to write about all one can do with a simple set-up as seen in the picture.

First, a computer is needed in

order to make use of software

instruments and a Digital Audio

Workstation (or DAW). Software

instruments are quite expensive,

ranging from $200 to $1,500, but

compared to hiring a live orchestra

they are definitely worth the price

in my opinion. A DAW such as

Logic Pro is significantly cheaper

($200) and includes a massive

number of software instruments at

no extra cost.

Next, a MIDI (Musical Instrument

Digital Interface) keyboard should

be purchased so one can control

various software instruments.

These software instruments can

vary from section strings to four

horns performed in unison. To

conclude the list of necessary

musical gear, a sustain pedal is

necessary to accurately perform

piano software instruments and an

expression pedal to control the dynamics (quiet to loud) of string and wind instruments as well as timpani. The sustain pedal allows each note performed to “ring” or “sustain” and is highly necessary.

Since I have listed all of the necessary musical gear, it is important to know how to arrange the equipment in the most feasible manner possible. As seen in the picture, the computer is placed on a desk table in front of the MIDI keyboard. The computer keyboard is seated lower if nothing is underneath to elevate it, so it is important to make sure the computer is elevated with a box or stack of books where it rests even or slightly above the MIDI keyboard. The MIDI keyboard rests right in front of it on the desk and the pedals are placed below the desk with the cords attached to the computer and MIDI keyboard above. Finally, a chair that is high enough to reach the computer and MIDI keyboard but low enough to reach the pedals is needed. If you can accumulate all that I have mentioned you are ready to start making music!

It is important to note that this is the most simplified set-up for those who want to compose.

However, I have found the set-up to be highly effective and I’ve been able to make great music with all that I have mentioned. If you have a desire to create music and hear a realistic

performance using the simplest set-up possible, this post was meant just for you.