I don't go to the theaters -- the volume is usually at ear-damaging levels and I protect my ears. Instead I watch rented movies at home.

I usually watch the bonus tracks on the DVDs, especially if they concern how the music was made. I've seen a few major studio blockbusters that were done completely with MIDI - no other instruments at all.

I also go to symphony concerts. I've seen international touring orchestras from Europe, Asia, and the Americas bring MIDI controlled keyboards to play parts of instruments that are not easy to transport (organ, celeste, bells, etc.). Though I must admit, the first time I saw violins, violas, cellos, double-basses, as well as the winds and percussion sections up there with a Korg, it took me by surprise.

Now if MIDI sounds good enough for virtually every pop tune for the past 30 years, if MIDI sounds good enough for major movie soundtracks, and if MIDI sounds good enough for the world's most famous symphony orchestras, who in their right mind can say that MIDI doesn't sound good????????? (of course I mean synths controlled by MIDI because for the newbies around here, MIDI has no sound at all)

That's like saying the electric guitar doesn't sound good because it doesn't sound like a nylon string acoustic. Or the Rhodes doesn't sound good because it doesn't sound like a Steinway.

It's all in the brains and hands of the player. MIDI is a tool used to play synthesizers. Synths can be cheesy or sound wonderful. But any mediocre to great synth can make great music if you know how to use the MIDI that controls it.

If MIDI is good enough for L.A., Nashville, and Hollywood -- if it's good enough for virtually everything you've heard on the radio for that past 30 years -- if it's good enough for a world-famous symphony orchestra, it should be good enough for you, if you will just take the time to learn how to use it. It's not that difficult, and if you take the time, you will probably be a better musician on your main instrument as well.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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