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How to Use a MIDI Hymnal on My Keyboard

MIDI hymnals are enjoyed by many tech-savvy religious music enthusiasts. Traditional MIDI hymns, most of which are in the public domain, are available online. Loosely defined, a MIDI hymnal is a collection of hymns rendered as MIDI songs; and the four-part harmony of traditional hymns lends itself to simple MIDI arrangements. Normally, when played in a computer media player, MIDI music plays through the computer's speakers because an internal software synthesizer is set as the default for MIDI output. By changing the default MIDI output to an external MIDI device, songs can be played through a MIDI keyboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer with MIDI output terminal
  • MIDI-capable keyboard instrument
  • Cables for connecting computer to keyboard
  • Collection of MIDI hymns or song files
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Instructions

  1. MIDI Hymns on Your Keyboard

    • 1

      Collect several MIDI hymns separately, or download a single archive of MIDI hymns from online sources.

    • 2

      Store the files on your computer's hard drive in a folder. Give the folder a name, such as "MIDI Hymnal." Or, select a different folder name depending on how you organize your library of MIDI hymns.

    • 3

      Open your favorite media player, such as Windows Media Player, Winamp or Real Audio, and create a playlist for your collection of MIDI hymns.

    • 4

      Connect your computer to a MIDI-enabled keyboard. There are two MIDI terminals -- MIDI In and MIDI Out -- usually located on the back panel or underside of your keyboard instrument. Make sure the MIDI-Out terminal on your computer is connected to the MIDI-In terminal of your keyboard.

    • 5

      Set the default for MIDI output to your external MIDI instrument. For PC users, a MIDI interface is needed. To change the default in Windows XP, click "Start" and "Control Panel," then click on "Sounds and Audio Devices."

    • 6

      Click on the Audio tab and focus your attention on the section where "MIDI music playback" is configured.

    • 7

      Open the drop-down list and select as default the USB Audio device or whatever device controls your external MIDI instruments. You can reset the default to your computer's internal sound source later.

    • 8

      Open your "MIDI Hymnal" playlist in the media player and begin playing files. If your keyboard instrument is turned on and the MIDI connections have been made properly, you should hear the MIDI music from your keyboard.

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