Select a digital audio workstation. This would include any commercial audio software that allows you to record and mix music on multiple audio tracks. Examples include Pro Tools, Acid, Soundtrack Pro, Logic, Cubase and GarageBand. For the budget-conscious, many free and open source workstations are available online (see Resources).
Plug your MIDI keyboard into your computer. Plug one end of your MIDI cable into the "MIDI Out" port on the back of your keyboard, and plug the other end into the "MIDI In" port on your USB MIDI interface. Plug the interface into a free USB or FireWire port (depending on the model).
Open your digital audio software. Explore the various features, including the track list, which consists of horizontal layers on which you can record music, and notice the different settings that appear on your browser, like the volume faders for raising and lowering the volume, the pan sliders for moving individual recordings between the left and right channels, and the effects options that allow you to alter your recordings to different digital specifications.
Create a MIDI track. If no MIDI tracks appear on your browser, you will need to create one before you can begin playing or recording. A MIDI track is simply a music layer that allows you to transmit notes straight from your MIDI keyboard, as opposed to a standard layer that only allows you to record live sound. Look for the "New Track" option on your browser (it may appear under your menu bar) and select "MIDI Track," "Software Track" or "Instrument Track" from the options. It may appear under any of these titles, as different programs use different terminology.
Select an instrument setting. Since MIDI consists of raw notation, rather than actual sound, you must choose a digital instrument to correspond with the notes you play. Highlight your MIDI track on your browser and locate the "Software Instruments" or "Software Synthesizers," which should appear somewhere on the window. Select an instrument from the list.
Press "Record" on your browser and begin playing music on your MIDI keyboard. Press "Record" again when you have finished playing your musical sequence.
Add additional tracks to layer your music. You can assign a keyboard setting to one track, assign a drum setting to another track and assign a bass setting to yet another track, allowing you to create entire, rich compositions with just your keyboard and your computer.
Select a digital audio workstation such as Pro Tools, Acid, Soundtrack Pro, Logic, Cubase or GarageBand. Many free and open source workstations are also available online (see Resources).
Hook up your keyboard to your computer. Plug one end of your instrument cable into the "Audio Out" port on your keyboard, and place a 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch adapter on the opposite end of the cable. Plug that end of the cable into the "Line In" port on your PC or laptop.
Open your digital audio software and select a blank audio track. It should look like a long, horizontal bar spanning across the browser. If no tracks appear, you may need to locate the "New Track" option on your browser or on your menu bar.
Press "Record" and begin playing your keyboard to begin recording music. If you do not get any sound from your keyboard, you may need to optimize your software settings to accept your "Line In" port as an input source. Just locate your "Options" or "Preferences," choose your "Audio" settings and select "Line In" as your input.
Add additional tracks to layer your music.