General MIDI FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

Alfred's General MIDI disks are extremely easy to use -- most of the units that play MIDI disks are designed to be as simple to use as a regular cassette deck. However, there are a few things that you should be familiar with in order to get the most out of tour MIDI disks and equipment. Here are a few questions commonly asked by teachers like yourself:

• What's the difference between MIDI, Standard MIDI Files and General MIDI?
• What are the differences in the many types of keyboards and MIDI equipment?
• What equipment can I use with Alfred General MIDI disks?
• How do I use Alfred General MIDI disks with my MIDI equipment?
• How can I use GM disks on my Macintosh and Mac-based sequencer?

General MIDI Tips:

• Using Alfred's General MIDI disks is easy! Just follow these 3 easy steps...
• Explore these other unique features as you become more familiar with the capabilities of your instrument...
• Help is available if you get stuck, bewildered or stumped!

I keep hearing these terms that all sound the same to me. What's the difference between MIDI, Standard MIDI Files and General MIDI?

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a means of communicating music information among synthesizers, keyboards, computers and other electronic sound equipment through digital messages. These messages make no sounds on their own; they just tell the keyboard information such as which note to play, how loud to play it, and how long the note should be held. The Standard MIDI File (SMF) is a universal form used to record songs played on a MIDI keyboard or sequencer to be saved on a disk. Standard MIDI Files are playable on a variety of MIDI equipment, as most keyboards, sequencers and computer programs can read Standard MIDI Files. All of the files on Alfred General MIDI disks are saved as Standard MIDI Files. General MIDI is a set group of 128 instrument sounds that have been chosen as a standard by the manufacturers of MIDI equipment. For example, sound number 1 will always be Grand Piano on a General MIDI instrument; sound number 36 will always be Fretless Bass, etc. With the General MIDI format, you can play a Standard MIDI File on any manufacturer's keyboard or sound module with the same result!
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There are so many different types of keyboards and MIDI equipment. What are the differences?

All of the different types of keyboard and keyboard-related instruments on the market can be confusing. The definitions for the most popular instruments that teachers are using today can be found below. Virtually all are MIDI-compatible, but check your instrument to be sure. Look for the General MIDI logo.
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So now I've learned a bit more about the different types of electronic media. What equipment can I use with Alfred General MIDI disks?

The Alfred GM disks are collections of Standard MIDI files that will play on any General MIDI system equipped with a 3.5" IBM compatible disk drive. They will also work on Mac-based systems equipped with a Super Drive and the utility programs Apple File Exchange and ResEdit (instructions for converting the files are included on the back of each disk package). The sounds source must be General MIDI-compatible for the songs to sound as they are intended.
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Okay, so my equipment can play General MIDI disks. How do I use Alfred General MIDI disks?

Some teachers may feel all thumbs when they try to hook up electronic equipment, computers or even their VCRs--and that's okay. But think about it...any teacher who can handle the intricacies of teaching a Bach invention can easily master the simple steps to operate the Alfred General MIDI disks.

• Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the instrument.

• Experiment with the different sounds & rhythms and try then with your books from Alfred's Basic Piano Library. Learning hands-on is sometimes the best way.

• Read the material that came with your GM equipment or software. Most keyboard, sequencers, software programs, etc. Come with a "quick start" guide that will help you become acquainted with the se-up and basic features of the unit. Using this can save you a lot of time if you're the type of person who doesn't like to read owner's manuals.

• Look in the index of your owner's manual and find the sections on playing Standard MIDI files and using General MIDI sounds. Each piece of equipment works a little differently, and spending a little time reading now might save you a lot of frustration down the line!
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I own a Macintosh with a Mac-based sequencer. How can I use GM disks on my computer?

General MIDI disks are easy to use on a Macintosh.
If you have System 7.5 or higher, first convert the files to a Mac format using a utility like Apple File Exchange (available free on the internet), and then follow these steps to have your computer automatically recognize the MIDI files.
1. Go into Control Panels, and select the program PC Exchange.
2. Click on "Add..."
3. In the DOS Suffix box, type ".MID"
4. Select your MIDI sequencer or other Application Program in the window below (choose the program with which you will be playing the MIDI files)
5. In the third Document Type box, click and hold until you see all the available extensions in the window. Select the MIDI option.
6. Click OK, and close the PC Exchange window.
Now when you access the files, they should all carry the same icon as your other Mac MIDI files, and should bring up the program you selected when you click on the files.

If you are using below System 7.5, you will need a file conversion program such as Apple File Exchange to convert the files to a Mac format, and a utility such as ResEdit to make your Mac recognize the MIDI files. These utilities are available on the internet, but Alfred will also provide file conversion utilities free of charge. Just email us and let us know your name, address, and which GM disks you are using on your Mac.
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Using Alfred's General MIDI disks is easy! Just follow these 3 easy steps...

1. Insert the GM disk into your disk drive

2. Choose a song number

3. Press "Start" and listen to the count-off that preceded each song
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Explore these other unique features as you become more familiar with the capabilities of your instrument...

• slow down or speed up the tempo and notice that the pitch remains accurate!

• change the sound from Piano to Harpsichord or lots of other sounds at the touch of a button

• record your students' performances -- on many electronic instruments, you have the capabilities to record or play back, also at the touch of a button
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Help is available if you get stuck, bewildered or stumped!

• Chances are, if you are having a particular problem, somebody else has also had that problem and figured it out. The manual that came with your keyboard or software package probably has an 800-number that you can call for support.

• Trade magazines like Electronic Musician and Keyboard are fill of informative articles for MIDI users of all levels.

• Reference books such as the Alfred Handy Guide Managing MIDI Basics (#4424) offer invaluable knowledge in an easy-to-understand form

• Feel free to call Alfred for support or email us if you have any questions about our New Media products.
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