Lane -

You might (or might not) find some help at Midi FAQ

(http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/netjam-faq/)

It's not a very pretty site, but does cover some basics.

The problems I've had with MIDI - in general - is that the MIDI spec is pretty specific, but the "how to midi" textbooks (web and other) "colloquialize" everything so that it's hard to relate the devices that they describe to what's in the spec. And then the manufacturers speak only in "trade names" without ever telling you what their box is supposed to do. It's almost like buying a new computer - all buzzwords and no hard specs.

My MIDI needs are pretty simple, so I just put everything into my notation program and save as .mid. I use PC keyboard, mouse, and MIDI keyboard entry at various times, and they're pretty much a matter of what you feel like doing at the time (for my simple stuff). I have found that for the minimally competent keyboardist, the keyboard velocity sensor can be almost a handicap, since it may be difficult when picking one note at a time to maintain a consistent "hit" from note to note. (Select all, edit note velocity, set all 60% later).

My method of "learning" about MIDI has been "flounder until it works," but I'm sure there is a better way.

John

John