Midi Programmer

A MIDI Programmer is a person who has the ability to take a song, break it down into multiple tracks simply by listening to it, then imitate it. They also have songwriting skills, and can create whole pieces of music with no necessity for other musicians. This is achieved on a device called a midi sequencer, or midi keyboard. This is a small keyboard, usually no more than 62 keys, and it inputs directly into the computer. A handful of MPs participate in the production of trance and house music, generally for compilations. If not working on such a compilation, working as a midi programmer is a freelance position, as it is the majority of the time. This is purely because the main requirement for a professional in this field is a project. Projects can include the creation of karaoke tracks, music in learner’s guides to new instruments and even tracks in computer games like ‘Guitar Hero’. The magic of a midi-track is that it can be moulded, changed, cut and pasted, and with no harm to the track’s definition. It is a job more commonly undertaken by younger people, who generally have a good command of computers. Not many midi programmers have qualifications in their field of interest, as it is not something which is learned academically. There are some basic courses available in music production which teaches some of the skills required, but colleges which run them are few and far between. It is practiced at home, and requires an excellent ear for music and computer skill.
Though it is common for MPs to work at home, they may be commissioned to work at the office of the commissioner. If working at an office, the necessary equipment for creating this track would include a copy of the original track (if applicable), a MIDI-keyboard, Midi Squencer or computer software such as Cubase, Reason®) or Pro-Tools. The hours are flexible, and the midi programmer would not be expected to turn out at a specific time unless this was directly specified by the commissioner. There is usually a time limit in weeks or months set on the project, so as long as the piece is complete by the deadline, the work can begin at any time. A midi programmer will listen to the track which is to be covered, and get to know each part well. If the track was original, they would listen to any draft recordings they had made, or take down anything written for the piece. They would then write a song structure, and then get familiar with the reference they have made. Then they would begin the task of picking out each separate instrument, and making notes about the volume and intensity of each one. Unless inappropriate, the track would be laid down over drums. Therefore, the relevant drumbeat would be put down first. Usually, the right beat will be available in a database of various pre-recorded sounds, but if not, it can be created on the midi keyboard. If set to a drum sound, each key on the keyboard will represent a different piece of the drum-kit. Here, the beat can be recorded in a short bar, then copied and repeated along the length of the track. After this, the bass line will be added if relevant. The midi programmer will first define which key the song is in, and then imitate the bass line from the original track on the keyboard, or copy that which they had written. This takes skill, and an intimate knowledge of music. The midi programmer will continue to lay tracks until the whole song is complete, and then tweak the sounds with various effects to imitate the original. With the right synthesizer, virtually any sound can be created, when the values of ‘Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release’ are changed. The creation of new sounds and pads is an essential skill for any midi-programmer, and a common task of the job at hand. The levels will be set correctly, as will the tempo. If the track requires a singer, this will usually be organised by the commissioner. When the song is complete, it will be returned to the commissioner in full and dealt with forthwith.
Any midi programmer is likely to start out on small time software, creating their own songs which are rarely used. If they are, the rights will not be paid but the benefit of other people using your music free of charge is getting your name out there as a musician. It is similar in many areas of the creative arts business, but adding to your CV with unpaid work which is recognisable is essential to building a career. Paid jobs are more likely to be given to you if you already have a name for yourself in the industry. The height of this career is producing well known marketed music, but this is not a realistic aim. It could happen, but the likelihood is that no matter how good your music is, it will never be seriously big time.
The working hours are flexible, and can accompany a day or night job. This position is very rarely permanent, but it is a short project for skilled freelancers looking for work in this field. It is a job for those who aren’t partial to a nine till five routine with a break in between. The wage for this work is very often paid in royalties, which is a percentage of profits. Therefore, it is certainly not a stable salary. It is non-predictable, so it is difficult for me to give an accurate estimate of the earning potential. When working on a professional project, like ‘Harmonix Music Systems’ Guitar Hero game who recently advertised for a position as a midi programmer. This position offered a high wage, within the region of £20,00 per year.
Midi programmers are often advertised for online, but large and high paid jobs are scarce. It’s blunt, but it’s just a case of dropping lucky to find the right project manager to take employees on. A large project would usually require a midi programmer with a few years experience and a good track record, but this is the kind of job where the money is. The larger the project, the more likely an MP is to get more royalties. This semi-professional career’s flexibility makes it the perfect position for those who enjoy lying in.
To protect musicians from copyright infringement, poor pay rates which contravene the minimum wage act without due permission from the worker, and the mistreatment of musicians rights to their music concerning any ethical or financial issues, there are various Musicians Unions throughout the country. They take a fee, as does any workers union, but they are there with the power to help you as a musician with any employment problems you might face. A midi programmer would only require the aid of a Musicians Union if they were writing their own songs and hoping for a deal. It is the safety net which protects musicians and songwriters from exploitation in the industry. Midi-programmers are skilled musicians, and many perform live as well as partaking in project work. Many performance venues will not accept performers without proof that they are a member of a musicians union.

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