No problem
GarageBandis Apple’s system for creating, editing, and having fun with music on a Mac.
This free download from the Mac App Store works well with MIDI instruments.
Here’s how:
OpenGarageBandby double-clicking it in the Applications folder or selecting its icon on theDock.
SelectNew Projectin the GarageBand sidebar.
ChooseEmpty Projectin the main window, then selectChoosein the lower-right corner of the window.
In the pop-up window, chooseSoftware Instrumentand selectCreate.
Select one of thePianosin the instrument list in the Library at the left of the screen.
A keyboard appears underneath the window.
If it doesn’t, selectWindow>Show Musical Typingin the GarageBand menu bar to display the keyboard.
TheMusical Typingwindow shows the Mac keys that correspond to musical keys on the piano.
The Musical Typing window also displays a keyboard above the keys, indicating which octave is currently active.
This is the standard setup for playing the piano in GarageBand.
GarageBand plays the notes and records the track.
Changing octaves is performed in one of two ways.
This piano keyboard doesn’t assign any of the keys to correspond to the Mac keyboard.
Still, it’s as easy to access and as much fun to play.
Shown here is the iPadOS 13 version.
Select theAlchemy Synthkeyboard on the opening screen.
Use the on-screen piano keyboard and special effects keys to create music.
Tap the red dot when you’re ready to record.
These older MIDI interfaces are mostly obsolete.
Most modern keyboards use standard USB ports to handle MIDI connections.
Plug the MIDI keyboard into an availableMac USB port.
When you launch GarageBand, the app detects the MIDI gear.
When the project opens, touch a few keys on the keyboard to hear the keyboard through GarageBand.
SelectGarageBand>Preferencesfrom the GarageBand menu bar.
Select theAudio/MIDItab in thePreferencestoolbar.
SelectReset MIDI Driversif you don’t see your MIDI equipment detected.
You should now be able to play your MIDI keyboard through your Mac and record your sessions using GarageBand.
