Browsers
Recent internet browsers (after April, 2020) versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari are supported. Browsers/operating system combinations change over time, however, so sometimes a switch to a different browser might be required.
A chart is provided to make it easier to see what combination of device operating system and browser can be used. Android and iOS mobile operating systems are supported, but an accommodation for iOS requires installation of our native iOS app for MIDI. (The horizontal landscape screen orientation is used,)Link to Operating Systems/Browsers Chart
MIDI Keyboard Option
All of the learning games may be played on the access device, without a separate keyboard. However, if a game includes an on-screen piano keyboard, the on-screen keyboard may be accessed using an optional external MIDI piano keyboard. These are connected via USB to a computer, or connected to the computer or mobile device via Bluetooth.
Upon opening a game there is an indicator when a MIDI piano keyboard is recognized. Note that even with a keyboard connected the device controls (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen) can still be used. The MIDI piano keyboard should be connected before the game is accessed. If problems occur, the browser should be refreshed to re-set the MIDI.
Browsers for MIDI
Support for MIDI on PC, Macintosh, Chrome OS and mobile Android devices is provided with the Chrome browser.
Support for MIDI on mobile iOS (Apple) is provided by a MusicLearningCommunity.com custom app. This may be downloaded for free from the App Store. [search for “MusicLearningCommunity.”] If you have the app, both the Music Learning system and MIDI will function within it.
Link to Operating Systems/Browsers Chart
Technical notes: Most internet browsers will run our learning games, and Safari runs on all platforms except ChromeBook. For MIDI we are utilizing the Chromium MIDI capability. A number of browsers are based on Chromium, but will not run interactive MIDI (not just MIDI sound) successfully. Apple Safari is not Chromium-based, nor is Apple iOS. So there is no one-browser solution. Chrome seems to be the best solution in the PC/Chromebook/Android environment. The only solution for MIDI on iOS is our custom app. And the app will run the entire learning management system as well.
MIDI keyboards can attach via USB cable or Bluetooth wireless. For those games having an interactive keyboard a notice will appear in the lower right if MIDI is not connected.
MIDI Keyboards
There are many varieties of MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) keyboards. Some have their own sound built-in and others utilize the sound of the device to which it is attached. Since MusicLearningCommunity.com games have their own sound, through the computer or tablet device, a minimal MIDI keyboard ("MIDI controller") is all that is required to interface with them.
One consideration is the physical environment in which the student is operating. Often desk-space is limited, and therefore a small MIDI keyboard is desirable. Also, seldom is the full keyboard range utilized, so the keyboard does not have to be the full 88-key standard. In only a few instances would more than the mid-range 37 keys be needed (e.g., Korg micro-Key 37). So an inexpensive, small MIDI "controller" (no sound) keyboard would be quite adequate.
Another consideration is having a piano at home for use. Although acoustic pianos can be excellent, there is merit in selecting a good quality digital piano with MIDI capabilities. This would be free-standing, and a tablet could be placed on the music stand to play the games with the keyboard. Key action and sound quality are important, but these pianos usually include other effects, such as rhythm accompaniments and various sounds that add to the experience for a young musician.
The founder of MusicLearningCommunity.com had a beautiful Yamaha digital baby grand with sound board, that had MIDI capability.
