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Advantages of computer music

• Using computer technology and the digitisation of musical information enables sounds to be re assembled in new and interesting ways. 

• It enables one element of the music to remain the same whilst other features are changed. 

• It enables elements of the music to be produced and reproduced without the need for advanced performing skills.

Disdvantages of computer music

• The sounds are rarely like those of 'real' instruments such as the violin, oboe, clarinet.

• It can take a great deal of time to learn how to use the software before being able to produce a useful composition.

• ITtcan produce bland and uninteresting elements in the music such as dynamic variety and rhythmic subtlety. 

Sequencing terms and activities  

• Loops
• Shadow copies
• Cut and paste tracks
• Real time and step time

 Activity

Composing using the Internet and a computer sequencer

1.    Find a typical dance pop MIDI on the Internet (use a search engine such as: www.Google.com

2.    Load it into a sequencer, which can separate the tracks.

3.    Find the drum track, which is typically using channel 10.

4.    Mute or delete the other tracks.

5.    Next create a syncopated bass line using some of the notes of a blues scale e.g. C D Eb E G

6.    Create a loop and add other melodic tracks. This could be of a tune you already know. You might also add an effects track e.g. reverse cymbal

7.    Change the voices to electronic sounds within the sound card or keyboard.

8.     If possible, you might then cut and paste some of what you have done to make the composition longer.