The following is an extract from an article, written by Don Muro, in "The International Musician", the monthly publication of the AFM (American Federation of Musicians), June, 1988. It lists a sampling of information sources for MIDI, synthesizers, sampling, computers and recording. ----------------------------------------------------------------- MIDI Books MIDI FOR MUSICIANS - Craig Anderton, Music Sales, New York, New York 105 pages, $14.95 A comprehensive book (written in easy-to-understand, non- technical language) which de-mystifies MIDI. This book covers such topics as: the evolution towards MIDI; the MIDI language and what it means in musical terms; how computers work in musical applications; MIDI applications, both live and in the studio; setting up and using a MIDI based recording studio; music- oriented software, and much more. THE MIDI RESOURCE BOOK - Steve DeFuria and Joe Scacciaferro, Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, $17.95. This book contains updated versions of the MIDI specification (MTC), Sample Dump Standard, System Exclusive extensions, and more. MIDI - THE INS, OUTS, AND THRUS - Jeff Rona, Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation. 96 pages, $12.95. This is another book which covers every aspect of the MIDI specification. The book uses charts, diagrams and photographs to explain such topics as real time messages, system exclusive messages, system common messages, and more. MUSIC THROUGH MIDI - Michael Boom, Microsoft Press, Redmond, Washington. 320 pages, $19.95. A thorough, concise survey of MIDI applications in recording, performance, education, and at home. Information ranging from the basics of sound to specific MIDI messages is clearly explained and illustrated in dozens of illustrations. Educators might find this book useful as a text for technology and MIDI classes at the secondary and college level. ----------------------------------------------------------------- SYNTHESIZER BOOKS THE ART OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC - Edited by Greg Armbruster, Quill, New York. 320 pages, $15.95. The story of the technical and creative explosions which have revolutionized the world of music. The book includes a history of electronic musical instruments as well as an introduction to creative artists such as Vangelis, Keith Emerson, Wendy Carlos, Jan Hammer, Thomas Dolby, Brian Eno, and others. Foreword by Dr. Robert A. Moog. Highly recommended as a resource book for electronic music students of all ages. BEGINNING SYNTHESIZER - Alfred Publishing Company, Sherman Oaks, California. 87 pages, $9.95. A good book for the synthesizer neophyte - an easy-to- understand, musical approach to playing, programming, and performing keyboard synthesis. Hands-on step-by-step lessons in a variety of styles, including classical, pop, rock, jazz, blues, and more. Recommended for synthesizer performance classes. THE COMPLETE DX7 - Howard Massey, Music Sales, New York. 288 pages, $24.95. As the credits say, this book contains almost everything you need to know about the DX7 synthesizer. The creative potential of the DX7 is demonstrated step-by-step with the help of three sound sheets. Eighty-two hands-on exercises, almost 400 illustrations and diagrams, and four comprehensive reference appendices are included. Although this book is obviously written for a specific synthesizer, the information on FM synthesis can be applied to any other FM synthesizer. THE COMPLETE ELECTRONIC PERCUSSION BOOK - David Crombie, Omnibus Press, London. 80 pages, $10.95. A guide to the workings and use of electronic percussion instruments, incorporating a comprehensive rhythm pattern directory which can be used with most programmable rhythm units. Recommended for musicians with no background in percussion. DRUM MACHINE PATTERNS - Rene-Pierre Bardet, Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation. 79 pages, $8.95. A collection of 260 contemporary rhythm patterns to program into your drum machine. Ideal for musicians who have never played drums but who want to create drum machine patterns. GUITAR SYNTH AND MIDI - Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, $12.95. "Guitar Synth and MIDI" explains the new guitar revolution in theory and practice. Topics include the history and development of guitar synthesizers, basic synthesis, MIDI, sampling, triggering, as well as interviews with well known artists using synthesis and MIDI in their own guitar playing. THE NEW COMPLETE SYNTHESIZER - David Crombie, Omnibus Press, London. 112 pages, $12.95. Explains, with clear diagrams, all aspects of electronic music. Includes the latest in synthesizer technology, plus performance techniques for obtaining the best results from your instruments. Includes diagrams and explanations of the following: analog and digital synthesis (including phase distortion and FM); sampling; computer-based systems, and MIDI. SYNTHESIZER BASICS - Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, $12.95. Compiled by the editors of Keyboard magazine. This basic primer, newly updated from the original, offers step-by-step explanations and practical advice on what a synthesizer is, basic concepts and components, and the latest technical developments and practical applications. SYNTHESIZER PROGRAMMING - Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation. 129 pages, $12.95. This book has been revised and enlarged to include important new information and hands-on practical advice on MIDI basics and systems, digital synthesis, FM synthesis, and sampling, plus the original vital instructions on creating timbres, pitch bending, modulation and expression, lead synthesizers, soloing and orchestration. TUNING IN: MICROTONALITY, ALTERNATE SCALES AND TEMPERMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - Scott Wilkinson, Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation. $14.95. This is the first book available describing the use of microtonality with today's electronic instruments. It discusses uses of alternate tunings and includes a history of scales throughout the world. "Tuning in" presents tuning data for various Western, ethnic, and other alternate scales and also explains how to use microtonality on several synthesizers or any computer with an internal sound generator. ----------------------------------------------------------------- SAMPLING BOOKS THE SAMPLING BOOK - Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, $17.95. This book provides a complete step-by-step presentation of techniques such as looping, splicing, multi-sampling, velocity crossfading, resynthesis, key mapping, and more. Almost all of the information covered can be used with any sampler. ----------------------------------------------------------------- COMPUTER BOOKS THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MIDI SOFTWARE - Howard Massey, Music Sales. 228 pages, $19.95. This book contains sixty reviews of the leading MIDI software available for IBM, Apple, Atari, and Commodore computers, Each program receives a guided tour covering the pluses and minuses of each program. Although the book was published last year, the bulk of the material covered is still current. MUSIC AND THE APPLE II - Tom Rudolph, Unsinn Publications, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. 164 pages, $17.95. A basic guide to microcomputers and computer technology, it covers such topics as: microcomputers use in music composition, performance, and education; descriptions of music software, and much more. Comprehensive, easy-to-understand - and indispensable book for teachers and musicians using the Apple II. SYNTHESIZERS AND COMPUTERS - Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, $12.95. The editors of KEYBOARD magazine have revised and enlarged the original book to include recent technical advances and creative applications for the use of computers in music, including computer as MIDI controllers, digital synthesis, sequencing, software, how specific artists use computers, computers in performance, composition and recording and more. ----------------------------------------------------------------- RECORDING BOOKS HOME RECORDING FOR MUSICIANS - Craig Anderton, Music Sales. 182 pages, $15.95. How to make clean, professional-sounding demos at home using affordable equipment. Topics include tape decks,microphones, studio equipment, audio theory, noise reduction, acoustics, and much more. Demonstration record included. MULTI-TRACK RECORDING - Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, $12.95. This book includes information on setting up a home studio with 4-track recorders, choosing equipment, synchronizing tracks, and more. STUDIO RECORDING FOR MUSICIANS - Fred Miller, Music Sales. 144 pages, $14.95. This book covers all aspects of achieving a successful recording, from the basics of organizing a recording session to the complexity of digital recording. =========================================================================== PUBLISH.LST MIDI/Music Publications The list below includes magazines and periodicals which publish MIDI- oriented articles. - Ray Reach 1. MIDI Marketer Magazine (formerly a newsletter) % Steve Sagman [COMPUSERVE # 72456,3325 708 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10014 Voice: 212-924-4061 This magazine offers market infor- mation about MIDI for dealers. First volume published July 1, 1985. Subscription rate: $25.00/ yr. 2. C-MUG Newsletter Canadian MIDI Users Group P.O. Box 1043 Bellevue, Ontario, Canada K8N 5B6 $25 per year. Average issue 15 pages. 3. The DX User Box 209 Woods Hole, MA 02543 Independent periodic newsletter for Yamaha DX series synths. One- time group membership fee of $5. Compiles DX soundpatches from its members and distributes them in volumes to members for $24 per volume. 4. Computers & Music Newsletter 1989 Junipero Sera Blvd. Daly City, CA 94014 Voice: 415-994-2909 Publisher: Joe West. Subscription rate: $20 per year. 5. MacMIDI Score Newsletter % Musicworks Newsletter 18 Haviland Street Boston, MA 02115 See file in this BBS called "MACMIDI.DOC." Published by the makers of the MacMIDI series of software for the Macintosh. 6. Keyboards, Computers & Software Magazine P.O. Box 615 East Northport, NY 11731 Managing Editor: Bill Lewis. Published bi-monthly. Executive Editorial Offices at North Creek Road, Northport, NY (516) 754- 9311. U.S. Subscription: $15.00 per year. Add $4.00 per year for subscription outside U.S. 7. Keyboard Magazine Subscription Department Box 2110 Cupertino, CA 95014 Editor: Dominic Milano. Pub- lished monthly. Editorial Offices at 20085 Stevens Creek, Cupertino, CA 94014; (408) 446-1105. U.S. subscription: $19.95 per year; add $7.00 per year outside U.S. 8. Roland Users Group Magazine RolandCorp US 7200 Dominion Circle Los Angeles, CA 90040 Editor: Tommy Gear. Published quarterly. $1.00 per issue at Roland dealer. Subscription rate: unknown. Don't know if they will mail copies. 9. Guitar Player Magazine Subscription Department Box 2100 Cupertino, CA 95014 Editor: Tom Wheeler. Published monthly. U.S. subscriptions: $23.95 per year; add $7.00 per year outside U.S. Editorial Offices: 20085 Stevens Creek, Cupertino, CA 95014; (408) 446-1105. 10. Modern Drummer Magazine 870 Pompton Avenue Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 (800) 221-1988. Editor/Publisher: Ronald Spagnardi Published monthly. Subscription: $22.95 per year. 11. Jazziz Magazine Circulation Department P.O. Box 8309 Gainesville, FL 32605-8309 (904) 332-7067 Associate Editor: Mark Delacure Published bi-monthly. Editorial Offices: same as above address. Subscription: $6.00 per year, U.S. Outside U.S.: $12.00 per year. $1.25 per issue. 12. Musician Magazine Subscription Department Box 1923 Marion, OH 43305 Editor: Jock Baird. Published monthly by Amordian Press, Inc., P.O. Box 701, 31 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 (617) 281-3110 13. Mix Magazine 2608 Ninth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 Managing Editor: Blair Jackson Published monthly. Subscriptions: $24.00 per year; $36.00 outside U.S. Business office: (415) 843- 7901. 14. Electronic Musician (a Mix Publication) Subscription Department 5615 W. Cermark Road Cicero, IL 60650 (312) 762-2193 Editor: Craig Anderton. Published monthly. Subscriptions: $22.00 per year; $34.00 outside U.S. Editorial offices: 2608 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 (415) 843-7901. Want to write for EM? Send for their "How to Write for EM" guidelines. 15. Modern Recording Magazine 16. CX5-US Users Group Newsletter 5218 Scott Street Torrance, CA 90503 (213) 540-3758 Contact: Mike Dwyer. Membership fee: $20.00 per year. Users Group maintains a 1200+ voice library, available upon joining, for the Yamaha CX5M Computer. 17. New York CX5M Users Group 551 Central Avenue (Suite 22B) Cedarhurst, NY 11516 (516) 295-1427 (718) 461-8057 Maintains extensive program and patch library for the Yamaha CX5M Computer. Do not know if they publish a newsletter. 18. MSXUSA Newsletter % NYRAC P.O. Box 210173 Montgomery, AL 36121 (205) 277-2048 Contact: Dave Edwards. Dave is (according to Electronic Musician Magazine) "...the single most knowledgeable authority on the MSX computer operating system in the United States." [The Yamaha CX5M uses the MSX system.] NYRAC is the only distributor of non- Yamaha MSX software in the U.S. Also sells books about MSX. 19. MIDI Magazine A NYTROC Publication 134 West 32nd Street New York, NY 10001 (212) 560-0151 Got info about this brand new mag from a pre-publication brochure. Looks very interesting. Subscription rates unknown. 20. Dallas DX Users Group % Dan's Sound & Music 4887 Alpha #270 Dallas, TX 75244 (214) 788-4044 Users Group has library of hun- dreds of DX patches available to members. Contact: Jake. Periodic Newsletter. 21. Aftertouch Magazine Yamaha Users Group P.O. Box 2338 Northridge, CA 91323-2338 They'll send you this one free for a year! Editor: Tom Darter. 22. Midi News 3980 El Camino Real SP 21 Palo Alto, Ca 94306 Back issues are available at $2.50 each. Subscription Rates not known.