Perform
Simulated Instruments
These are instruments that exist in real life and software developers have tried to recreate them on the computer!
The bandura is a Ukranian folk instrument. Try it out by clicking with your mouse or using your keyboard~
Click the string and fret combination you need to play the note you want! Use the "mark" button to label the notes if you don't know where they are.
Click with your mouse or use your keyboard to play the drums. You can even try out the drum sets of famous drummers!
Click the string/fret to play notes, or mark the notes and press the "play" button to play a chord.
Learn how a harp works and play one using your mouse - just be careful to move your mouse slowly so the computer can track what strings you are over!
Use your mouse to play a virtual kalimba. Use the buttons underneath the title to change the way the notes are organized.
Midi City is an online synthesizer that has its own set of beats that you can improvise over. There are a wide variety of timbres to discover - have fun!
Play the piano (or four other keyboard instruments) with your mouse or keyboard. Be warned - the piano loads with its sustain pedal down, so you might want to change that if you want shorter notes!
Click to play. See if you can find the notes - there are five octaves of notes to find! Try experimenting with the waveforms, delay, feedback, and scuzz to find your own unique sound.
Click or press use your keyboard to play the virtual xylophone. Use the options to change the notes available or note names.
Scratch Instruments
These instruments have been created using MIT's Scratch coding program. If you have a Scratch account, you can remix these projects into your own instruments!
Made by Scratch user mrjaymusic. Play by clicking or using the keyboard shortcuts. If you are familiar with Scratch, you can even make your own remix!
Made by Scratch user amberbella13. Play by clicking or using the keyboard shortcuts. If you are familiar with Scratch, you can even make your own remix!
Made by Scratch user rgiebes. Play by clicking or using the keyboard shortcuts. If you are familiar with Scratch, you can even make your own remix!
Created by Scratch innovator Brent Geyer. Play by clicking or using the keyboard shortcuts. If you are familiar with Scratch, you can even make your own remix!
Play by clicking or using the keyboard shortcuts. If you are familiar with Scratch, you can even make your own remix!
Brent Geyer used his time during the pandemic to make all sorts of Scratch instruments to help music teachers and students. You can read more about Mr. Geyer here!
Virtual Instruments
These are musical instruments that can only exist on a computer.
Use your keyboard (I think this works best on a laptop) to play a whole bunch of different sounds and see what they look like on a staff and in the circle of fifths!
Create a synthesizer that can be played OR that is self-playing. This is hard to figure out without taking the tour, so don't forget to look at the tutorial!
What would music sound like if it wasn't organized in the ways we are used to? Use your mouse or body to play notes in a wide variety of formations and timbres.
Use your computer keyboard like a piano. (Use z & x to change octaves.) There are five different piano styles and visualizations to choose from, and you can record what you make!
Choose the number of notes, tonality, and then play the notes with your body, keyboard, or mouse!
Combine two different instruments to make a brand new sound. Which one is your favorite to use?
Press keys on your keyboard to create a sound and picture. Use the space bar to choose different sets of sounds. What's your favorite way of making music?
