Chrome Lab Midi Keyboards

• Polina Mann
• Posted 4/22/24
• 0 comments

Google released Chrome Music Lab music experiments in 2018.  Each unique music experiment is free, requiring an internet connection and an electronic device.  However, you can level up your experience in Song Maker by adding a Midi Keyboard.   

Adding a Midi Keyboard expands your students’ composing abilities because they are no longer limited to importing single notes at a time. The key to successfully adding Midi Keyboards in a classroom setting is understanding the logistics and setting parameters for your students. 

I first teach my students how to connect their keyboards and headphones to their devices to ensure my class runs smoothly. If a student has a problem, it is typically because their headphones or keyboards are not plugged in correctly.   

1. Open Song Maker. 

2. Open Settings. 

3. Click on the Midi Device Icon. 

The Midi Keyboard button might turn off, so students must re-click to turn it back on. 

Note: The Midi Device Icon only appears when the Midi Device is plugged into your computer; if you open Song Maker without a device connected, the icon will not appear.  

After students connect their keyboards, I have them set up the composition parameters.  These are the settings I use for my student’s initial composition project. 

1. Click on Settings to change the number of octaves, song length, key, and beats per measure. 

2. Compose a melody with four measures. 

3. Keep the melody line within one octave. 

4. Use orange, yellow, light green, dark green, and purple. These are the notes: D, E, F, G, and A. 

5. Add a percussion layer to your composition. 

6. Save and submit the link to the teacher. 

Note: Students’ melodies have a minor feel with these note choices; if you want a major feel, use red, orange, yellow, light green, and dark green. These are the notes: C, D, E, F, and G. 

1. Have students repeat the entire composition process again but add chromatic tones.  

2. Set the scale to Chromatic in Song Maker and have students compose using the entire keyboard. 

Baker. (2020, September 24). Shared piano tutorial – chrome music lab. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1YzmrDmaZc  

Google. (2018a). Shared Piano. Chrome Music Lab. https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Shared-Piano/#2QVqB6jR_  

Google. (2018b). Song maker. Chrome Music Lab. https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Song-Maker