Ever wondered how many ways there are to play a note on a piano? This simple instrument can be expressive and versatile, and today we explore just one very powerful aspect — velocity.
In MIDI terms, velocity is a number from 1 to 127 that represents how fast (or hard) a note was played. In a MIDI keyboard, when you press a key, the velocity is calculated based on how quickly you hit the key. The faster you press the key, the higher the velocity value, and the louder or brighter the sound will typically be.
Velocity adds dynamics to your performance. Instead of each note sounding identical, velocity allows for nuanced expression — soft, gentle touches or aggressive strikes can be communicated. This is essential for creating realistic piano parts and expressive performances.
When programming MIDI, don't just set velocity to a static number. Vary it to mimic a natural performance. Most DAWs allow you to edit velocity curves visually — use this feature to add life and movement to your MIDI tracks.
Velocity is a fundamental aspect of expressive piano playing, whether live or programmed via MIDI. Understanding and utilizing velocity can transform a mechanical-sounding performance into something alive and human.
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