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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.

What is 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.

Why is Velocity Important?

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.

Velocity Controls Various Parameters

• Loudness: Higher velocity usually means louder sound.
• Timbre: Many instruments change tone color based on how hard a note is played.
• Articulation: Velocity can trigger different playing techniques for virtual instruments.

How to Use Velocity in Your Music

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.

Tips for Better Velocity Programming

• Listen to real performances: Pay attention to how velocity changes within a phrase.
• Use velocity layering: Layer samples based on velocity ranges for richer sound.
• Experiment with velocity sensitivity: Adjust how your virtual instrument responds to velocity.

Conclusion

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.