Hey guys.  An article from the latest Soundbytes online magazine. http://soundbytesmag.net/ 
 
This article covers basic MIDI performance concepts, complete with audio examples and screen shots.  Aimed at the novice to intermediate users.  
 
http://soundbytesmag.net/midi-performance-101-getting-a-realistic-performance-from-your-midi-instruments/ 
 
Hope some of you will find it useful.
Stay tuned for the MIDI 102 article for more advanced techniques and ideas.
 
*All screen shots taken from Sonar

My wish has been to have a gadget (possibly wrist strap) that could interpret the wrist movements while playing keyboard, and translate that into precise vibrato (in the same way a wind or string player can have absolute control over vibrato), and for keyboard to have polyphonic aftertouch (not channel aftertouch, I mean polyphonic aftertouch) to translate to volume.  I know there are possibly some older keyboards with polyphonic AT but these were quite rare.  [Alternative is to use keyboard with channel aftertouch, and record one part at a time]
 
Until then... I use some of the techniques discussed in that article. 
 
I've never used a breath controller - do you think it can provide a reasonably good simulation of vibrato and volume control?

My wish has been to have a gadget (possibly wrist strap) that could interpret the wrist movements while playing keyboard, and translate that into precise vibrato (in the same way a wind or string player can have absolute control over vibrato), ...

I'm not sure that the fine level of sensitivity would be there, but there's Hot Hand 3.  Personally, I've always wanted a side-to-side key sensor similar to in-fret vibrato.  I've since seen it available on some really high-end boutique controller (and the model & designer escapes me).

... and for keyboard to have polyphonic aftertouch (not channel aftertouch, I mean polyphonic aftertouch) to translate to volume.

Again, not exactly a standard keyboard range & layout, but interesting nonetheless:  KMI QuNexus  It think that the concept for polyphonic pitchbend using Channel Rotation is brilliant, but I haven't experienced the implementation.

I've never used a breath controller - do you think it can provide a reasonably good simulation of vibrato and volume control?

Those are getting more difficult to find.  I've seen some people who were really good at the technique.  I never was; I don't think that I put in the time to develop the chops.

Maybe the Continuum is the way to go. Plenty of expression to be had here:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vb0SpeikUs
 
Here is the website:
 
http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/hakenaudioovervg.html
 
Midi can be very expressive indeed. It just depends on the controller being used and the quaility of the player too.
 
I have recently added a ribbon controller to my Kurzweil PC3K and it is quite amazing. It is very long (over two feet) and is a joy to play. It is capable of very expressive playing on all fronts. It can be configured as one very long ribbon or three separate smaller ribbons. It can be used to send its data to your DAW too. It is programmed on every patch once you plug it in and can be very interesting to play.
 
People with later Roland devices should really get into that D beam controller as well. It is pretty powerful and versatile.
 
 
 

Maybe somebody needs to add a MIDI OUT to a Theremin. Clara Blackmore had no issues with vibrato.

b rock
 
I'm not sure that the fine level of sensitivity would be there, but there's Hot Hand 3.  Personally, I've always wanted a side-to-side key sensor similar to in-fret vibrato.  I've since seen it available on some really high-end boutique controller (and the model & designer escapes me).

I know what you're talking about.  I recall seeing a keyboard like that available at one point that claimed to have that capability.  It certainly seems like a desirable feature, unlike aftertouch which conflicts too much with velocity IMO (plus AT is implemented really badly on the three controllers I've had personal experience with).  Imagine, getting vibrato by moving your hand laterally with the keyboard, just like a violinist can do on their instrument.  Way cool!

Oh I've always been interested in the art of MIDI Mockup production. Of course I don't think I'd ever get the perfect tools or craft my composition skills to that level, but that stuff seems SO cool. Definitely a lot of useful information in there... on the real, I've never used an expression pedal/controller and don't really know what it does. I imagine it's similar to volume automation?

A keyboard that does vibrato. Maybe a sensor that detects side to side motion on the keys? Has this been done?

I think it was Hans Zimmer who said, and I am paraphrasing "you don't compose for the instruments you want, you compose for the samples you have."  Learn the limitations of your sound software, and work with it.  An unfortunate reality in MIDI arranging.  

It is true my most realistic arrangements have been with those considerations. Ie I am arranging a part for midi "patch 52 cello" not trying to do what Yo Yo Ma can do with real cello.

But I do wish I could play cello like him, as well as lots of other instruments but in reality I am only good at the piano and I shall keep on wishing/hoping for an easy way to play french horn without having to learn for 20 years.