Most keyboards don't require any configuration to send MIDI or USB data to a computer.

A minority have the ability to turn their MIDI OUT ports On or Off via a button. If your keyboard has a MIDI OUT toggle button, ensure it is in the On position (a light may turn on).

Before you can practice the piano using free sheet music you'll need the right equipment.
Recommended equipment

This includes:

1. A keyboard that supports USB or MIDI-OUT (nearly all keyboads, new and old, support this)
2. The proper USB or MIDI-to-USB cable
3. A compatible laptop, desktop, tablet or phone with internet access

Start by identifying your connection type

USB

Many modern keyboards use USB to connect to computers. If your keyboard has a USB port, this is the recommended way to connect to your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone.

USB ports most often look like this or show the USB symbol:

Though rare, there are other USB connector types that may be present instead.

Frequently the port will be labeled "USB".

MIDI

MIDI is the other common connection type for both high end modern keyboards and most older keyboards.

Because most computers, tablets, and phones do not have MIDI ports, you'll need a MIDI-to-USB cable that is compatible with your computer, tablet, or phone.

If your MIDI cable or keyboard came with software, follow the manufacturer's directions to install the device on your computer.

Some keyboards and MIDI cables require no software and work as soon as they are connected to a computer.

Mac's will require a one time setup. You will need to configure your MIDI Device after plugging it in and installing any required software.

1. Use the Mac search feature (upper right hand corner or press the apple key) to search for "Audio MIDI setup" and open it.
2. Open the "Window" menu and click "Show MIDI Studio."
3. You should see your MIDI Device listed there with a down and up arrow, however you still need to tell your mac that this is a keyboard.
4. Press the plus "+" button at the top of the window to add a keyboard.
5. Connect the listed MIDI Device to this new keyboard by dragging and dropping to connect the arrows.
   1. Connect the MIDI Device down arrow to your keyboard's down arrow by dragging and dropping.
   2. Connect the MIDI Device up arrow to your keyboard's up arrow by dragging and dropping.
6. Finally, you can test your setup by clicking the keyboard icon in the upper right of the window. The icon will now be highlighted. Play your keyboard and verify the up arrows of the connected keyboard and MIDI Device both light up.
7. Now close the Audio MIDI Setup window.

Apple Support

• Apple Support: About Audio MIDI
• Apple Support: Audio MIDI Keyboard Setup
• Apple Support: Testing MIDI Keyboard Setup

Nearly all browsers can work with this site; however, some will require a plugin to connect to your keyboard.

Currently, Google Chrome is recommended as it offers built in support to connect to keyboards.

Browser	Requires Jazz-Soft Plugin	Requires Browser Extension
Chrome	Built In Support
IOS Web MIDI Browser	Built In Support
Firefox
Opera
Safari
IE Edge
Internet Explorer (Legacy) *
Download Plugin

*Internet Explorer Legacy (All versions up to and including 11) is no longer supported by Microsoft and is not recommended. Audio support is limited and performance can be slow in some cases.

If you are using Google Chrome, no Plugin or Extension is needed.

If you are using any browser other than the latest version of Google Chrome you must:

Step 1: Install the free Jazz-Soft Plugin

Windows

Mac

Linux

Learn more at the Jazz-Soft Home page.

Step 2: Install the Jazz-Midi Extension

An extension is required for Firefox and Opera.

Firefox

Opera

When having trouble connecting a keyboard or MIDI-to-USB cable, start with the manufacturer's website. Ensure you have the latest software/drivers and have followed their instructions. Many manufacturers also offer phone and online chat support.

Recommended Communities on the StackExchange Q/A networks:

• Super User
• Apple
• Android
• Ask Ubuntu
• Unix
• Music

Recommended Reddit Forums:

• Piano
• LearnPiano
• Synthesizers
• We Are the Music Makers
• EDM Production

Try a desktop MIDI keyboard debugging tool to confirm your device is detected.
Tutorial for Windows and Mac

• MIDI-OX (Windows)
• MIDI Monitor (Mac)

Check out our Recommended Equipment.