If you're looking to play several musical instruments from your computer, the MIDI keyboards for Windows let you practice and even record your favorite songs, then export the audio file to your machine. Virtual MIDI keyboards are based on the piano, but you can turn them into different bowed string, percussion or wind instruments.
VMPK
VMPK is a virtual MIDI keyboard program. With this environment you can generate MIDI notes based on Qt and Drumstick. The keyboard keys are assigned to the letters of your physical keyboard (you can configure it to your liking). You can also set the keys for octaves. You can use the platform as hardware thanks to its MIDI IN and OUT ports. VMPK is a free program available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
Everyone Piano
Everyone Piano is an advanced virtual MIDI keyboard for piano. The platform also uses your computer's physical keyboard and thanks to its settings you can customize the keyboard to play with one or two hands. But the utility has two standout options: first, its compatibility with the VSTi database, which includes Pianissimo Grand Piano and True Pianos. And second, the ability to download plugins from its website and use them immediately on the keyboard. Everyone Piano is free and available for Windows.
Free Piano
Free Piano is a virtual MIDI keyboard with countless functions. From its interface you can configure your physical keyboard to the piano and, like Everyone Piano, it is compatible with the VSTi database (you won't need to install a virtual MIDI device). But the standout features of the program are: DirectSound, WASAPI and ASIO audio outputs, the option to create shortcut keys, enable the audio recorder and export the audio in MP4 format. Free Piano is a free program available for Windows.
MIDI Piano
MIDI Piano is a program for beginners with fewer features than the previous options, but it highlights its Piano roll (Piano roll: create note sequences for piano). The sequence is fully editable: cut, paste, copy, create, change octaves, create shortcut keys and record your songs. The platform lacks the option to export tracks. MIDI Piano is a free program available for Mac OS X.
With virtual MIDI keyboards, you can practice your songs using various musical instruments, then record and export them.
