Music and the Personal Computer

Over the past six years personal computers have carved a deep niche in the music world. This widespread popularity is largely due to the establishment of the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard in 1983. This communications protocol allows computers to send, receive, and store digital information generated by various electronic musical instruments. In addition to numerous writings exploring the possibilities of present and future technology, this annotated bibliography offers educators many introductory sources, articles on how to evaluate and purchase equipment, and directories of available software. Specifically, it provides a collection of source material, an overview of significant publications in the field, and serves as a point of departure for further inquiry.

Part I of the bibliography is divided into seven sections, each devoted to information regarding a specific computer. Articles written about two or more popular computers or models not covered elsewhere are detailed in part II. Music education is the subject of Part III and Part IV lists and annotates significant books. The appendix contains information on associations involved with the musical applications of personal computers and brief descriptions of several popular online services. Author and subject indexes are also included. Music and the Personal Computer covers a variety of topics that will be of interest to practicing musicians, music educators, and computer enthusiasts with interests in music.

WILLIAM J. WATERS is a Reference Librarian at Pensacola Junior College and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of West Florida.