Greetings:  On the subject of MIDI sequencing software, I would like to
say a few kind words about PowerTracks Pro 6.0 by PG Music:

1.  It's cheap: $29.

2.  It has a web site -- http://www.powertracks.com/ -- where you can
read all about it, download a demo and buy and download the software.

3.  It comes with a lucid, helpful, well-indexed manual (unlike its
earlier version) and an instructional CD ROM.

4.  It has telephone technical support which, while not a toll-free
call, is staffed with patient people who do not seem to mind stupid
questions.

5.  It has a number of unique features, including a keyboard display.
It will also let you record your sound card MIDI output as a WAV file
(at least it will with Sound Blaster Live.)  You can check out its other
features at the web site.

I've used PowerTracks for three years and I'm obviously very happy
with it.  Because I do not read music very well, however, I am not
sure about the "playability" of its musical notation.  I would like
to propose that we pick a piano MIDI file, print the sheet music using
PowerTracks, Cakewalk and other sequencing programs, and have our
valiant editor or other good sight readers compare them and share their
thoughts.  Robbie -- what MIDI file would be a good subject?

Regards

Mike Ryan
Milwaukee WI

 [ How about a composition by Terry Smythe's daughter?  :-)
 [
 [ Seriously, a comparison of manuscript appearances is a good idea.
 [ Send a one-page manuscript as a black & white image file to
 [ me <editor@foxtail.com>, _with_ the MIDI file which created it,
 [ and I'll put the examples at the MMD web site.  Then interested
 [ readers can attempt to duplicate the appearance of the manuscript
 [ and report on their experiences.  
 [
 [ Send a 1-bit *.BMP file or equivalent, less than 88 pixels wide.
 [ I will put a simple example at the MMD Media Site; watch
 [ http://mmd.foxtail.com/MMMEdia/  -- Robbie