Create a Melody on the MIDI Editor in Bandlab
Open BandLab's MIDI editor and create a short melody by placing notes, adjusting rhythm and pitch, then playback and refine your tune.
Step-by-step guide to create a melody on the MIDI Editor in BandLab
Step 1
Open BandLab in your web browser or app and sign in to your account.
Step 2
Create a new project by tapping or clicking the Create button and choosing New Project.
Step 3
Add a virtual instrument track by selecting Instruments and picking a sound like piano or synth.
Step 4
Open the MIDI Editor (piano roll) for your instrument by clicking the MIDI or Edit button.
Step 5
Place your first note by clicking on the grid where you want the melody to start.
Step 6
Add more notes by clicking other grid squares to build a short 4–8 note melody.
Step 7
Change the rhythm by dragging the right edge of a note to make it longer or shorter.
Step 8
Change the pitch by dragging a note up or down the piano keys in the editor.
Step 9
Use the Play button to listen to your melody from the start.
Step 10
Fix any notes you don't like by selecting a note and deleting it or moving it to a new spot.
Step 11
Try a different instrument or add a simple effect from the track settings to change the sound.
Step 12
Save your project by naming it and clicking Save or Done.
Step 13
Export or create a preview of your finished melody and share it on DIY.org for everyone to hear.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if BandLab isn't available or we don't have a computer?
If BandLab isn't available, use the BandLab web version or alternative apps with a piano-roll/MIDI editor like Soundtrap or GarageBand and follow the same Create > Instruments > MIDI Editor steps to place your 4–8 note melody.
Why won't my notes play when I press the Play button in the MIDI Editor?
If nothing plays when you press the Play button, check that the correct instrument track is selected and unmuted in Track Settings, raise the track volume, confirm your notes appear in the MIDI Editor grid, and reopen the editor if needed.
How can I make this activity easier for little kids or more challenging for older kids?
For younger children simplify by choosing one piano sound and having them place just 4 long notes (dragging the right edge), while older kids can add more notes, change pitch by dragging notes up/down, add a second instrument track for harmony, or apply effects from track settings.
What are fun ways to extend or personalize the melody after finishing the basic steps?
To extend your melody, add a second instrument track and place notes a third or fifth above for harmony, experiment with different instruments or simple effects in the track settings, then export and share the preview on DIY.org with a creative project name.
Watch videos on how to create a melody on the MIDI Editor in BandLab
BandLab Tutorial: Creating Your Own Melodies part 1
4 Videos
BandLab Tutorial: Creating Your Own Melodies part 1
Compose with MIDI on BandLab | How to Use Free Virtual Instruments to Elevate Your Music Production
Bandlab lesson - How to use the MIDI note editor
Bandlab Tutorial (Mobile App), Lesson 2A: Creating and Recording a Melody
Facts about digital music production for kids
☁️ BandLab is a free cloud-based DAW that lets people record, edit, and collaborate on music from a browser or phone app.
⏱️ Most pop songs fall around 100–130 BPM, but quicker or slower tempos can totally change how a melody feels.
🎶 Many catchy melodies are built from short repeating patterns called motifs — repetition helps people remember tunes quickly.
🎹 MIDI doesn't carry sound — it sends instructions like note on/off, pitch, and velocity so the same melody can sound like piano, synth, or drums.
🔁 With MIDI you can change a note's pitch, length, or instrument instantly — so you can experiment without re-recording.
How do I create a melody in BandLab's MIDI editor?
What materials do I need to create a melody in BandLab's MIDI editor?
What ages is using BandLab's MIDI editor suitable for?
What are the benefits of creating melodies in BandLab for kids?
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