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.
About this activity
Open BandLab's MIDI editor and create a short melody by placing notes, adjusting rhythm and pitch, then playback and refine your tune.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Open BandLab in your web browser or app and sign in to your account.
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Step 2
Create a new project by tapping or clicking the Create button and choosing New Project.
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Step 3
Add a virtual instrument track by selecting Instruments and picking a sound like piano or synth.
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Step 4
Open the MIDI Editor (piano roll) for your instrument by clicking the MIDI or Edit button.
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Step 5
Place your first note by clicking on the grid where you want the melody to start.
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Step 6
Add more notes by clicking other grid squares to build a short 4–8 note melody.
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Step 7
Change the rhythm by dragging the right edge of a note to make it longer or shorter.
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Step 8
Change the pitch by dragging a note up or down the piano keys in the editor.
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Step 9
Use the Play button to listen to your melody from the start.
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Step 10
Fix any notes you don't like by selecting a note and deleting it or moving it to a new spot.
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Step 11
Try a different instrument or add a simple effect from the track settings to change the sound.
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Step 12
Save your project by naming it and clicking Save or Done.
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Step 13
Export or create a preview of your finished melody and share it on DIY.org for everyone to hear.
Fun facts
How do I create a melody in BandLab's MIDI editor?
Open BandLab in your browser or app, start a new project and add a MIDI/instrument track. Open the track's piano roll or MIDI editor, choose an instrument sound, then click or draw notes on the grid to set pitch and note length. Use snap/quantize and the grid to shape rhythm, adjust velocity or pitch as needed, press play to listen, then tweak notes until the melody feels right. Save your project.
What materials do I need to create a melody in BandLab's MIDI editor?
You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access and a free BandLab account. Use headphones or speakers to hear your melody clearly. Optional tools include a USB/MIDI keyboard or controller for live playing, plus a mouse or stylus for drawing notes. BandLab provides built-in virtual instruments and the MIDI editor, so no paid software is required—just a device, internet, and an account to compose and save your tune.
What ages is using BandLab's MIDI editor suitable for?
BandLab's MIDI editor suits children who have basic reading and mouse/tablet skills. With adult supervision, children around age 7 and up can place notes and learn simple rhythms. Ages 10–12 and older can work more independently, explore editing tools, instrument sounds, and exporting. Always follow platform age rules, supervise accounts, and adapt tasks to each child's attention span and fine-motor abilities for a safe, positive experience.
What are the benefits of creating melodies in BandLab for kids?
Creating melodies in BandLab encourages creativity, ear training, and foundational music theory as kids experiment with pitch, rhythm, and structure. It strengthens fine motor skills and sequencing, teaches basic digital audio tools and collaborative online workflows, and boosts confidence when children hear and share their work. Short, focused sessions build persistence and problem-solving as kids refine tunes through playback and edits.
Watch & Learn
Need 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.