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Sequencer

A sequencer records and organises MIDI or audio events in time so they can be played back accurately.

Level relevance: introduced at Nat 3; tagged for every later level where the same concept remains useful.

Explanation

A sequencer is the part of a music system or DAW that arranges events in time. In MIDI sequencing, it stores note data, timing, and controller information so a performance can be edited and played back. In modern DAWs, sequencing is usually integrated with audio recording and mixing tools. Sequencers are important because they allow learners to build structured arrangements and refine performances with precision.

Topics

SequencingSoftwareArrangement

Curriculum statussupporting vocabulary

Review statusdraft

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Related terms

MIDI

MIDI is performance and control data that tells devices what to play, rather than storing recorded sound.

View term

Quantisation

Quantisation moves notes or events closer to a timing grid to make a performance tighter.

View term

Tempo

Tempo is the speed of the music, usually measured in beats per minute.

View term

Automation

Automation allows settings such as level, pan, or effect amount to change over time automatically.

View term