HigherAdvanced Higher
Velocity
Velocity is a MIDI value that usually represents how hard a note is played.
Level relevance: introduced at Higher; tagged for every later level where the same concept remains useful.
Explanation
In MIDI, velocity usually describes the force of a note attack, such as how hard a key is pressed on a controller keyboard. Higher velocity values often produce a louder or brighter sound, depending on the instrument patch. Editing velocity can make programmed parts sound more controlled or more expressive.
Topics
MIDIPerformance dataEditing
Curriculum statussupporting vocabulary
Review statusdraft
Related terms
MIDI
MIDI is performance and control data that tells devices what to play, rather than storing recorded sound.
View termSequencer
A sequencer records and organises MIDI or audio events in time so they can be played back accurately.
View termAutomation
Automation allows settings such as level, pan, or effect amount to change over time automatically.
View term