Having attended quite a few accordion conventions as a clinician for Roland Corporation since 2008, Joe Natoli noticed a typical theme emerging from new and even experienced owners of their digital accordions, and that is a struggle with the basics of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital interface) and how to apply it to live and/or recorded performance, especially when using digital accordions attached via MIDI to various arranger modules.
MIDI was developed as a standard in 1982 to allow electronic musical instruments to speak to one another and to also be able to speak to sequencers, computers, and digital recorders. Joe has been using MIDI since its first instruments started appearing on the scene in 1983, and had a very successful duo for about 15 years that utilized pre-recorded “sequenced” MIDI data (with all percussion and instrumental parts performed by Joe), which he then played along with in live performances.
His arrangements of Top 40, jazz, rock, country, and ethnic were crafted to sound just like the original recordings. Joe’s duo could sound like any group size including an intimate jazz trio, to a five-member rock band, or a 20-piece big band!
Now that the technology has evolved so rapidly since those days, MIDI continues to become an even more exciting adventure for musicians of all types. But the one issue so many newcomers to MIDI have in common is that no one has taken the time to explain to them the basics of MIDI and how to get the most from one’s MIDI instruments. So the typical scenario is that a “newbie” goes out and purchases a digital accordion, possibly with an arranger module hoping to become a one person band. That aspiration is completely possible and not as difficult as it may seem, but often once they hook things up, all they get is SILENCE. They scratch their collective heads in consternation and frustration and sometimes so much so that they want to sell their new equipment on Ebay or the best offer that can help them keep most of their cash outlay.
Joe’s workshop is meant to once and for all help take the mystery out of MIDI for many newbies out there who are just missing a few basics to be able to really get the most out of their MIDI setups….hence the name of the workshop, “Getting the Most Out Of Your MIDI and Digital Applications.“ But this workshop can be equally useful even for experienced MIDI-files who may not realize the full potential of their MIDI setups.
Joe will be using the Roland FR7X and a Roland Sonic Cell sound module as part of this workshop but questions/concerns from anyone about any equipment they have in their MIDI home setup are encouraged and welcomed.
Joseph Natoli, who lives in Ohio, has been a performer and advocate of the accordion since 1960. Joe started his studies with prominent Ohio accordion teacher, the late Mickey Bisilia of Youngstown, Ohio. Like many other accordionists of his time, Joe developed his classical performance skills in state and national competitions hosted by the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA), eventually winning its national title at the age of 18 in Washington, D.C. Later that year (1972), Joe became the AAA United States representative in the Coupe Mondiale world accordion competition held in Caracas, Venezuela, where he was chosen first runner up.
Joe also released an album for Giulietti Accordion Corporation that year entitled Accordion Masterworks presents Joseph Natoli and Richard Romiti, which includes many unique solo and duet arrangements and original compositions for the free bass accordion.
Natoli was the first student ever to be accepted at the University of Toronto using free bass accordion as an applied major instrument, studying with renowned Canadian accordionist Joseph Macerollo.
While at the University of Toronto, Joe participated in the first International Accordion Symposium as a performer and composer, for which his Eclat for 5 accordions was commissioned. In 1978 and 1979, Joe also received 2 substantial Ohio Arts Council grants to write and record Prism/Rebirth for free bass accordion, flute, clarinet, violin, viola, and a large constituent of percussion.
Joseph Natoli, 1972 AAA US Virtuoso champion, 1972 Coupe Mondiale 1st Runner Up, and 2008 Roland US Digital Accordion champion, and active Roland clinician has found a way to teach students anywhere in the world who want to study with him, using Skype’s available technology.
Since current laptop and desktop computers typically come equipped with a web cam and microphone, and since most people currently have high-speed internet access, Joe has been successfully using a free online video conferencing tool to teach students anywhere on the planet via web cam.
Joe recently released an Adult Accordion Method which comes with a 63-track CD that includes every exercise and musical selection in the book. Although it is always wise to find a good teacher, this method is written with the self-learner in mind as well. Therefore if a student is in a remote area where access to accordion teachers is not readily available, a student can use the method book and its accompanying CD as an effective self-teaching tool. Both are designed to give the self-taught as well as the instructed student the ability to make as much progress as possible.
If a student is fortunate enough to have found a teacher, then think of the accompanying CD as a way to take the teacher home to help practice the other six days of the week!
Joseph Natoli is very active at accordion festivals and conventions as a clinician and performer. Make sure you attend his workshop on Friday, July 16th, 8:30 AM, Fir & Elm Rooms at the 2010 AAA Festival in Harrisburg, PA. He will also perform at the Thursday evening, July 15th, Cabaret Concert at 8 PM.
For more information: janpresspub@yahoo.com
