To help you get into the festive mood, we asked a few artists and producers, and a handful of our regular contributors, what they'd like for christmas this year... In a hi-tech music kind of way. Paul Tingen collected the wish-lists.

A new programming aid for the Kawai R100 takes the form of DrumDroid software for the Atari ST. Scott Gershin becomes a "mouse drummer".

Beyond the Groove

If you’re tired of playing keyboards and want a more imaginative way to create music, then this mouse-driven MIDI controller may prove an ideal alternative. Martin Russ investigates.

The recent development of the MIDI standard is designed to enable you to transfer your sequences from one sequencer to another. Anthony Widoff files a report.

Pollution

Martin Russ worries about software pollution and wonders if we can look forward to 'green' software.

MIDI Files - Is There A Problem?

Paul Andreas Overaa sounds off about the dismal lack of information there is about the MIDI file standard.

Intrepid reporter Paul Wiffen jets over to Chicago for an exclusive peek at the latest goodies from the States

Julian Woodford takes us across the sea to bring us a report on the state of MIDI in Canada

Software for the Atari ST

The latest version of the industry-standard Atari ST sequencing package. Simon Trask finds out if software is fulfilling its promise to keep abreast of the times.

Martin Russ describes some ways to use Intelligent Music's 'M' program as an effective aid to structured composition.

A plethora of new hi-tech products to whet your appetite.

Our regular colourful glimpse of forthcoming and recently released new products from the hi-tech and recording fields.

A chance to check out some of the forthcoming new products that might tempt you to dig deeper into your pockets later this year.

Still struggling to programme your drum machine? Wish you could see what your rhythms looked like? Martin Russ thinks this ST program could banish those drum box blues for good.

Darrin Williamson looks at an Amiga sampling package and MIDI interface all in one

The question "can computers write music" has never been more important than it is in 1989; what is an algorithmic composition program, and will it ever replace the human composer? Ian Waugh composes himself.

MIDIGrid & MIDIDraw

Can't play an instrument but would love to create music? Your wish is granted! With the right software, the humble Atari ST computer can be turned into a very different MIDI instrument indeed. Martin Russ looks at two unusual graphical music programs with contrasting approaches: MIDIDraw and MIDIGrid.

Software for the Atari ST

The competition for an industry-standard sequencing program to accompany the industry-standard computer hots up, as Simon Trask finds out when he picks up the mouse on C-Lab's contender.

More hints, tips and update news from the world of music software.

Paul Overaa continues his series in the MIDI standard with a look at the MIDI File Format

Software for Apple Macintosh

Now some five years old, MOTU's Performer Mac sequencing software has undergone a series of significant upgrades. Kendall Wrightson boots up version 3.2.

Frankfurt Musikmesse 1989

Rain, sub-zero temperatures and sleazy hotels - who'd go to Frankfurt if it wasn't for the trade show? Simon Trask finds more than warmth and shelter at the Musikmesse.

Dr.T's Keyboard Controlled Sequencer - Level II V3.0 for the Amiga

One music software house that showed greater awareness and belief in the Commodore Amiga from the outset was Dr.T. David Ellis checks out version 3.0 of their top-of-the-range sequencer to see how it rates against the growing competition.

Part three.