Yamaha S90 And 10.3. Need Direction!, Want to use S90 with Mac w/easy software Options

[sTvN]

Hello,
My family recently got an Yamaha S90. We are all novice piano players, but wanted to hook up our keyboard to our mac and explore that realm. We're running 10.3, and I get the keyboard to show up in Apple's Audio MIDI setup with no problems. Unfortunately, the software Yamaha ships with the keyboard is not mac os x compatible. I'm totally new to this MIDI thing, but I wanted to know what's a good software choice would be to be able to record what is played on the piano, add different instruments, and even do sheet music. We are not doing any production here. We want it to be simple and straightforward so that my 11 year old brother can use it. Does anyone have any suggestsions?

Any pointers regarding software, articles involving s90 and mac os x, or anything else are very much appreciated. Also, what types of things can I even do with a keyboard and a computer? I don't think I even have a clear scope in my head. Again, this is my first time ever doing anything MIDI, but I'm more than willing to learn.

Thanks,
Steven

[kaboombahchuck]

First read this artical all about midi . The answer to your softwar question is more complicated. Depending on who you ask, you will get many different answers. Personally I prefer Metro 6 . Right now Metro does not do notation. But I'm quite certain it soon will. It will do notation in OS 9. It will do midi sequencing, as well as audio secqencing. I would go on, but at this point, that's all you will need.

[bevlev]

I have an S80 (which is the older version, but probably similar) - regarding MIDI, if the S90 is still setup the same way, you'll have to get to know your Performance Mode - that's where all the MIDI channels and controls selections are - unfortunately, I find the Yamaha manuals very difficult to week through and very technically slanted.

You might want to check out www.midi.org to see if there are recommendations for freeware/shareware MIDI programs.

[Metro SE]

Personally I prefer Metro 6 .  Right now Metro does not do notation.

Metro 6.1 does do notation in OS X. Metro SE does not.