10 The MIDI Manual MIDI in Live Performance Electronic music production and MIDI are also at home on the stage. Obviously, MIDI has played a crucial role in helping to bring live music to the masses. The ability to sequence rhythm and background parts in advance, chain them together into a single, controllable sequence (using a jukebox-type sequencing program), and then play them on stage has become an indispensable live-performance tool for many musicians. This technique is widely used by solo artists who have become one-man bands by singing and playing their guitar to a series of background sequences. Larger techno-groups commonly use extensive on-stage loop and power sequencing to drive instruments, lighting and visuals in ways that are staggeringly compelling. Again, the power of MIDI lies in the fact that much of a performance can be composed and pro- duced in advance of going on stage or on tour. With advances in digital audio, recorded sounds can be easily integrated into the performance. The integration of looping technology often allows for on-the-spot improvisation, adding a fresh and varied feel to the performance for those on stage and in the audience. In addition to communicating performance data, MIDI con- trollers can be used to vary a staggering range of control parameters in real time. In addition to allowing for control over on-stage music performance, lighting, and preproduced sequencing, MIDI can play a strong role in the production and execution of on-stage lighting and