Report: The First MIDI License Test A licensing system to train and develop personnel capable of interpreting and applying MIDI in practical use. -MIDI Licensing System, AMEI- Association of Musical Electronics Industry　(AMEI), a corporate body under the jurisdiction of the MITI, incorporation with Japan Synthesizer Programmers Association, held the "First MIDI License Test (Grade 3)(90 minute test) from 1:30 PM on Sunday, January 17,1999 at 24 venues, nationwide(Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, Hamamatsu). The test is aimed to train and develop personnel who are capable of interpreting and applying "MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) ", a specification which enables efficient delivery of audio. Nearly 3000(2966, to be exact) have applied for the test, proving how vast a number of young generation are interested in creating music through utilizing MIDI and other digital technologies. (Over 6000 application forms were requested). 2413 applicants have successfully passed the test (81.3% of applicants). Application number of successful candidates will be listed on AMEI web site on February 10. Sound/music are recognized as significant components, along with texts and graphics, in ever growing multimedia society. And MIDI specification is a key role player in the multimedia sound/music scene. MIDI virtually has become the standard specification in computer music as a control protocol for electronic music instruments as well as for music software, music data exchanged through computer networks, transmission data for Tsushin (On-line) Karaoke. With the expansion of the services using the technology, MIDI professionals, who has the expertise and ability to produce and supervise computer music, is desperately wanted in the industry. We are planning to hold the "2nd MIDI License Test, Grade3", a test for basic knowledge and applied ability, on January 23, 2000. This time, we are pleased to introduce additional test venues in Kyushu (Fukuoka), and Hokkaido (Sapporo). AMEI is constituted of 95 organizations *: electronic musical instruments manufacturers, music software companies, and other institutions applying MIDI technology (computer manufacturers, Tsushin (on-line) Karaoke suppliers), aiming to widely provide and popularize computer music to consumers through application of MIDI technology and electronic musical instruments. AMEI administers and promotes MIDI on behalf of these institutions. MIDI is a trademark of AMEI. 　*As of February, 1999 ■Result of "The First MIDI License Test, Grade 3" Official name: Fiscal 1998 "The First MIDI License Test, Grade 3" Sponsor: AMEI Co-sponsors: AMEI member companies Collaborator: Japan Synthesizer Programmers Association（Chairman: Isao Tomita） Time and Date: 1:30 PM (90 minute test), January 17,1999 Collaborating schools and venues: 24 ( Tokyo: 15 venues) Idecs Music Academy Digital Media School Silicon Hollywood College TCA Tokyo Communication Art Technical College Technos International College Tokyo Music & Media Arts Shobi Nippon Engineering College Nippon Engineering College Hachioji Japan Electronics College Pan School of Music The Human Academy Music College Mesar Haus Yamaha Music Academy Yamaha Music Store Shibuya Yoyogi Institute of Animation Association of Music Electronics Industries Office （Osaka: 3 venues） CAT Music College Dipss Computer Music club Dee The Osaka Human Academy （Nagoya: 2 venues） Nagoya College of Music Nagoya Jiyu Gakuin Junior College （Sendai: 2 venues） Sendai Digital Arts College Tohoku Computer College （Hamamatsu: 2 venues） Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. Yamaha Corporation Examination outline: Application fee: 2,500 yen (incl. Consumption tax)*Grade 3 Testing method: 90 minute written exam Passing mark: 70/100(100 questions) Results: The results will be announced on AMEI web site on February 10,1999. Successful applicants will receive a "Grade 3 MIDI LICENSE card". Area covered in the test Grade 3: Based on MIDI Specification 1.0, practical level standard MIDI files ."Basics of MIDI" transmission of music information, byte and bit, MIDI cable connection ."MIDI Message" MIDI Channel, status and data, message variation ."Note data" note on-off, velocity, gate time, timing ."Control" changing tones, pitch bend, control change ."System Message" systems and manufacturers exclusive ."MIDI knowledge" history of MIDI, basics of analog synthesizers, GM&SMF Past performance of the MIDI License Test Grade 3 Number of applicants: 2,966 Successful applicants: 2,413 The First MIDI Test questions ( Japanese only )