Kara-Moon Forum

i tried downloading the mma songs and have them on my desktop - im using ubuntu gutsy - i can open them and look at them but i cant play them.  :( most of the songs i want to play are there, jazz standards and such.  but what am i missing? i want to listen. HELP! ???
jon

The songs in the archive are in MMA format ... that is a text "language" which the program MMA understands. So:

1. Download and install the mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz package,

2. process the songs you want to convert to MIDI with the command (on the command line):
          mma somesong
    This will produce the file somesong.mid

3. Play the MIDI file with something like kmid or timidity.

If you have a keyboard synth connected to your computer the songs will sound much better than using timidity.

Shout if problems; post if you have successes!

hey thanks for the quick reply.  pardon my dumb questions  but how do i install mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz ???  i tried last nite to open the pdf file but was unable to - i thot "why ask dumb questions when they have already thotfully provided me with everything i need?"  but altho ubuntu gutsy opens ALL pdf files (even those that winduds xp couldnt) i couldnt get this one to open.  i did however do something (what? dunno, remember im a computer dummy - {its really amazing that i could install and use [the first time] ubuntu gutsy}) and saw the text lines and found i could modify them - altho i didnt - remember i just want to jam!  and i promise to use the last purple guy when i have my first jam using mma, and yes i have an old synth - an ensonic vfx sd - altho most of the sounds are REAL cheeeeesy (does anybody else hate synth generated sounds - imho most are real hard to listen to - altho i have heard some korg and kurtzweil piano sounds that are real fine.....)  but my computer dummy question is how do i hook up my synth to my computer? i have a fairly new (1 year old or is it now two, time flies when youre having fun....) computer an hp compaq or whatever amd 3400  512something and 80gig something else, so i think i have most of the nobs and whistles for it to work, but i still have to run a cord to the other side of the room - what do i get and where do i plug it in?   :-[  i dont see anything that remotely resembles what i have on my synth - which is a standard midi plug thingie that i used to use when i plugged in my midi footpedal board to my synth so i could play chords (?) on my synth with my feet (long long ago and far far away....)  but now im just a sax and flute guy trying to jam some jazz standards with an eband.  ;D
jon

Well, the only dumb questions are those which aren't asked.

A bit more of a basic install:

1. Open a terminal. I think in Ubuntu you hit your main menu button, go to System and <terminal>. If you can't get this ask again and I'll fire up ubuntu and and double check.

You should now have a nice little terminal with a prompt just waiting for your commands.

Let's make sure you have python installed. Typing:

     python --version

should print something like:

    Python 2.5.1

So long as it is 2.4.x or more, you're okay. If you get something like "can't find" ... then use synaptic or adept to install ... this is getting beyond the "how to install mma" ...


2. I hope you noted where you are saving downloads. But, for now we'll assume that your terminal has opened in the same directory. Check by typing "ls <enter>". Note, no quotes or <>s. You should get a listing of files, one of which should be mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz. If not then go to 2a, otherwise goto 3.

2a. If you don't see the file, you'll have to search some directories. I _think_ the default behaviour is to save files in the directory "Desktop", so try changing to that directory with the command "cd Desktop <enter>". Note the upper/lower case letters in Desktop. Do another "ls". If not there, keep "cd"ing to other directories.

3. Now, assuming that you see the file mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz in your directory issue the command:

      tar xzf mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz <enter>

This will unpack the files in the distribution.

4. Now, move to the mma distribution you just created:

    cd mma-bin-1.3 <enter>

5. Now, install it:

    sudo ./cp-install <enter>

note the "./" in the filename. It is needed. You will now have mma installed! Simple?

Note, the html docs are also installed. Here's an easy way to make a bookmark for your browser so you can find the docs. Assuming that you are using firefox (still in the terminal program) type:

   firefox /usr/local/share/mma/docs/html/mma.html
 
The main mma doc page should appear in your firefox. Now, I suggest you bookmark that page.


To play midi files though your synth you'll need a few things:

1. A midi capable synth. Sounds like you have that. There should be 2 5pin plugs on the back marked midi-in and midi-out.

2. An interface from the computer. Many sound cards have a midi out/in. Many don't. I use a little USB device which works well. It's a MidiMan Uno which sell for around $30.00. It plugs into the USB port.

3. You need a program to play midi to to the device. I use aplaymidi.

Hope all this helps. I can tell you that I use MMA and the files it generates just about every day. Works very well. Also, on my webpage are a number of recordings I've made with mma generated files played though my not-too-expensive Casio synth with me playing sax. Have a listen:

   http://www.mellowood.ca/music/recordings/index.html

I really hope this gets you going! Shout and let us know of success or if you need more help.

im gonna work on this some more later but here is where i am now.  i am unable to find where to get a terminal.   :(  i see the system (i might use different terms as im working in spanish and translating) and under "system" there are "preferences" and "administration", however i dont find anything resembling "terminal" (which i assume means i can enter text like we used to do with dos) under either prefs or admin.  next i will try to install python.  i saved my downloads to the desktop so they are really easy to find.  8)  my synth has a midi in midi out and midi thru, i dont see any problems there, and i will get a midiman uno and i do believe i have two usb ports on my computer so no problems there. 
anyway ill work more on this later and report any successes  :o
jon

In my gnome for a terminal click the main menu applications-->system tools -->konsol

You might have to check since I may have modified the menu.

well, i downloaded python and looked for synaptic to install it and i whaddya know i had it, then i found where it was on my system but when i tried to use it i got this message:      " An error occurred"   
 E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem.
E: _cache->open() failed, please report.    :'(

does anything ever work for me?  oh well, its better to have a free application not work than to pay for band-in-a-box and have it not work either  ;D
jon

edit:  update i found how to open a terminal  in ubuntu gutsy :-  you click  "applications - accessories - terminal" - now lets see dont i need python to work first?  i think that winduds is messing up my ubuntu like it did before i updated to gutsy from fiesty - im gonna go windudless if i can figure out how - i only kept winduds for video editing but i cant figure out how to burn a DVD with it - so what good is it?  my neighbors mac will do in in a minute - sooooooooooo easy - why do i bother with winduds anyway?   ???

So, does python work on your system? From the terminal type "python --version". It should print something. If not, you will have to so to some Ubuntu forms and get help with your installation ... sorry, but I just don't know enough about systems to be a great tutor here.

Assuming that python is working, installing mma should be very simple!

So, let's get python working. Yes, I think you are right in that it is installed by default on ubuntu. But, I'm not sure. Also, I can add that gutsy never worked well for me at all and I am still quite happy using fiesty. I don't use gnome at all (I quite dislike it) and use kde for everything. For my installation I first installed ubuntu fiesty, then upgraded it to kde. I found that just doing a kubuntu install created problems. Ahh, this fun with getting distros to work well. For the most part it is easy, but when there are problems it's not a lot of fun. Esp. for newcommers. Really, you should visit http://ubuntuforums.org/ for system help.

I doubt that windows is causing problems. I'm assuming that you have a dual-boot system? Also, don't forget that there is a mma-for-windows. See the main page for winmma.

Let us know of progress! Yes, we want to help and see you using mma.

i opened the terminal and typed python version and got "not found" - probably because altho i have synaptic it didnt install the python i downloaded.  but anyway i have browsed the ubuntu forums - and that is where i got found where to find the terminal - strangely enuf when i was looking to delete winduds i came across the info.  i first started with edgy eft which fought a battle with winduds and ruined utube in winduds then winduds counterattacked and disabled edgy so i couldnt get on the internet most of the time.  >:(  once i managed to get on the internet with edgy i then upgraded to gutsy and things have been working well until i tried to download and install limewire for mp3 stuff and got the same error message i got trying to install python.   :(  so i think the real solution is to eliminate winduds as it is the cause of the problem.  anybody get the idea that i hate paying good money to a very rich man for continually and massively inferior operating systems?  i would pay for mac, but alas cannot buy it, ubuntu is far superior to winduds imho - and its free.  the side benefit of mma is that im getting an education in computers :;   meanwhile im actually well enuf to play my saxophone   :)
jon

If you are on a dual boot pc, like i am at the moment, windows will NOT interfere with your internet connection or other system parameters of your linux system.

if you get the answer 'not found' on the 'python' command there could be 2 reasons.
1. it isn't there, use the synaptic manager to install it
2. it's not in your search patch, again in a terminal, what gives the 'whereis python' command (without the quotes) as an answer ?

k

You don't need to use a gui to install programs like python. From a terminal (we all know how to get to one now!) type:

 sudo apt-get install python

Enter your password when prompted.

BTW, I got the message about doing a dkpg --configure -a on my wife's computer. Did that and about 1/2 hour later I reinstalled my OS. Yes, that was Gusty that buggered up. I installed Fiesty and have had no problems. I think that Gusty is to be avoided, but that's just my opinion.

 i believe that winduds is precisely the cause of my ubuntu problems,  i had no problems (?) with winduds - at least not youtube until i installed edgy eft - and i believe that ubuntu was the cause of winduds problems, so logic tells me that winduds is the cause of my ubuntu problems.  but what do i know remember im a computer dummy.   ;D  i have a friend that is the computer guy at a large office downtown and he will fix it for me before a month or two (i dont want to rush him  ;) )

 
1.  the error command comes on when i try to install python with synaptic manager  >:(
2.  i get "python: can't open file 'version': [Errno 2] No such file or directory"  when i type in "python version" on my terminal

jon

hey thanks - you have no idea how empowering it is to have access to direct computer line commands like we had to do under DOS - perhaps a GUI is more sticky than slippery? ::)  i definately will try to fire up python using the terminal!   stayed tuned for updates!

do you dual boot too?  do you know how to get rid of winduds easily?
thanks a million again
i can just taste the jams im gonna have.  this will be an excuse to get a better keyboard amp   :;
jon

edit:  i tried "sudo apt-get install python" and this is the reply:

"E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem. "   :'(

well, at this point run 'dpkg --configure -a' to <maybe> correct the problem.

If all else fails, just download ubuntu fiesty and install that. I run a single boot system, and have been doing so for years. But, again, having dual boot should not be a problem. And as Kara confirms, when you boot into windows it should not bugger with the linux stuff; and when you boot into linux it should not bugger with the windows.

If you want a single boot solution, just click the <use entire disk> option when installing linux.

I have a 2nd hard disk in my closet with XP on it. If I really need windows (very seldom) I just swap that one into my system.

it said that i needed to be a super user to do this - so i went to the ubuntu forums and found i can just type in "sudo dpkg --configure -a"
and it seemed to work  :-  i then i typed "sudo apt-get install python" and it appeared to have succeeded but gave me some kind of message in spanish,  unfortunately the error message was deleted so i cannot post it here  :( 
i now get this when i type in "python version" it says "python: can't open file 'version': [Errno 2] No such file or directory"  hmmmmm



 hey thanks, i think that i will do exactly that as i have XP on cdrom (i think), and i want to get winduds off this computer.  now i know how.   will i lose my MMA install if i reload ubuntu?  (i have gutsy on disc, but feisty will have to be downloaded :( )  i must be getting optimistic about MMA to worry about losing my install. 

i just opened up the terminal again and realized i had mistyped "python --version"  this time i got "Python 2.5.1"    :;

continuing i had this exchange with my computer:
"juan@juan-desktop:~$ python --version
Python 2.5.1
juan@juan-desktop:~$ enter
bash: enter: orden no encontrada
juan@juan-desktop:~$ ls enter
ls: enter: No existe el fichero ó directorio
juan@juan-desktop:~$  1s enter
bash: 1s: orden no encontrada
juan@juan-desktop:~$ "
MMA IS on my desktop but it says it "doesnt exist" or the "order cannot be found"  :'(

but lets look at the bright side - i HAVE python, i know how to open a terminal, i know some programming words (?), im getting closer to having a REAL jam on autumn leaves perhaps(?), maybe off to future shop tomarrow to buy a midiman uno - im getting optimistic - and with computers thats saying alot!
another BIG thanks!  ;D
jon

edited update: here is the continuing exchange with my computer (remember im a dummy, and im proving it!) ;)

"juan@juan-desktop:~$ cd desktop
bash: cd: desktop: No existe el fichero ó directorio
juan@juan-desktop:~$ CD Desktop
bash: CD: orden no encontrada
juan@juan-desktop:~$ cd Desktop
juan@juan-desktop:~/Desktop$ ls
Guide-to-Inverse-ETFs.pdf  mma-pdf-1.3.tar.gz  mma-songs-1.3.tar.gz
mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz         mma-songs-1.3       Python-2.5.2.tgz
juan@juan-desktop:~/Desktop$ "

 :-
and then continuing:
 tar xzf mma-bin-1.3.tar.gz
juan@juan-desktop:~/Desktop$ cd mma-bin-1.3
juan@juan-desktop:~/Desktop/mma-bin-1.3$   sudo ./cp-install
[sudo] password for juan:

This script will install mma, the standard library and the
python modules.


We recommend that you install the package with this script
in the default locations. This script will create a
directory 'mma' in /usr/local/share. If this isn't
what you want, then stop this script and edit this
script's directory locations. But, please note that ONLY
/usr/local/share and /usr/share are supported as default
locations.

The main executable script will be installed in /usr/local/bin.

If you ever decide to get rid of MMA, just delete the executable
in /usr/local/mma and the directory tree in /usr/local/share/mma.



   Press <ENTER> to continue (anything else will terminate):
This script will install mma, the standard library and the
python modules.



Copying mma to /usr/local/bin/mma
Copying library to /usr/local/share/mma
Copying includes to /usr/local/share/mma
Copying python modules to /usr/local/share/mma
Copying HTML documentation to /usr/local/share/mma

Updating database file. This uses mma with the -G option.
If this fails, something was not installed properly
and you should contact Bob and we'll figure it out.

   Press <ENTER> to continue (anything else will terminate):
Running without pysco support, installation of pysco recommended.
Warning:
        No RC file was found or processed
Creating MMA groove directory database(s). Standby...
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/50srock.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/60srock.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/8beat.mma
       Ignoring: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/README
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/ballad.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/ballad128.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/basicrock.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/beguine.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/bigband.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/bluegrass.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/blues.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/boggiewoggie.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/bolero.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/bossanova.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/broadway.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/calypso.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/chacha.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/countryblues.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/countryswing.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/countrywaltz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/desert.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/dixie.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/dixiemarch.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/easyswing.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/fastblues.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/folk.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/foxtrot.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/frenchwaltz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/guitarballad.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/hillcountry.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/jazz-54.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/jazzguitar.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/jazzwaltz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/jive.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/lfusion.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/lighttango.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/lullaby.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/mambo.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/march.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/merengue.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/metronome.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/metronome3.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/modernjazz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/pianoballad.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/polka.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/popballad.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/quickstep.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/rb.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/rhumba.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/rock-128.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/rockballad.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/samba.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/shuffleboggie.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/ska.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/slowblues.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/slowbolero.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/slowcountry.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/slowjazz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/softrock.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/softshoe.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/son.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/swing.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/tango.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/trance.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/vienesewaltz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/waltz.mma
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/stdlib/zydeco.mma
       Ignoring: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/yamaha/README
       Creating: /usr/local/share/mma/lib/yamaha/mambo.mma
ERROR:<Line 195><File:/usr/local/share/mma/lib/yamaha/mambo.mma>
     Can't define groove name MAIN-A, already defined as an alias for SON.
Setting permissions on MMADIR database file for user update.
juan@juan-desktop:~/Desktop/mma-bin-1.3$

i will continue tomarrow - its getting late for me here (altho later for you im sure) 
 looks like its gonna work.  if it does ill let you know
thanks again
jon

Actually you have SUCCESS!

The install script aborts for a complicated reason: there is a bug in MMA using the -g option. Now that you have it all installed, please, from your terminal type:

   mma -g

Note, a lowercase 'g'. BTW, it is the -G option in mma which is causing the error. I will look into this in the next day or so and post a new version.

In the meantime, you have MMA!

Now, start to compile the sample songs. Have fun.

i typed mma -g and got this
"juan@juan-desktop:~$ mma -g
Running without pysco support, installation of pysco recommended.
Warning:
        No RC file was found or processed"
then a bunch of other stuff and finally this:
"ERROR:     Error creating lib-database file '/usr/local/share/mma/lib/yamaha'. CRITICAL!
juan@juan-desktop:~$ "

do i need to be concerned about this?
now i only need to figure out how to use mma and the jazz standards   ;)

thanks again  :-*  (for helping a computer dummy, and im sure that i will have more questions coming up) ill let you know when i actually HEAR MMA tracks

jon

I think this has to do with permissions not being set properly. Try to compile a song or 2 from the examples. They should compile okay. I'll figure out the error in the next day or so (the -G error) and put up a new version. Will let you know here.

Just posted the 1.3a package. Now there are no bugs in MMA :)

i extracted the songs from the bin and they look OK.  here is an excerpt:
// Abracadabra

// This is the Cole Porter tune from "Mexican Hayride",
// NOT the Steve Miller Band version!


Tempo 120
Keysig Eb

Groove Metronome2-4

   z * 2

// 4 bar intro

Groove BossanovaFill

Begin Solo
   Voice SynthBrass2
   Volume mf
   Articulate 80
   Harmony Open
   Octave 5
   Begin Riff
      8c; 4g; 8c; 4g; c;
      8d; 4an; 8d; 4a; d;
      8en; 4bn; 8e; 4b; e;
      4bn; an; 2g;
   End
End

1    Cm   
2    Dm   
3    Em   
4    G7   

Begin Solo
   Articulate 95
   Octave 6
End

Repeat
Groove Bossanova

5    Cm   
6    Fm6 
7    Cm   /    Cm7 
8    Cm6  /    AbM7 G7   
9    Cm   
10   F9   /    D7   
11   G    /    D7#5
12   Dm7  /    Fm6  G7   
13   C7   
14   /    /    Gm7  C7   
15   Fm   
16   F7   /    Fm6  F#dim
17   C   
18   D7   /    Fm6  G7   
............................................................................................

RepeatEnd

Groove BossaNovaEnd
Seq 3
Decresc p 2

69   C    /    Am7  Cm6 
70   C    z!   
Cut -2.25

you get the idea after all you wrote it  ;D  just to show you that my problem (opportunity for learning?  :-[ ) is not working in the text of the song -  im sure that ill figure out the meaning of text - after all bossanova, samba, swing are all terms familiar to me - and ive learned (from you  ;) ) that i have to write the text EXACTLY as written or the computer wont understand me.......
anyway my opportunity is that i dont know how to play the songs on my computer (remember altho ive learned, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...) do i play them by opening up a terminal?  or is there something ive missed?   ???  i cant seem to open the pdf instruction booklet altho other pdf's work on my computer in ubuntu so i cant read and learn.
this computer dummy is stuck!
muchas gracias
jon

ps now i have more opportunities to practice what ive learned  :D

Okay. You've found the songs files. Now, when in that directory, type:

   mma abracadabra <enter>

You should get a warning about no rc file (which you can safely ignore) and a message that the file "abracababra.mid" was created.

Now, to play the darned thing. First thing I would try is kmid and see what happens. Not to be a shit, but playing the files is beyond the help being offered here :) That's what the ubuntu forums are for ... they can offer much better help than I can. You many need to install timidity if you don't have a external synth connected.

A program like kmid gives you a gui from which you can navigate to your MIDI files. You can also do it from the terminal: for example the command "kmid somefile.mid <enter>" will fire up kmid and play the songfile (NOTE: it doesn't play the MMA file which needs to be compiled). Ummm, for playing I never use the internal sound on the computer; always the external synth. I use the program aplaymidi and my own program xpmidi (see my site). But, these are of no use if you don't have your synth connected. Oh, another way to play files, if your synth has a card slot, is to transfer the midi files to a card and insert that in your synth. More reading: this time the manual which came with the synth.

The docs supplied with mma are in 2 formats. There are html files which come with the bin file. If you installed the package (which it appears you did) you now have a complete manual (including the tutorial) in /usr/local/share/mma/docs/html ... just point your browser of choice to the mma.html file in that folder; or cd to the folder and type "firefox mma.html <enter>".

As to the contents of the .mma files ... yes, you do need to do it right. Computers are pretty dumb machines ... so they can't do much beyond what they are told. But, really, the mma format is pretty simple and if you have a mistake it tries its best to point out the error. My suggestion is to get the midi playback working, then make minor changes to the supplied songs to see if you can learn to change tempos, transpose, etc. Then write some of your own files by copying the chords from a fakebook or guitar sheet.

Listen to my music on mellowood.ca/music/recordings ... each example there is me playing sax with my synth playing tracks generated with mma. No magic. Nothing really complicated either (once you figure it all out).

Hope this all helps!

 

you have gone way above and beyond the call of duty.   it was me that was a ____ due to my dumb questions that you have so patiently answered.   :)


it helps a lot! ;D i think i should be able to navigate my way to the jam in my office now.  ill post when i hear beautiful MMA waves going thru the air.   i have heard you play the sax on the recordings so im greatly encouraged to keep on keepin on
thanks again
jon

well, i wiped winduds off my system, now i only have edgy eft.  downloaded mma, python running, installed mma but cant figure out where the directory is that has my songs so i can convert them to midi.   ive spent many hours working on this - reading the instructions and trying this and that only to report that i still havent had a single jam with mma. perhaps this is all too hard for me and i should just give up - remember im a computer dummy   :-[ 
jon

By itself MMA doesn't come with songs. Well, there are a few in the egs directory (which was created when you unpacked the MMA package). One command you might find useful on linux is "locate". From a terminal you can type something like:



To get a bunch of songs just download the file

file:///home/bob/www/mellowood/html/mma/mma-songs-1.3.tar.gz

 from our website. Do the normal "tar xzf mma/mma-songs-1.3.tar.gz" and you'll get about 475 mma files in the current directory. I suggest you create a new directory first, save the *gz file to that, then unpack.

Edgy is getting to be a pretty old distro. Dare I suggest you upgrade :)

If you want to see a computer dummy ... you should have seen me the last few days struggling to get a printer to work on a windows XP system ... in the end I decided that it was the printer which was brain dead, not me!

Keep at it. Hopefully one day you'll no longer consider yourself to be a dummy ... and no one here considers you to be one either. We've all been there.

Sorry, about the previous post. Try the locate command to find stuff. For example, to find all the mma song files:

  locate \*.mma <enter>

Note, we need the '\' in front of the '*' to turn off shell escapes.

To find a specific songs:

  locate yellow-bird.mma <enter>

Read the man page for locate:  man locate

you were right i needed to download the songs.  but what are the things in the mma package itself?  swing tango etc?  i got kmid, but anyway this is where im stuck:  i cant find any directories, in fact i dont even know what you are talking about.  remember im a computer dummy who wants to jam my saxophone?  locate does this:
perhaps i wont be able to play my sax after i figure all this out?

my gutsy disc i BOUGHT was defective and i had to reuse the edgy that i had downloaded when i started with linux, im waiting for hoary hedgehog to come out before downloading updates.  so im a little bit edgy this morning ;D
juan

You have to actually go to the directory you created. So, if you type in:

 locate mma-songs-1.3

it should tell you something. Maybe it types out:

  /home/bob/tmp/mma-songs-1.3

so, now use the 'cd' command to move their:

  cd /home/bob/tmp/mma-songs.1.3

Now, use the 'ls' command to see what is in the directory:

  ls

.... a list of .mma files.

now, you can compile the songs.

Now sure what you're asking, but swing, tango etc are styles which mma uses to generate the tracks.

Just a gentle suggestion, but do you have a local friend who knows a bit about computers who can sit down with you can go over some basics? We don't mind helping here at all, but you'd progress much more quickly with some hands on demos.

Let us know of your progress.

Best,

this is exactly what is so frustrating about computers (you are rite they are dumb machines): here is what i get:
 
but the thing is i have it- i can see it on my desktop and i have unpacked it and looked at the songs.  it starts out aba-daba-honeymoon.mma, abracadabra.mma, abrazame-asi.mma, act-naturally.mma, a-day-in-the-life-of-a-fool.mma (thats me ;D ) etc. i KNOW i have the songs, i could go on thru the entire list, its visible in the file browser in juan desktop mma-songs-1.3 so then i tried to make a midi file thinking i already was in the rite directory so i typed at the prompt:
so i go over to applications - Add/Remove - search and type in pysco and i get that "There is no matching application available"  perhaps its talking about me - im the psyco  ;D
i certainly understand that you are getting tired of this, i sure am.  no reply is demanded.  as i have said above, you have gone way over and above the call of duty....
jon

Assuming that you have unpacked/installed the files onto your desktop:

1. Open terminal

2. type "cd Desktop <enter>" (note the upper/lower case in "Desktop"

3. type "ls"

3. you should see a directory name. Probably "mma-songs-3.2"

4. type "cd mma-songs-3.2" or whatever.

5. type "ls" again. You should see the songs.

Or, if you are using nautilus for browsing files, select one of the songs (the mma file) and right click on it. You should get a menu of options, one of which is "properties". Click this and you should see that the "location" of the file is "/home/bob/Desktop/mma-songs-3.2/song.mma" or something. That gives the exact location you can "cd" to.

Here's the short story. MMA asssumes that the file it is to process is in the current directory of your terminal. So, if the file can't be see there, it can't be processed.

Now, I hate to suggest another method, but try this.

Once you find the file in nautalis or whatever file browser you are using, just right click on it and there should be a "open with" option. This should give a bunch of default applications, but mma won't be one. So, there is a "custom application" option. Click on that, and enter "mma". Now, mma should process the file and create a midi to play.

One of these days you will get this work :)

you have kept the faith even when mine faltered -- check out the last two lines on this baby.......
notice world-on-fire.mid
ladies and gentlemen, we have success!  :;  :-  O0  ;D  :D :;  :-
a BIG  THANK YOU is due here!  ;D  :;  O0  :-  :;  :-  ;D  O0
jon
now to get the darn file to play.............but for now im gonna savor my success.......  ;)

Now, that is great news! See, told you it works :)

Maybe this is a bit late, but for "dummies" it might be worthwhile to get and install lemma

   http://xenon.stanford.edu/~geksiong/lemma.html

it gives a nice gui and has a built-in editor. I've done a test run or 2, but don't use it on a daily basis ... I'm a computer weenie and really like to edit stuff with emacs (not vi, never vi!!!).

Please let us know when you get the files to play and the results of your first jam session.

nobody is perfect  ::)

 ;D

k

i tried using kmid without success, but i think i will wait for the final hardy heron release coming april 24th before i try again to play again some mma jazz standards.   ai recently met a neighbor that plays sax and we had our first jam, so things are coming together.   ;)
jon

kmid works just fine. You might have to dl' timidity first, but I'm not sure. You did say you had a synth connected to the computer? If so, you probably have to set the output device on kmid. In my kmid this Settings->MidiSetup.

Humpf!
For simple text editing I use a simple editor - nano.
Fast, light, on-screen reminders, and works off a floppy or USB stick in emergencies. 8)

one thing at a time - remember im a computer dummy.  when i try to run Kmid i get this message:

when i go to add/remove applications i get this message when i search for timidity:

i have not connected my synth to my computer - same thing as band in a box - why spend money only to later fail when i can fail for free?  ;D  so altho i have been to archambault and looked at stuff - piano books, electronic drums and acoustic drums as well as flutes and saxophones - i havent wandered into the keyboard section to get a midiman uno until i really can play a midi sequence on my computer - i dont want to get my hopes up  :-[  one frustration at a time - remember i told you i have never been able to burn a DVD altho i have been working on it (?) for a year?  well hardy heron has a DVD burner installed - only 13 days to go!  ;)  hey, two computer successes at once might just be too much for me.....
jon

You really need to find someone locally who knows a bit about computers to give you a hand. Way easier to buy him/her a beer or a lunch!

i googled timidity and found it.  :-[ and i went to the ubuntu forums to see what i could learn and guess what?  kmid doesnt seem to work very well with edgy - displays just the error message that i posted. i guess ill have to wait for hardy heron on april 24 to see if kmid will work with it.   :D

jon

well, im still struggling to get this working.  in now running hardy heron,  little other advancement on the computer front, still stuck with MMA, altho i now have KMID and LeMMA.  dunno even where to begin again   >:(  on the musical front things are progressing well -  playing bari sax with a big band - and have gigs lined up  :-
jon

jon,
you'll have to be a bit more specific... what is exactly your problem
do you know linux, do you know how to use a terminal window, do you know how to execute mma ?

I'm really NOT picking on Jon ... but I think this thread illustrates a few problems in trying to help a user AND how a user really needs to help from his end to get help ...

If you are having a problem with something it is important to state just what you have done and what problems you are having. For example, "I can't get audio to play" is exactly your problem ... but it won't get you much help! Instead, try things like: "I have Ubuntu 8.04 installed. Under Gnome I can't seem to get my audio working. I have accessed the audio panel ... I have ABC soundcard ... etc"

Back to our dear friend and MMA:

- please remember that MMA is a program which creates MIDI files. Quite good ones ... good enough that various folks (including MMA's author) use them in studio and live gig situations.

- MIDI files are a specific format which contain data

- MIDI files are played by computers, synths, etc.

- MMA doesn't play midi files, it just creates them.

- Before playing with MMA you should get to the point where you can play MP3 files (ie. get audio working). This forum, MMA, is not the place to ask for help in getting audio working on your Linux box.

- Before playing with MMA you should get to the point where you can play MIDI files. If your audio works, then the program KMID and others are a good start. Again, this is a MMA forum, not a general forum for help on audio/Linux.

- Now, try to use MMA. If you have a problem shout in this forum. We'll help you run MMA.

Honestly, we really do want to help you to succeed. But, you have to help ... and rest assured that the program works and works well. And, no we're not unfriendly or hash ... but sometimes we start to feel as our help just isn't getting to the point and we're wasting our and your time.

i think that the bottom line problem is that im computer challenged and this forum is not set up for people that have my handicap, but rather ones have are far more advanced than i.   

 i have read over this thread many times trying to figure out what im doing wrong, as i figure that all the information is there somewhere,  but have become afraid to post for fear that the computer savvy people of this world will....   well anyway, i struggle on.   

 i was offered band-in-a-box free, but when i realized the difficulty of getting it to work in ubuntu i decided that i would rather not.  so i return periodically when i get frustrated with the poor quality of the sequences that my mediocre piano playing ability can achieve from my synth to dream the impossible dream here in MMA.   wow to jam on sax to a real walking bass line!!! (and a piano comping and scrambled eggs on the snare).... 

 the carrot held in front of me keeps me coming back to continue the fight, fearing the beating of another computer failure (im sure you dont want to hear the saga of my printer....) but praying that this computer will blast out the chord changes.  so i slog on.

 i can play an mp3, i can play a midi track, i can use the terminal (sort of) - all things that i couldnt do when i began this quest.  so judging by my rate of progress, i should actually be able to pick up my sax and jam to the computer about fall 2009.  hope springs eternal

So, what is the problem?

You have mma installed and you have the library of sound (music) files supplied with the program. Open a terminal and change to the directory with the song files and type:

   mma a-song-name

Of course, you'll want to use a real name, not "a-song-name" :)

This should start up mma and you get a screen of info much like:

   bob$ mma yellow-bird
  Overwriting existing midi file (70 bars, 2.34 min): './midi/yellow-bird.mid'


Now you should have a new file in that directory called "yellow-bird.mid".

You say you can play a midi file, so play it ... and jam along.

I can only suggest that you do the exact sequence listed above and if you do NOT have success let us know the EXACT problems you encounter. For example, if you get an error on the terminal ... let us know the text of the error.

Useful example:

 ... I tired to compile, but I get an error. Here's the command line and the error message:

bob$ mma yellow-birds
ERROR:     Input file 'yellow-birds' not found


Now, someone can tell you that the problem is the the file "yellow-birds" doesn't exist in your current directory.

Hope this helps!

Oh, and no one is going to "jump all over you" or call you "dumb". We want you to have success and we want to help you ... but you have to help by being exact in detailing the problems. Much as we would like, we're not psychic.