In this brief article, I will approach the nine standards listed below using technological devices rather than conventional devices such as acoustic pianos, manuscript paper, chalkboards, etc. In order to simplify the process, I will focus on one technology tool - a MIDI sequencer. A sequencer is not a tape recorder, even though it can perform similar functions such as record, playback, and edit. By comparison the tape recorder is a primitive device that records and plays back sounds. The sequencer, on the other hand, is an extremely flexible and versatile device that records and plays back performance information.
Some sequencers can record and play back acoustic sounds in addition to performance information.
Performance information can include information such as the specific notes played, the dynamics of each note, the use of controllers such as sustain switches, volume pedals, and more. Sequencers also make it possible to change or to edit almost any aspect of the performance information. For example, most sequencers will allow you to correct wrong notes, to change tempo, to play back a song in a different key, and to change instrumental sounds. A sequencer also makes it possible to save or to store performance information, usually on a computer disk. This storage capability allows you retrieve the data and play back the song at a later time without having to re-record the music.