Research->Computer Music->Production
This page shows how to make homepage with background music by using the Automated Composing System.
 
Step 1 : Setting up MIDI environment 
First, you have to set up your PC. Since visitor of your homepage may use Netscape Navigator or Internet Explore, you should have both browsers. You also need plug-ins for these browsers such as YAMAHA MidPlug. You also need a sequencer soft, if you want to edit MIDI files. 
Web Browser 
Netscape Navigator
Internet Explorer
Software Synthesizer
YAMAHA MidPlug
ROLAND Virtual Sound Canvas
Step 2 : Creating a MIDI file
You create MIDI files using Automated Composing System in this step. Set parameters to generate a MIDI files that fits into your homepage. Music Box Music fits into various kinds of homepage. You may select ethnic music if your contents includes ethnic topics. 
Step 3 : Editing MIDI file
If you get a good tune from the Automated Composing System, you should edit it. Although this step is easy and do not need knowledge of music theory, if you do not have time, you can skip this step. The midi file that is created by the Automated Composing System may not be perfect. However, if you edit it and remove dissonant and unnecessary part, it will be far better. If you do not have a sequence soft, you can get one at web sites that provides freeware download service such as shareware.com. Open the midi file with sequence soft and delete dissonant and unnatural notes. Simply you should delete the part that you do no want to have. You also can change tempo, music instruments, etc... If you intend to have the tune loop, cut the ending part of the tune. It is the last two or three majors.  
Freeware Download Site 
shareware.com
Step 4 : Midi file size reduction
When you attach a midi file to your web site, you should be careful of the file size. The simplest way to reduce file size is to reduce the number of notes. However, there is another way. There is a software that reduces midi file size and holds the tune unchanged. You can download the software from Mr. Sugama's web site if you can read Japanese. 
There is one more thing that you should know. There are several format for MIDI such as format 0 and format 1. For the same tune, format 0 is smaller than format 1. The Automated Composing System generates a MIDI file with format 1. So, after editing the file, save it as format 0. 
Midi file size reduction tool
Mr. Sugama's web site
Step 5 : Attaching Midi file to your homepage
First, you should upload MIDI file to your web site. Then you rewrite HTML codes of your homepage. Add a command to play the MIDI file into HTML codes of the page that you want to attach BGM and upload it. You should write different commands for different web browsers. Netscape uses "EMBED" tag while Internet Explorer uses "BGSOUND" tag. If you use "EMBED" tag, it may valid for both browsers. If you want to have the BGM repeat, you should set TRUE for both "LOOP" and "REPEAT." If you want to be perfect, you can use JAVA script to distinguish which browser is in use. 
Site that explains how to attach MIDI to homepage
Miningco.com
 Step 6 : Testing 
You should test what you have done. You should use both Netscape and Internet Explorer when you test your homepage.