Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

My asdvice is to keep your device and add a keyboard controller of 
some kind (plan to spend about $100 to $200 for this).

Then, download the trial copy of sonic foundry Acid and the demo of 
Fruity loops. 

Also,go to your nearest music store and ask a asalesperson for a book 
on scales. This should map out each scale across a keyboard (as well 
as your pads on your XX-7) and provide you with chord variations for 
each key.


Once you have that, here is what I would do to BUILD an understanding 
of anything you are interested in.

- First (for about a week or two) Just learn how to use the basics of 
Fruity Loops. You won't be able to save, but you can still learn from 
this tool. Try playing a song you like and try to repeat the drum 
parts you hear in fruity loops. This will help you know what you are 
hearing and it will be easier to reproduce these PATTERNS on your XX-
7.

- Second, learn the basics of Sonic Foundry's (now owned by Sony) 
Acid software. You'll be able to save but only use a max of 8 tracks 
(probably other limitations too).

Download the free loops from acidplanet and from the Sony "Acid" 
software web site. You should now focus on combining rhythms and 
sounds to achieve a mix you like. Change the tempo, change the key, 
slow the tempo down and try to make the arpeggios and melodies you 
hear come out on your XX-7.

Also, you can import songs you like into acid and "play along".

The point is instant gratification for your current level of 
creativity, something to keep you inspired, rewarded and keep you 
wanting to learn more.

After you ave done all that for about 4 weeks total, get your chord 
charts and sclaess out and use your keyboard and start playing your 
original ideas. Play some chord combinations, some single note 
melodies, etc...

You should pick an idea you like or want to reproduce and make that 
your first accomplishment. Oh, and If you have a problem with speed, 
slow things down or do step recording. Need to see a rhythm before 
you program it? Use fruity. Need to really hear what is going on in 
one part of a song? put it's mp3 in acid and slow acid down until you 
can imitate it.

Learning from what others have done can be done different ways, but 
you really need to learn from others experiences (ie: music you 
like), one way or another.