Connect a MIDI keyboard to iPad

What you need before you start

Install Melovance from the App Store and check the listing for the current iPad compatibility requirements. You also need a compatible MIDI keyboard and a connection that carries MIDI data to your iPad.

The exact cable or adapter depends on the ports on your keyboard and iPad. A USB connection must support data, rather than charging alone. Check your keyboard manufacturer’s iPad connection instructions before buying an adapter. An audio output or headphone cable does not carry MIDI note data.

• An iPad that meets the App Store requirements.
• A compatible MIDI keyboard, with its power supply if required.
• A suitable MIDI data connection and any required adapter.
• An internet connection for the initial piano sound download.

1. Install the app and prepare piano sounds

Open Melovance and keep the app in the foreground while it prepares its piano sounds. The first launch downloads about 113 MB. Wait for this preparation to finish before relying on piano playback.

If the download fails, retry it. Completed chunks are saved. Piano playback works offline after preparation; that does not mean every account or coaching feature works offline.

2. Connect the keyboard and select its MIDI input

Power on your keyboard and connect it to the iPad using the connection recommended for your devices. Open Melovance, then go to Settings → Instruments and select the keyboard’s MIDI input.

Play a few notes before beginning a practice attempt. Confirm that the app responds to your keyboard. Hearing your keyboard’s own speakers alone does not confirm that Melovance is receiving MIDI.

3. Complete a short practice attempt

Choose a lesson or practice passage and play it using the connected keyboard. After completing an attempt, review the practice analysis and its focused recommendation before trying again.

Keep the first passage short so you can check the connection and understand the feedback without working through an entire piece. One completed practice attempt generates one analysis; your plan determines the daily allowance.

If your keyboard does not appear

Check the keyboard’s power, reconnect the data cable, and look again under Settings → Instruments. If you use a hub or adapter, check that it supports your keyboard’s data and power requirements.

Confirm that your keyboard supports MIDI with iPad using the manufacturer’s documentation. If you still need help, contact Melovance support with the iPad model, iPadOS version, keyboard model, app version, and the cables or adapters you are using. You can explore scores, playback, and the metronome without a keyboard, but MIDI performance feedback requires a working MIDI connection.