pianoterm is a powerful Linux command-line interface tool that enables users to trigger shell commands directly from a USB MIDI keyboard. This innovative solution allows musicians and tech enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate their musical instrument with command execution, enhancing both creativity and productivity.

Key Features

• Run Shell Commands from Your Piano: Easily assign specific shell commands to individual keys on your MIDI keyboard, facilitating a unique way to control software and scripts while performing.
• Flexible Configuration: Customize key assignments through a configuration file located in $HOME/.config/pianoterm/config, adapting the tool to suit personal workflows.

Usage Example

To start using pianoterm, run the following command in your terminal:

pianoterm <port>

Note: Ensure that ALSA is set up as the soundcard driver and utilize acconnect -i to identify the desired MIDI port.

Configuration Details

The configuration file allows for versatile setups:

# This is a comment

# trigger can be on_release or on_press
on_press

# syntax: port = command
# Use aseqdump -p <port> to find specific keycodes

21 = playerctl previous  # first key on an 88-key keyboard
22 = playerctl play-pause
23 = playerctl next
# ...
108 = /home/me/my_script.sh

This example configuration demonstrates how to set up keys 21 through 23 to control common media playback functions, while key 108 can be linked to a custom script.

pianoterm also provides a straightforward build process:

git clone https://github.com/vustagc/pianoterm.git
cd pianoterm && make

Dependencies

To ensure optimal performance, the following dependencies are required:

• C compiler
• alsactl (version 1.2.15.2)
• make (optional)

Leverage the potential of your MIDI keyboard with pianoterm and explore new ways to enhance your musical and technical projects.