How to use a ROLI or LUMI piano with GarageBand on Mac

Connect the keyboard

Plug LUMI Keys into your Mac with USB-C. For Bluetooth, open Audio MIDI Setup, choose Window then Show MIDI Studio, click the Bluetooth icon and connect the keyboard.

Create a software instrument track

Open GarageBand, create a new project and choose a Software Instrument track. GarageBand detects MIDI keyboards automatically: play a key and you will hear sound.

Pick a sound

Choose a piano, synth or strings in the library on the left. The two octaves of LUMI Keys can be shifted up or down with the keyboard's octave buttons.

Practice, then create

Learn songs with falling notes in DOLI PIANO, then record your own ideas in GarageBand. Both work with the same keyboard.

Recording your first piece

Select a Software Instrument track, press the red Record button, play, then press Stop. Your notes appear as small bars you can move or delete. Turn on the metronome in the control bar to keep a steady tempo, and use the count-in so you have time to place your hands.

If there is no sound

Check that the selected track is a Software Instrument track, not an audio track. In GarageBand settings, under Audio/MIDI, make sure MIDI input is detected. Check the Mac's sound output in System Settings.

Using it with lessons

A good routine is to learn a song in DOLI PIANO with falling notes, then open GarageBand, pick a nice piano sound and record your performance. Listening back is one of the best ways to hear your progress.

Frequently asked questions