Hello all,

I am running pd on ubuntu 11.10, I am having trouble/confusion on how to use the makenote and noteout objects. I think my problem is that I need a midi "program?" that will take the noteout and play it?

I think I just need to install a simple midi keyboard in the software center?

right, or you plug a "reel" MIDI device to your computer.

Ok so what I have is VMPK, which when in my pd patch will pick up the note I send to note out. So now comes another problem, how do I now get VMPK to play the note? Is there a better program to use that will take the midi input and play a note?

amsynth, Bristol, ...;)
or even ( the real fun ) build your own synth with pd

VMPK does not make sound on its own. If you have it picking up the note though, you are doing it all right, you just need to find another app that actually makes sound and route the midi to that program instead.

as others have said, there are plenty of those around. amSynth is a good and simple one. Zynaddsubfx is about my favorite linux synth... maybe give that a shot