There have been a plethora of programs designed for integrating MIDI, computers, and composition. A few names include Finale, Encore, Twelve Tone System's Cakewalk, and Steinberg's Cubase. The latter is one of the key players in pushing the envelope in sequencing. "During the past few years, Steinberg's irrepressible Cubase sequencer has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Like some nuclear-enhanced creature in a '50's sci-fi movie, this program just keeps getting more and more powerful. Fortunately the mad scientists at Steinberg have harnessed this power for the benefit of the world's desktop musicians" (Rubin 130). As others note, "Cubase is easy to learn, and is well-stocked with utilities of all kinds" (Aikin 85), and, "If you can't make beautiful music with this software, it's not the software's fault" (Aikin 90).

Since its introduction in 1988, Cubase has been on the cutting edge of mixing the ever growing alchemy of music, computers, and technology. In the mid 90's Steinberg released an updated version, called Cubase VST. As one reviewer writes, "The studio that lives entirely inside a computer has become a Holy Grail of electronic music. No cables to trip over, no synchronization headaches, no rack modules to schlep to the repair shop. Like the Grail, this 'virtual studio' is still elusive. But we're sneaking up on it. Steinberg takes a giant step forward with Cubase VST (the letters stand for 'Virtual Studio Technology')" (Aikin 85). Even in our present day, Steinberg continues to innovate, making its software fuse with the latest technological advances in operation system design. A pioneer in the field, Steinberg continues to release new Cubase sequencer products, including programs such as Cubase SX and Cubase System 4, employing powerful new technology (Steinberg). A reviewer writes, "Steinberg has taken advantage of two significant system upgrades, Windows XP and Mac OS X, to revitalize its Cubase line of sequencers. The result is a must-have upgrade for Cubase users and a worthy contender in the field of full-featured digital audio sequencing software. Cubase SX is more than just a face-lift; it combines the best features of Cubase VST/32 and Nuendo. Some familiar Cubase features have been left in the dust, but all in all, the new program is more streamlined, easier to use, and more powerful" (Sasso para. 1).

In summary, MIDI has been a powerful tool in the arsenals of professionals and amateurs alike. As one Electronic Musician Magazine reviewer puts it, "In its few years of existence, MIDI has greatly contributed to the growth and expanded capabilities of electronic musical instruments. Musicians around the world, working in living rooms, bedrooms, and professional recording studios of all shapes and sizes, now use MIDI to help bring their musical ideas to life. In the truest sense, it has brought about a revolution" (Trubitt 10).