MIDI Magic: Crafting a Full Band Demo with Dave Cohen

Join award-winning keys player Dave Cohen—known for his work with artists like Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and Ed Sheeran—as he demonstrates how to create a full band demo using only MIDI. Blending technical genius with the personality we all know and love, Dave showcases the power of MIDI in modern production, exploring everything you need to know to get a professional sounding demo out of only a computer and a keyboard with an emphasis on layering, the creative process, and making sure the demo doesn’t lose it’s humanity. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or new to MIDI, this video will help you take your production to the next level. 

1 episode

Dave Cohen

Dave Cohen

Producer, Musician

Originally from Calgary, Alberta Canada, keyboardist Dave Cohen has spent the past 10 years in Nashville, garnering accolades that most musicians could only hope to achieve. Cohen first got his start touring with stand-out Canadian acts such as Johnny Reid and Amanda Marshall. After moving to the states and hitting the road to play for country icon Joe Nichols and hit-makers like Big & Rich and Wynonna, Cohen stepped away from touring in 2013 to focus on fine-tuning his talent strictly as a studio musician, songwriter, and producer.

Cohen has since played on countless No. 1 hits by music’s biggest stars including Post Malone, Rascal Flatts, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Ed Sheeren, Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Kip Moore, Old Dominion, Chris Lane and more.

Awards: ACM Keyboardist of the Year 2016, 2018, 2020, & 2022; ACM Album of the Year 2021; Music Row Keyboardist of the Year 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023. Dave has also played on over 100 #1 songs.