You can have a free Midi-Keyboard right on your Vista Desktop

This ought to keep the kids interested.

The program is very simple and includes only volume and octave controls, but can be used with the mouse or by using the letter/symbol keys on your computer keyboard. It has only one sound... Grand Piano... but it's FREE!

I provide no support for it. I built it as an experiment in Microsoft VB2008 Express.

When it starts it allows you to select your Internal Midi Device (most computers only have one) and gives very brief instructions. After the keyboard appears on your screen start playing!

Octave is controlled by the Left/Right arrow keys on the number keypad.

Volume is controlled by the Up/Down arrow keys on the number keypad.

Download here and have fun!