How do I connect my keyboard to my iPad?

REQUIRED ACCESSORIES

To connect your keyboard to your iPad, you first need to make sure your keyboard has either a USB port or MIDI ports. You will then connect your keyboard to your iPad using: 

1. A cable: If you have a USB port, you will need a USB A to B cable. If you have MIDI ports, you'll need a MIDI to USB cable. 

Check in the back of the keyboard for ports labeled "USB" or "USB TO HOST", or "MIDI In" and "MIDI Out". If you're using a digital piano, the ports may be located underneath the keyboard.

2. A Lightning to USB Camera adapter made by Apple for iPads with Lightning Ports:

OR

A USB-C Adapter made by Apple for iPads with USB-C Ports:

HOW TO CONNECT

USB PORT

If your keyboard has a USB to Host port,

you will need a USB A to B cable. This cable is also referred to as a "printer cable" since it's used to connect printers to computers.

1. Plug the USB B end of the cable (square-ish in shape) into the USB port on your keyboard. (If your keyboard has two USB ports: USB to Device and USB to Host, make sure to plug into the USB to Host port).

2. Plug the USB A end of the cable into the USB to Lightning Adapter or USB-C Adapter.

3. Plug the Lightning or USB-C end of the adapter into the iPad. Make sure to power on the keyboard when you're ready to play. 

4. Go to Settings > Keyboard & Volumes. Then tap Start Keyboard Setup.

5. In the first prompt, select your MIDI Device. Then tap Next.

6. In the next prompts, you will be asked to play the leftmost and rightmost keys on your keyboard. 

By connecting your keyboard to your iPad with the necessary cable and adapter, Playground will then be able to recognize the keys you play on your keyboard and offer real-time feedback.

MIDI PORTS

If your keyboard has a MIDI In and MIDI Out ports,

you will need a MIDI to USB cable.

1. To connect the keyboard using a MIDI to USB cable, plug the MIDI IN end of the cable into the MIDI OUT port on the keyboard. Plug the MIDI OUT end of the cable into the MIDI IN port on the keyboard. (If plugging the cables in the above manner doesn't establish a connection, reverse the cables).

2. Plug the USB A end of the cable into the USB to Lightning Adapter or USB-C Adapter.

3. Plug the Lightning or USB-C end of the adapter into the iPad.

4. Go to Settings > Keyboard & Volumes. Then tap Start Keyboard Setup.

5. In the first prompt, select your MIDI Device. Then tap Next.

6. In then next prompts, you will be asked to play the leftmost and rightmost keys on your keyboard. 

By connecting your keyboard to your iPad with the necessary cable and adapter, the Playground Sessions app will be able to recognize the keys you play on your keyboard and offer real-time feedback, scoring, and track your progress through lessons.