Few Questions About Midi Options

[Belligerent Ente...]

I just introduced myself to MIDI and I'm stumped. Now I have a pretty good idea of what I may need to be successful but I was wondering if one of you could possibly help me.

What I'm trying to do is transfer data from my keyboard to the software I use on my computer.

My set up is this: Keyboard > MIDI cables > MIDI Interface > Recording Software

Now my question is, do I need anything else to be successful? I've read about MIDI controllers, would I need that to get my data in sync to appear on my software?

i.e: Keyboard > MIDI cables > MIDI Controller > MIDI Interface > Recording Software?

If someone could possibly walk me through this it would be greatly appreciated.

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I have one other question. I have MIDI examples that open up in my recording software. How do I actually listen to the data or is it even possible?

Thank you!