This is strange. My daughter and I were just talking about Midi also. She is interested in getting a Midi Controller keyboard and software for recording.
I noticed Korg makes a nice 61 key Midi controller and they give you a LE version of a popular Korg Synthesizer software free with it. I was $179 at American Musical.
By the way anyone in the market for any musical instruments, PA equipment, etc ought to check out
www.americanmusical.com
I have bought from them for years and they are great. The best thing is that if you buy $300 or more from them if you want they will split it over 3 monthly charges to your credit or check card with only a one time $3.95 processing fee so you don't have any interest, etc.
I just bought a Zoom H4 and some bass / drum software for my daughter along with three mic's, stands, and cables for me.