diff --git a/Source/FilePicker.cpp b/Source/FilePicker.cpp
index 38517c0..6ddf8ab 100644
--- a/Source/FilePicker.cpp
+++ b/Source/FilePicker.cpp
@@ -6,24 +6,26 @@
 #include "MyColours.h"
 
 FilePicker::FilePicker(
-        FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel
+    AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
+    FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel
 )
-: fileChooser(
-        "File",
-        File(),
-        true,
-        false,
-        false,
-        "*.sf2;*.sf3",
-        String(),
-        "Choose a Soundfont file to load into the synthesizer"
-),
-  fluidSynthModel(fluidSynthModel),
-  currentPath() {
+: fileChooser{
+    "File",
+    File(),
+    true,
+    false,
+    false,
+    "*.sf2;*.sf3",
+    String(),
+    "Choose a Soundfont file to load into the synthesizer"}
+, valueTreeState{valueTreeState}
+, fluidSynthModel{fluidSynthModel}
+// , currentPath{}
+{
     // faster (rounded edges introduce transparency)
     setOpaque (true);
 
-    setDisplayedFilePath(fluidSynthModel->getCurrentSoundFontAbsPath());
+    setDisplayedFilePath(fluidSynthModel.getCurrentSoundFontAbsPath());
 
     addAndMakeVisible (fileChooser);
     fileChooser.addListener (this);
@@ -47,7 +49,7 @@ void FilePicker::paint(Graphics& g)
 
 void FilePicker::filenameComponentChanged (FilenameComponent*) {
     currentPath = fileChooser.getCurrentFile().getFullPathName();
-    fluidSynthModel->onFileNameChanged(fileChooser.getCurrentFile().getFullPathName(), -1, -1);
+    fluidSynthModel.onFileNameChanged(fileChooser.getCurrentFile().getFullPathName(), -1, -1);
 }
 
 void FilePicker::setDisplayedFilePath(const String& path) {
diff --git a/Source/FilePicker.h b/Source/FilePicker.h
index 8a1c3bc..c187724 100644
--- a/Source/FilePicker.h
+++ b/Source/FilePicker.h
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@ class FilePicker: public Component,
 {
 public:
     FilePicker(
-            FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel
+        AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
+        FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel
     );
     ~FilePicker();
 
@@ -25,7 +26,8 @@ public:
 private:
     FilenameComponent fileChooser;
 
-    FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel;
+    AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState;
+    FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel;
 
     String currentPath;
 
diff --git a/Source/FluidSynthModel.cpp b/Source/FluidSynthModel.cpp
index 085323f..27ab5fd 100644
--- a/Source/FluidSynthModel.cpp
+++ b/Source/FluidSynthModel.cpp
@@ -3,33 +3,46 @@
 //
 
 #include <iostream>
+#include <fluidsynth.h>
 #include "FluidSynthModel.h"
 #include "MidiConstants.h"
+#include "Util.h"
 
 using namespace std;
 
-FluidSynthModel::FluidSynthModel(shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams)
-        : sharedParams{sharedParams},
-          synth{nullptr},
-          settings{nullptr},
-          currentSoundFontAbsPath{},
-          currentSampleRate{44100},
-          initialised{false},
-          sfont_id{0},
-          channel{0}/*,
-          mod(nullptr)*/
+FluidSynthModel::FluidSynthModel(
+    AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
+    SharesParams& sharedParams
+    )
+: valueTreeState{valueTreeState}
+, sharedParams{sharedParams}
+//, synth{nullptr}
+, settings{nullptr, nullptr}
+, currentSoundFontAbsPath{}
+, currentSampleRate{44100}
+, initialised{false}
+, sfont_id{0}
+, channel{0}/*,
+mod(nullptr)*/
 
 {}
 
-FluidSynthModel::~FluidSynthModel() {
-    if (initialised) {
+// FluidSynthModel::~FluidSynthModel() {
+    // if (initialised) {
 //        delete_fluid_audio_driver(driver);
-        delete_fluid_synth(synth);
-        delete_fluid_settings(settings);
+        // delete_fluid_synth(synth);
+//        delete_fluid_settings(settings);
 //        delete driver;
 //        delete settings;
 //        delete_fluid_mod(mod);
-    }
+    // }
+// }
+
+int FluidSynthModel::handleMidiEvent(void* data, fluid_midi_event_t* event)
+{
+//    DEBUG_PRINT(fluid_midi_event_get_type(event));
+    // printf("event type: %d\n", fluid_midi_event_get_type(event));
+    return 0;
 }
 
 void FluidSynthModel::initialise() {
@@ -37,26 +50,47 @@ void FluidSynthModel::initialise() {
 //        delete_fluid_synth(synth);
 //        delete_fluid_settings(settings);
 //    }
+    settings = { new_fluid_settings(), delete_fluid_settings };
+
     // deactivate all audio drivers in fluidsynth to avoid FL Studio deadlock when initialising CoreAudio
     // after all: we only use fluidsynth to render blocks of audio. it doesn't output to audio driver.
-    const char *DRV[] = {NULL};
+    const char *DRV[] {NULL};
     fluid_audio_driver_register(DRV);
+    
+//    handle_midi_event_func_t handler = [](void* data, fluid_midi_event_t* event) -> int {
+//
+//    };
+    
+//    midiDriver = unique_ptr<fluid_midi_driver_t, decltype(&delete_fluid_midi_driver)>(
+//        new_fluid_midi_driver(
+//            settings.get(),
+//              [](void* data, fluid_midi_event_t* event) -> int {
+//
+//              },
+//            nullptr),
+//        delete_fluid_midi_driver);
 
-    settings = new_fluid_settings();
+    
     // https://sourceforge.net/p/fluidsynth/wiki/FluidSettings/
 #if JUCE_DEBUG
-    fluid_settings_setint(settings, "synth.verbose", 1);
+    fluid_settings_setint(settings.get(), "synth.verbose", 1);
 #endif
 
-    synth = new_fluid_synth(settings);
-    fluid_synth_set_sample_rate(synth, currentSampleRate);
+    synth = { new_fluid_synth(settings.get()), delete_fluid_synth };
+    fluid_synth_set_sample_rate(synth.get(), currentSampleRate);
 
-    if (sharedParams->getSoundFontPath().isNotEmpty()) {
-        loadFont(sharedParams->getSoundFontPath());
-        changePreset(sharedParams->getBank(), sharedParams->getPreset());
+    valueTreeState.getParameter("soundFontPath")->getValue();
+    // RangedAudioParameter *param {valueTreeState.getParameter("release")};
+    // jassert(dynamic_cast<AudioParameterInt*> (param) != nullptr);
+    // AudioParameterInt* castParam {dynamic_cast<AudioParameterInt*> (param)};
+    // *castParam = m.getControllerValue();
+
+    if (sharedParams.getSoundFontPath().isNotEmpty()) {
+        loadFont(sharedParams.getSoundFontPath());
+//        changePreset(sharedParams->getBank(), sharedParams->getPreset());
     }
 
-    fluid_synth_set_gain(synth, 2.0);
+    fluid_synth_set_gain(synth.get(), 2.0);
     
     for(int i{SOUND_CTRL1}; i <= SOUND_CTRL10; i++)
     {
@@ -81,90 +115,84 @@ void FluidSynthModel::initialise() {
     // all SOUND_CTRL are inited with value of 64, not zero.
     // "Just like panning, a value of 64 indicates no change for sound ctrls"
     
-    fluid_mod_t *mod(new_fluid_mod());
+    unique_ptr<fluid_mod_t, decltype(&delete_fluid_mod)> mod{new_fluid_mod(), delete_fluid_mod};
 //
-    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod,
+    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod.get(),
                           static_cast<int>(SOUND_CTRL2), // MIDI CC 71 Timbre/Harmonic Intensity (filter resonance)
                           FLUID_MOD_CC
                           | FLUID_MOD_UNIPOLAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_CONCAVE
                           | FLUID_MOD_POSITIVE);
-    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod, 0, 0);
-    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod, GEN_FILTERQ);
-    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, FLUID_PEAK_ATTENUATION);
-    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth, mod, FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
-    delete_fluid_mod(mod);
+    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod.get(), 0, 0);
+    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod.get(), GEN_FILTERQ);
+    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), FLUID_PEAK_ATTENUATION);
+    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth.get(), mod.get(), FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
     
-    mod = new_fluid_mod();
-    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod,
+    mod = {new_fluid_mod(), delete_fluid_mod};
+    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod.get(),
                           static_cast<int>(SOUND_CTRL3), // MIDI CC 72 Release time
                           FLUID_MOD_CC
                           | FLUID_MOD_UNIPOLAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_LINEAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_POSITIVE);
-    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod, 0, 0);
-    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod, GEN_VOLENVRELEASE);
-//    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, 15200.0f);
-    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, env_amount);
-    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth, mod, FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
-    delete_fluid_mod(mod);
+    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod.get(), 0, 0);
+    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod.get(), GEN_VOLENVRELEASE);
+//    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), 15200.0f);
+    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), env_amount);
+    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth.get(), mod.get(), FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
     
-    mod = new_fluid_mod();
-    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod,
+    mod = {new_fluid_mod(), delete_fluid_mod};
+    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod.get(),
                           static_cast<int>(SOUND_CTRL4), // MIDI CC 73 Attack time
                           FLUID_MOD_CC
                           | FLUID_MOD_UNIPOLAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_LINEAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_POSITIVE);
-    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod, 0, 0);
-    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod, GEN_VOLENVATTACK);
-    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, env_amount);
-    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth, mod, FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
-    delete_fluid_mod(mod);
+    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod.get(), 0, 0);
+    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod.get(), GEN_VOLENVATTACK);
+    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), env_amount);
+    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth.get(), mod.get(), FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
     
     // soundfont spec says that if cutoff is >20kHz and resonance Q is 0, then no filtering occurs
-    mod = new_fluid_mod();
-    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod,
+    mod = {new_fluid_mod(), delete_fluid_mod};
+    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod.get(),
                           static_cast<int>(SOUND_CTRL5), // MIDI CC 74 Brightness (cutoff frequency, FILTERFC)
                           FLUID_MOD_CC
                           | FLUID_MOD_LINEAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_UNIPOLAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_POSITIVE);
-        fluid_mod_set_source2(mod, 0, 0);
-    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod, GEN_FILTERFC);
-    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, -2400.0f);
-    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth, mod, FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
-    delete_fluid_mod(mod);
+        fluid_mod_set_source2(mod.get(), 0, 0);
+    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod.get(), GEN_FILTERFC);
+    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), -2400.0f);
+    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth.get(), mod.get(), FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
     
-    mod = new_fluid_mod();
-    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod,
+    mod = {new_fluid_mod(), delete_fluid_mod};
+    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod.get(),
                           static_cast<int>(SOUND_CTRL6), // MIDI CC 75 Decay Time
                           FLUID_MOD_CC
                           | FLUID_MOD_UNIPOLAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_LINEAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_POSITIVE);
-    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod, 0, 0);
-    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod, GEN_VOLENVDECAY);
-    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, env_amount);
-    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth, mod, FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
-    delete_fluid_mod(mod);
+    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod.get(), 0, 0);
+    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod.get(), GEN_VOLENVDECAY);
+    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), env_amount);
+    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth.get(), mod.get(), FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
     
-    mod = new_fluid_mod();
-    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod,
+    mod = {new_fluid_mod(), delete_fluid_mod};
+    fluid_mod_set_source1(mod.get(),
                           static_cast<int>(SOUND_CTRL10), // MIDI CC 79 undefined
                           FLUID_MOD_CC
                           | FLUID_MOD_UNIPOLAR
                           | FLUID_MOD_CONCAVE
                           | FLUID_MOD_POSITIVE);
-    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod, 0, 0);
-    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod, GEN_VOLENVSUSTAIN);
+    fluid_mod_set_source2(mod.get(), 0, 0);
+    fluid_mod_set_dest(mod.get(), GEN_VOLENVSUSTAIN);
     // fluice_voice.c#fluid_voice_update_param()
     // clamps the range to between 0 and 1000, so we'll copy that
-    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod, 1000.0f);
-    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth, mod, FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
-    delete_fluid_mod(mod);
+    fluid_mod_set_amount(mod.get(), 1000.0f);
+    fluid_synth_add_default_mod(synth.get(), mod.get(), FLUID_SYNTH_ADD);
 
-    initialised = true;
+    // initialised = true;
 }
 
 void FluidSynthModel::setControllerValue(int controller, int value) {
@@ -173,7 +201,7 @@ void FluidSynthModel::setControllerValue(int controller, int value) {
     fluid_midi_event_set_channel(midi_event, channel);
     fluid_midi_event_set_control(midi_event, controller);
     fluid_midi_event_set_value(midi_event, value);
-    fluid_synth_handle_midi_event(synth, midi_event);
+    fluid_synth_handle_midi_event(synth.get(), midi_event);
     delete_fluid_midi_event(midi_event);
     //        fluid_channel_set_cc(channel, i, 0);
 }
@@ -189,16 +217,16 @@ void FluidSynthModel::changePreset(int bank, int preset) {
         preset = bankAndPreset->getPreset();
     }
     changePresetImpl(bank, preset);
-    sharedParams->setPreset(preset);
-    sharedParams->setBank(bank);
+//    sharedParams->setPreset(preset);
+//    sharedParams->setBank(bank);
 }
 
 void FluidSynthModel::changePresetImpl(int bank, int preset) {
-    fluid_synth_program_select(synth, channel, sfont_id, static_cast<unsigned int>(bank), static_cast<unsigned int>(preset));
+    fluid_synth_program_select(synth.get(), channel, sfont_id, static_cast<unsigned int>(bank), static_cast<unsigned int>(preset));
 }
 
 fluid_preset_t* FluidSynthModel::getFirstPreset() {
-    fluid_sfont_t* sfont = fluid_synth_get_sfont_by_id(synth, sfont_id);
+    fluid_sfont_t* sfont = fluid_synth_get_sfont_by_id(synth.get(), sfont_id);
 
     jassert(sfont != nullptr);
     fluid_sfont_iteration_start(sfont);
@@ -209,7 +237,7 @@ fluid_preset_t* FluidSynthModel::getFirstPreset() {
 unique_ptr<BankAndPreset> FluidSynthModel::getFirstBankAndPreset() {
     fluid_preset_t* preset = getFirstPreset();
 
-    int offset = fluid_synth_get_bank_offset(synth, sfont_id);
+    int offset = fluid_synth_get_bank_offset(synth.get(), sfont_id);
 
     return make_unique<BankAndPreset>(fluid_preset_get_banknum(preset) + offset, fluid_preset_get_num(preset));
 };
@@ -217,7 +245,7 @@ unique_ptr<BankAndPreset> FluidSynthModel::getFirstBankAndPreset() {
 void FluidSynthModel::selectFirstPreset() {
     fluid_preset_t* preset = getFirstPreset();
 
-    int offset = fluid_synth_get_bank_offset(synth, sfont_id);
+    int offset = fluid_synth_get_bank_offset(synth.get(), sfont_id);
 
     changePreset(fluid_preset_get_banknum(preset) + offset, fluid_preset_get_num(preset));
 }
@@ -225,14 +253,14 @@ void FluidSynthModel::selectFirstPreset() {
 BanksToPresets FluidSynthModel::getBanks() {
     BanksToPresets banksToPresets;
 
-    int soundfontCount = fluid_synth_sfcount(synth);
+    int soundfontCount = fluid_synth_sfcount(synth.get());
 
     if (soundfontCount == 0) {
         // no soundfont selected
         return banksToPresets;
     }
 
-    fluid_sfont_t* sfont = fluid_synth_get_sfont_by_id(synth, sfont_id);
+    fluid_sfont_t* sfont = fluid_synth_get_sfont_by_id(synth.get(), sfont_id);
     if(sfont == nullptr) {
         // no soundfont found by that ID
         // the above guard (soundfontCount) protects us for the
@@ -240,7 +268,7 @@ BanksToPresets FluidSynthModel::getBanks() {
         return banksToPresets;
     }
 
-    int offset = fluid_synth_get_bank_offset(synth, sfont_id);
+    int offset = fluid_synth_get_bank_offset(synth.get(), sfont_id);
 
     fluid_sfont_iteration_start(sfont);
 
@@ -259,7 +287,7 @@ BanksToPresets FluidSynthModel::getBanks() {
     return banksToPresets;
 }
 
-fluid_synth_t* FluidSynthModel::getSynth() {
+shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> FluidSynthModel::getSynth() {
     // https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh279669.aspx
     // You can pass a shared_ptr to another function in the following ways:
     // Pass the shared_ptr by value. This invokes the copy constructor, increments the reference count, and makes the callee an owner.
@@ -272,14 +300,14 @@ void FluidSynthModel::onFileNameChanged(const String &absPath, int bank, int pre
     }
     unloadAndLoadFont(absPath);
     changePreset(bank, preset);
-    sharedParams->setSoundFontPath(absPath);
+    sharedParams.setSoundFontPath(absPath);
     eventListeners.call(&FluidSynthModel::Listener::fontChanged, this, absPath);
 }
 
 void FluidSynthModel::unloadAndLoadFont(const String &absPath) {
     // in the base case, there is no font loaded
-    if (fluid_synth_sfcount(synth) > 0) {
-        fluid_synth_sfunload(synth, sfont_id, 1);
+    if (fluid_synth_sfcount(synth.get()) > 0) {
+        fluid_synth_sfunload(synth.get(), sfont_id, 1);
     }
     loadFont(absPath);
 }
@@ -287,7 +315,7 @@ void FluidSynthModel::unloadAndLoadFont(const String &absPath) {
 void FluidSynthModel::loadFont(const String &absPath) {
     currentSoundFontAbsPath = absPath;
     sfont_id++;
-    fluid_synth_sfload(synth, absPath.toStdString().c_str(), 1);
+    fluid_synth_sfload(synth.get(), absPath.toStdString().c_str(), 1);
 }
 
 FluidSynthModel::Listener::~Listener() {
@@ -323,9 +351,11 @@ void FluidSynthModel::removeListener (FluidSynthModel::Listener* const listener)
 
 void FluidSynthModel::setSampleRate(float sampleRate) {
     currentSampleRate = sampleRate;
-    if (!initialised) {
+    // https://stackoverflow.com/a/40856043/5257399
+    // test if a smart pointer is null
+    if (!synth) {
         // don't worry; we'll do this in initialise phase regardless
         return;
     }
-    fluid_synth_set_sample_rate(synth, sampleRate);
+    fluid_synth_set_sample_rate(synth.get(), sampleRate);
 }
diff --git a/Source/FluidSynthModel.h b/Source/FluidSynthModel.h
index 7785306..85a0b94 100644
--- a/Source/FluidSynthModel.h
+++ b/Source/FluidSynthModel.h
@@ -19,10 +19,13 @@ using namespace std;
 
 class FluidSynthModel {
 public:
-    FluidSynthModel(shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams);
-    ~FluidSynthModel();
+    FluidSynthModel(
+        AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
+        SharesParams& sharedParams
+        );
+    // ~FluidSynthModel();
 
-    fluid_synth_t* getSynth();
+    shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> getSynth();
     void initialise();
 
     BanksToPresets getBanks();
@@ -65,11 +68,14 @@ public:
     const String& getCurrentSoundFontAbsPath();
 
 private:
-    shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams;
+    int handleMidiEvent(void* data, fluid_midi_event_t* event);
 
-    fluid_synth_t* synth;
-    fluid_settings_t* settings;
-//    fluid_audio_driver_t* driver;
+    AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState;
+    SharesParams& sharedParams;
+
+    shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> synth;
+    unique_ptr<fluid_settings_t, decltype(&delete_fluid_settings)> settings;
+    // unique_ptr<fluid_midi_driver_t, decltype(&delete_fluid_midi_driver)> midiDriver;
 
     String currentSoundFontAbsPath;
 
diff --git a/Source/Params.cpp b/Source/Params.cpp
index a29b722..88c0046 100644
--- a/Source/Params.cpp
+++ b/Source/Params.cpp
@@ -14,73 +14,73 @@
 
 using namespace std;
 
-Params::Params() noexcept :
-    uiWidth{GuiConstants::minWidth},
-    uiHeight{GuiConstants::minHeight},
-    soundFontPath{String()},
-    preset{-1},
-    bank{-1},
-    attack{0},
-    decay{0},
-    sustain{0},
-    release{0},
-    filterCutOff{0},
-    filterResonance{0}
+Params::Params() noexcept
+: uiWidth{GuiConstants::minWidth}
+, uiHeight{GuiConstants::minHeight}
+, soundFontPath{String()}
+// , preset{-1}
+// , bank{-1}
+// , attack{0}
+// , decay{0}
+// , sustain{0}
+// , release{0}
+// , filterCutOff{0}
+// .filterResonance{0}
 {
 }
 
-void Params::setAttributesOnXml(XmlElement& xml) {
-    xml.setAttribute("uiWidth", uiWidth);
-    xml.setAttribute("uiHeight", uiHeight);
-    xml.setAttribute("soundFontPath", soundFontPath);
-    xml.setAttribute("preset", preset);
-    xml.setAttribute("bank", bank);
-    xml.setAttribute("attack", attack);
-    xml.setAttribute("decay", decay);
-    xml.setAttribute("sustain", sustain);
-    xml.setAttribute("release", release);
-    xml.setAttribute("filterCutOff", filterCutOff);
-    xml.setAttribute("filterResonance", filterResonance);
+void Params::setAttributesOnXml(shared_ptr<XmlElement> xml) {
+    xml->setAttribute("uiWidth", uiWidth);
+    xml->setAttribute("uiHeight", uiHeight);
+    xml->setAttribute("soundFontPath", soundFontPath);
+    // xml.setAttribute("preset", preset);
+    // xml.setAttribute("bank", bank);
+    // xml.setAttribute("attack", attack);
+    // xml.setAttribute("decay", decay);
+    // xml.setAttribute("sustain", sustain);
+    // xml.setAttribute("release", release);
+    // xml.setAttribute("filterCutOff", filterCutOff);
+    // xml.setAttribute("filterResonance", filterResonance);
 }
 
 void Params::loadAttributesFromXml(shared_ptr<XmlElement> xmlState) {
     uiWidth = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("uiWidth", uiWidth), GuiConstants::minWidth), GuiConstants::maxWidth);
     uiHeight = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("uiHeight", uiHeight), GuiConstants::minHeight), GuiConstants::maxHeight);
     soundFontPath = xmlState->getStringAttribute("soundFontPath", soundFontPath);
-    preset = xmlState->getIntAttribute("preset", preset);
-    bank = xmlState->getIntAttribute("bank", bank);
-    attack = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("attack", attack), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
-    decay = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("decay", decay), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
-    sustain = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("sustain", sustain), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
-    release = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("release", release), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
-    filterCutOff = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("filterCutOff", filterCutOff), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
-    filterResonance = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("filterResonance", filterResonance), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
+    // preset = xmlState->getIntAttribute("preset", preset);
+    // bank = xmlState->getIntAttribute("bank", bank);
+    // attack = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("attack", attack), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
+    // decay = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("decay", decay), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
+    // sustain = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("sustain", sustain), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
+    // release = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("release", release), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
+    // filterCutOff = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("filterCutOff", filterCutOff), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
+    // filterResonance = jmin(jmax(xmlState->getIntAttribute("filterResonance", filterResonance), MidiConstants::midiMinValue), MidiConstants::midiMaxValue);
 }
 
-void Params::acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) {
-    switch(static_cast<fluid_midi_control_change>(controller)) {
-        case SOUND_CTRL2: // MIDI CC 71 Timbre/Harmonic Intensity (filter resonance)
-            filterResonance = value;
-            break;
-        case SOUND_CTRL3: // MIDI CC 72 Release time
-            release = value;
-            break;
-        case SOUND_CTRL4: // MIDI CC 73 Attack time
-            attack = value;
-            break;
-        case SOUND_CTRL5: // MIDI CC 74 Brightness (cutoff frequency, FILTERFC)
-            filterCutOff = value;
-            break;
-        case SOUND_CTRL6: // MIDI CC 75 Decay Time
-            decay = value;
-            break;
-        case SOUND_CTRL10: // MIDI CC 79 undefined
-            sustain = value;
-            break;
-        default:
-            break;
-    }
-}
+//void Params::acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) {
+//    switch(static_cast<fluid_midi_control_change>(controller)) {
+//        case SOUND_CTRL2: // MIDI CC 71 Timbre/Harmonic Intensity (filter resonance)
+//            filterResonance = value;
+//            break;
+//        case SOUND_CTRL3: // MIDI CC 72 Release time
+//            release = value;
+//            break;
+//        case SOUND_CTRL4: // MIDI CC 73 Attack time
+//            attack = value;
+//            break;
+//        case SOUND_CTRL5: // MIDI CC 74 Brightness (cutoff frequency, FILTERFC)
+//            filterCutOff = value;
+//            break;
+//        case SOUND_CTRL6: // MIDI CC 75 Decay Time
+//            decay = value;
+//            break;
+//        case SOUND_CTRL10: // MIDI CC 79 undefined
+//            sustain = value;
+//            break;
+//        default:
+//            break;
+//    }
+//}
 
 void Params::setSoundFontPath(const String& value) {
     soundFontPath = value;
@@ -89,64 +89,64 @@ void Params::setSoundFontPath(const String& value) {
 String& Params::getSoundFontPath() {
     return soundFontPath;
 }
-int Params::getPreset() {
-    return preset;
-}
-int Params::getBank() {
-    return bank;
-}
+//int Params::getPreset() {
+//    return preset;
+//}
+//int Params::getBank() {
+//    return bank;
+//}
 int Params::getUiWidth() {
     return uiWidth;
 }
 int Params::getUiHeight() {
     return uiHeight;
 }
-int Params::getAttack() {
-    return attack;
-}
-int Params::getDecay() {
-    return decay;
-}
-int Params::getSustain() {
-    return sustain;
-}
-int Params::getRelease() {
-    return release;
-}
-int Params::getFilterCutOff() {
-    return filterCutOff;
-}
-int Params::getFilterResonance() {
-    return filterResonance;
-}
+//int Params::getAttack() {
+//    return attack;
+//}
+//int Params::getDecay() {
+//    return decay;
+//}
+//int Params::getSustain() {
+//    return sustain;
+//}
+//int Params::getRelease() {
+//    return release;
+//}
+//int Params::getFilterCutOff() {
+//    return filterCutOff;
+//}
+//int Params::getFilterResonance() {
+//    return filterResonance;
+//}
 
-void Params::setPreset(int value) {
-    preset = value;
-}
-void Params::setBank(int value) {
-    bank = value;
-}
+//void Params::setPreset(int value) {
+//    preset = value;
+//}
+//void Params::setBank(int value) {
+//    bank = value;
+//}
 void Params::setUiWidth(int value) {
     uiWidth = value;
 }
 void Params::setUiHeight(int value) {
     uiHeight = value;
 }
-void Params::setAttack(int value) {
-    attack = value;
-}
-void Params::setDecay(int value) {
-    decay = value;
-}
-void Params::setSustain(int value) {
-    sustain = value;
-}
-void Params::setRelease(int value) {
-    release = value;
-}
-void Params::setFilterCutOff(int value) {
-    filterCutOff = value;
-}
-void Params::setFilterResonance(int value) {
-    filterResonance = value;
-}
+//void Params::setAttack(int value) {
+//    attack = value;
+//}
+//void Params::setDecay(int value) {
+//    decay = value;
+//}
+//void Params::setSustain(int value) {
+//    sustain = value;
+//}
+//void Params::setRelease(int value) {
+//    release = value;
+//}
+//void Params::setFilterCutOff(int value) {
+//    filterCutOff = value;
+//}
+//void Params::setFilterResonance(int value) {
+//    filterResonance = value;
+//}
diff --git a/Source/Params.h b/Source/Params.h
index e6979f4..7452da2 100644
--- a/Source/Params.h
+++ b/Source/Params.h
@@ -9,51 +9,51 @@ class Params: public SharesParams {
 public:
     Params() noexcept;
     
-    virtual void setAttributesOnXml(XmlElement& xml) override;
+    virtual void setAttributesOnXml(shared_ptr<XmlElement> xml) override;
     virtual void loadAttributesFromXml(shared_ptr<XmlElement> xmlState) override;
-    virtual void acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) override;
+//    virtual void acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) override;
 
     virtual void setSoundFontPath(const String& value) override;
     virtual String& getSoundFontPath() override;
-    virtual int getPreset() override;
-    virtual void setPreset(int value) override;
-    virtual int getBank() override;
-    virtual void setBank(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getPreset() override;
+    // virtual void setPreset(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getBank() override;
+    // virtual void setBank(int value) override;
 
     virtual int getUiWidth() override;
     virtual void setUiWidth(int value) override;
     virtual int getUiHeight() override;
     virtual void setUiHeight(int value) override;
 
-    virtual int getAttack() override;
-    virtual void setAttack(int value) override;
-    virtual int getDecay() override;
-    virtual void setDecay(int value) override;
-    virtual int getSustain() override;
-    virtual void setSustain(int value) override;
-    virtual int getRelease() override;
-    virtual void setRelease(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getAttack() override;
+    // virtual void setAttack(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getDecay() override;
+    // virtual void setDecay(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getSustain() override;
+    // virtual void setSustain(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getRelease() override;
+    // virtual void setRelease(int value) override;
 
-    virtual int getFilterCutOff() override;
-    virtual void setFilterCutOff(int value) override;
-    virtual int getFilterResonance() override;
-    virtual void setFilterResonance(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getFilterCutOff() override;
+    // virtual void setFilterCutOff(int value) override;
+    // virtual int getFilterResonance() override;
+    // virtual void setFilterResonance(int value) override;
 
 private:
     int uiWidth;
     int uiHeight;
 
     String soundFontPath;
-    int preset;
-    int bank;
+    // int preset;
+    // int bank;
 
-    int attack;
-    int decay;
-    int sustain;
-    int release;
+    // int attack;
+    // int decay;
+    // int sustain;
+    // int release;
 
-    int filterCutOff;
-    int filterResonance;
+    // int filterCutOff;
+    // int filterResonance;
     
     JUCE_DECLARE_NON_COPYABLE_WITH_LEAK_DETECTOR (Params)
 };
diff --git a/Source/PluginEditor.cpp b/Source/PluginEditor.cpp
index 42b0f63..f6d5355 100644
--- a/Source/PluginEditor.cpp
+++ b/Source/PluginEditor.cpp
@@ -17,11 +17,11 @@ JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor::JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor(JuicySFAudioProcessor&
     : AudioProcessorEditor{&p},
       processor{p},
       valueTreeState{valueTreeState},
-      sharedParams{p.sharedParams},
+      sharedParams{p.getSharedParams()},
       midiKeyboard{p.keyboardState, SurjectiveMidiKeyboardComponent::horizontalKeyboard},
-      tablesComponent{p.getFluidSynthModel()},
-      filePicker{p.getFluidSynthModel()},
-      slidersComponent{p.sharedParams, valueTreeState, p.getFluidSynthModel()}
+      tablesComponent{valueTreeState, p.getFluidSynthModel()},
+      filePicker{valueTreeState, p.getFluidSynthModel()},
+      slidersComponent{p.getSharedParams(), valueTreeState, p.getFluidSynthModel()}
 {
     // set resize limits for this plug-in
     setResizeLimits(
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor::JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor(JuicySFAudioProcessor&
         GuiConstants::maxWidth,
         GuiConstants::maxHeight);
 
-    setSize(sharedParams->getUiWidth(), sharedParams->getUiHeight());
+    setSize(sharedParams.getUiWidth(), sharedParams.getUiHeight());
 
 //    processor.subscribeToStateChanges(this);
 
@@ -104,8 +104,8 @@ void JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor::resized()
 
     tablesComponent.setBounds(rContent);
 
-    sharedParams->setUiWidth(getWidth());
-    sharedParams->setUiHeight(getHeight());
+    sharedParams.setUiWidth(getWidth());
+    sharedParams.setUiHeight(getHeight());
 
 //    Rectangle<int> r2 (getLocalBounds());
 //    r2.reduce(0, padding);
diff --git a/Source/PluginEditor.h b/Source/PluginEditor.h
index 10ada3a..51255ef 100644
--- a/Source/PluginEditor.h
+++ b/Source/PluginEditor.h
@@ -28,7 +28,10 @@ class JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor  : public AudioProcessorEditor,
                                      public StateChangeSubscriber*/
 {
 public:
-    JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor (JuicySFAudioProcessor&, AudioProcessorValueTreeState& state);
+    JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor(
+      JuicySFAudioProcessor&,
+      AudioProcessorValueTreeState& state
+      );
     ~JuicySFAudioProcessorEditor();
 
     //==============================================================================
@@ -50,7 +53,7 @@ private:
     JuicySFAudioProcessor& processor;
 
     AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState;
-    shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams;
+    SharesParams& sharedParams;
 
     SurjectiveMidiKeyboardComponent midiKeyboard;
     TablesComponent tablesComponent;
diff --git a/Source/PluginProcessor.cpp b/Source/PluginProcessor.cpp
index e2ddf59..0a3716f 100644
--- a/Source/PluginProcessor.cpp
+++ b/Source/PluginProcessor.cpp
@@ -26,14 +26,16 @@ AudioProcessor* JUCE_CALLTYPE createPluginFilter();
 
 
 //==============================================================================
+//, sharedParams{static_pointer_cast<SharesParams>(make_shared<Params>())}
 JuicySFAudioProcessor::JuicySFAudioProcessor()
 : AudioProcessor{getBusesProperties()}
-, sharedParams{static_pointer_cast<SharesParams>(make_shared<Params>())}
-, valueTreeState{*this, nullptr,
-    { "PARAMETERS" /* MYPLUGINSETTINGS */ },
-    createParameterLayout()
-  }
-, fluidSynthModel{sharedParams}
+, sharedParams{}
+, valueTreeState{
+    *this,
+    nullptr,
+    { "MYPLUGINSETTINGS" },
+    createParameterLayout()}
+, fluidSynthModel{valueTreeState, sharedParams}
 //, fluidSynthModel{*this}
 //, pluginEditor(nullptr)
 {
@@ -45,9 +47,15 @@ AudioProcessorValueTreeState::ParameterLayout JuicySFAudioProcessor::createParam
 
     // for (int i = 1; i < 9; ++i)
     //     params.push_back (std::make_unique<AudioParameterInt> (String (i), String (i), 0, i, 0));
+    
+    
+//    make_unique<AudioParameter>("soundfontPath", "filepath to soundfont", 0, 127, 0, "A" ),
 
     // https://stackoverflow.com/a/8469002/5257399
     unique_ptr<AudioParameterInt> params[] {
+        make_unique<AudioParameterInt>("bank", "which bank is selected in the soundfont", 0, 127, 0, "Bank" ),
+        // note: banks may be sparse, and lack a 0th preset. so defend against this.
+        make_unique<AudioParameterInt>("preset", "which patch (aka patch, program, instrument) is selected in the soundfont", 0, 127, 0, "Preset" ),
         make_unique<AudioParameterInt>("attack", "volume envelope attack time", 0, 127, 0, "A" ),
         make_unique<AudioParameterInt>("decay", "volume envelope sustain attentuation", 0, 127, 0, "D" ),
         make_unique<AudioParameterInt>("sustain", "volume envelope decay time", 0, 127, 0, "S" ),
@@ -70,7 +78,7 @@ JuicySFAudioProcessor::~JuicySFAudioProcessor()
 void JuicySFAudioProcessor::initialiseSynth() {
     fluidSynthModel.initialise();
 
-    fluidSynth = fluidSynthModel.getSynth();
+//    fluidSynth = fluidSynthModel.getSynth();
 
     const int numVoices = 8;
 
@@ -352,8 +360,11 @@ void JuicySFAudioProcessor::getStateInformation (MemoryBlock& destData)
     // as intermediaries to make it easy to save and load complex data.
 
     // Create an outer XML element..
-    XmlElement xml{"MYPLUGINSETTINGS"};
-    sharedParams->setAttributesOnXml(xml);
+//    XmlElement xml{"MYPLUGINSETTINGS"};
+//    sharedParams->setAttributesOnXml(xml);
+    auto state{valueTreeState.copyState()};
+    shared_ptr<XmlElement> xml{state.createXml()};
+    sharedParams.setAttributesOnXml(xml);
 
 //    list<StateChangeSubscriber*>::iterator p;
 //    for(p = stateChangeSubscribers.begin(); p != stateChangeSubscribers.end(); p++) {
@@ -361,12 +372,12 @@ void JuicySFAudioProcessor::getStateInformation (MemoryBlock& destData)
 //    }
 
     // Store the values of all our parameters, using their param ID as the XML attribute
-    for (auto* param : getParameters())
-        if (auto* p = dynamic_cast<AudioProcessorParameterWithID*> (param))
-            xml.setAttribute (p->paramID, p->getValue());
+    // for (auto* param : getParameters())
+    //     if (auto* p = dynamic_cast<AudioProcessorParameterWithID*> (param))
+    //         xml->setAttribute (p->paramID, p->getValue());
 
     // then use this helper function to stuff it into the binary blob and return it..
-    copyXmlToBinary (xml, destData);
+    copyXmlToBinary (*xml, destData);
 }
 
 void JuicySFAudioProcessor::setStateInformation (const void* data, int sizeInBytes)
@@ -375,40 +386,42 @@ void JuicySFAudioProcessor::setStateInformation (const void* data, int sizeInByt
     // whose contents will have been created by the getStateInformation() call.
     // This getXmlFromBinary() helper function retrieves our XML from the binary blob..
     shared_ptr<XmlElement> xmlState{getXmlFromBinary(data, sizeInBytes)};
+//    unique_ptr<XmlElement> xmlState{getXmlFromBinary(data, sizeInBytes)};
 
-    if (xmlState != nullptr)
-    {
+    if (xmlState.get() != nullptr) {
         // make sure that it's actually our type of XML object..
-        if (xmlState->hasTagName ("MYPLUGINSETTINGS"))
-        {
+//        if (xmlState->hasTagName ("MYPLUGINSETTINGS")) {
+        if (xmlState->hasTagName(valueTreeState.state.getType())) {
+            valueTreeState.replaceState(ValueTree::fromXml(*xmlState));
 //            list<StateChangeSubscriber*>::iterator p;
 //            for(p = stateChangeSubscribers.begin(); p != stateChangeSubscribers.end(); p++) {
 //                (*p)->setStateInformation(xmlState);
 //            }
 
             // ok, now pull out our last window size..
-            sharedParams->loadAttributesFromXml(xmlState);
+           sharedParams.loadAttributesFromXml(xmlState);
 
             // Now reload our parameters..
-            for (auto* param : getParameters())
-                if (auto* p = dynamic_cast<AudioProcessorParameterWithID*> (param))
-                    p->setValue ((float) xmlState->getDoubleAttribute (p->paramID, p->getValue()));
-
-            fluidSynthModel.onFileNameChanged(
-                sharedParams->getSoundFontPath(),
-                sharedParams->getBank(),
-                sharedParams->getPreset());
-
-            AudioProcessorEditor* editor{getActiveEditor()};
-            if (editor != nullptr) {
-                editor->setSize(
-                    sharedParams->getUiWidth(),
-                    sharedParams->getUiHeight());
-
-                jassert(dynamic_cast<ExposesComponents*> (editor) != nullptr);
-                ExposesComponents* exposesComponents = dynamic_cast<ExposesComponents*> (editor);
-                exposesComponents->getFilePicker().setDisplayedFilePath(sharedParams->getSoundFontPath());
-            }
+            
+//            for (auto* param : getParameters())
+//                if (auto* p = dynamic_cast<AudioProcessorParameterWithID*> (param))
+//                    p->setValue ((float) xmlState->getDoubleAttribute (p->paramID, p->getValue()));
+//
+//            fluidSynthModel.onFileNameChanged(
+//                sharedParams->getSoundFontPath(),
+//                sharedParams->getBank(),
+//                sharedParams->getPreset());
+//
+//            AudioProcessorEditor* editor{getActiveEditor()};
+//            if (editor != nullptr) {
+//                editor->setSize(
+//                    sharedParams->getUiWidth(),
+//                    sharedParams->getUiHeight());
+//
+//                jassert(dynamic_cast<ExposesComponents*> (editor) != nullptr);
+//                ExposesComponents* exposesComponents = dynamic_cast<ExposesComponents*> (editor);
+//                exposesComponents->getFilePicker().setDisplayedFilePath(sharedParams->getSoundFontPath());
+//            }
 
 //            const String& currentSoundFontAbsPath = fluidSynthModel->getCurrentSoundFontAbsPath();
 //            if (currentSoundFontAbsPath.isNotEmpty()) {
@@ -431,8 +444,12 @@ bool JuicySFAudioProcessor::supportsDoublePrecisionProcessing() const {
     return false;
 }
 
-FluidSynthModel* JuicySFAudioProcessor::getFluidSynthModel() {
-    return &fluidSynthModel;
+FluidSynthModel& JuicySFAudioProcessor::getFluidSynthModel() {
+    return fluidSynthModel;
+}
+
+SharesParams& JuicySFAudioProcessor::getSharedParams() {
+    return sharedParams;
 }
 
 //==============================================================================
diff --git a/Source/PluginProcessor.h b/Source/PluginProcessor.h
index a0599f8..33b3a37 100644
--- a/Source/PluginProcessor.h
+++ b/Source/PluginProcessor.h
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 #include "FluidSynthModel.h"
 #include "StateChangeSubscriber.h"
 #include "SharesParams.h"
+#include "Params.h"
 #include <list>
 
 using namespace std;
@@ -62,18 +63,18 @@ public:
 
     bool supportsDoublePrecisionProcessing() const override;
 
-    FluidSynthModel* getFluidSynthModel();
+    FluidSynthModel& getFluidSynthModel();
+    SharesParams& getSharedParams();
 
     MidiKeyboardState keyboardState;
 
-    shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams;
-
 //    void subscribeToStateChanges(StateChangeSubscriber* subscriber);
 //    void unsubscribeFromStateChanges(StateChangeSubscriber* subscriber);
 
 private:
     void initialiseSynth();
 
+    Params sharedParams;
     AudioProcessorValueTreeState valueTreeState;
 
     FluidSynthModel fluidSynthModel;
diff --git a/Source/PresetsToBanks.h b/Source/PresetsToBanks.h
index ea70353..bbfcdba 100644
--- a/Source/PresetsToBanks.h
+++ b/Source/PresetsToBanks.h
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-//
-// Created by Alex Birch on 17/09/2017.
-//
+// http://www.synthfont.com/Tutorial6.html
+// a bank can hold many (128) presets
+// bank 128 is reserved for percussion
 
 #pragma once
 
diff --git a/Source/SharesParams.h b/Source/SharesParams.h
index 1f25d0b..5b9621c 100644
--- a/Source/SharesParams.h
+++ b/Source/SharesParams.h
@@ -13,35 +13,35 @@ class SharesParams {
 public:
     virtual ~SharesParams() {}
 
-    virtual void setAttributesOnXml(XmlElement& xml) = 0;
+    virtual void setAttributesOnXml(shared_ptr<XmlElement> xml) = 0;
     virtual void loadAttributesFromXml(shared_ptr<XmlElement> xmlState) = 0;
-    virtual void acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) = 0;
+//    virtual void acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) = 0;
 
     virtual void setSoundFontPath(const String& value) = 0;
     virtual String& getSoundFontPath() = 0;
-    virtual int getPreset() = 0;
-    virtual void setPreset(int value) = 0;
-    virtual int getBank() = 0;
-    virtual void setBank(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getPreset() = 0;
+    // virtual void setPreset(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getBank() = 0;
+    // virtual void setBank(int value) = 0;
 
     virtual int getUiWidth() = 0;
     virtual void setUiWidth(int value) = 0;
     virtual int getUiHeight() = 0;
     virtual void setUiHeight(int value) = 0;
     
-    virtual int getAttack() = 0;
-    virtual void setAttack(int value) = 0;
-    virtual int getDecay() = 0;
-    virtual void setDecay(int value) = 0;
-    virtual int getSustain() = 0;
-    virtual void setSustain(int value) = 0;
-    virtual int getRelease() = 0;
-    virtual void setRelease(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getAttack() = 0;
+    // virtual void setAttack(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getDecay() = 0;
+    // virtual void setDecay(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getSustain() = 0;
+    // virtual void setSustain(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getRelease() = 0;
+    // virtual void setRelease(int value) = 0;
 
-    virtual int getFilterCutOff() = 0;
-    virtual void setFilterCutOff(int value) = 0;
-    virtual int getFilterResonance() = 0;
-    virtual void setFilterResonance(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getFilterCutOff() = 0;
+    // virtual void setFilterCutOff(int value) = 0;
+    // virtual int getFilterResonance() = 0;
+    // virtual void setFilterResonance(int value) = 0;
     
 };
 
diff --git a/Source/SlidersComponent.cpp b/Source/SlidersComponent.cpp
index 789e696..196ce1f 100644
--- a/Source/SlidersComponent.cpp
+++ b/Source/SlidersComponent.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ std::function<void()> SlidersComponent::makeSliderListener(Slider& slider, int c
         s << slider.getComponentID() << ", controller " << controller << ", value " << slider.getValue() << ", xmlReleaseValue " << value;
         DEBUG_PRINT(s);
 //        slider.setValue(slider.getValue(), NotificationType::dontSendNotification);
-        fluidSynthModel->setControllerValue(controller, slider.getValue());
+        fluidSynthModel.setControllerValue(controller, slider.getValue());
         // callback();
     };
 }
@@ -115,9 +115,9 @@ void SlidersComponent::acceptMidiControlEvent(int controller, int value) {
 // }
 
 SlidersComponent::SlidersComponent(
-    shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams,
+    SharesParams& sharedParams,
     AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
-    FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel)
+    FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel)
 : sharedParams{sharedParams}
 , valueTreeState{valueTreeState}
 , fluidSynthModel{fluidSynthModel}
diff --git a/Source/SlidersComponent.h b/Source/SlidersComponent.h
index 613182c..c2c9d4e 100644
--- a/Source/SlidersComponent.h
+++ b/Source/SlidersComponent.h
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ class SlidersComponent : public Component,
 {
 public:
     SlidersComponent(
-        shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams,
+        SharesParams& sharedParams,
         AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
-        FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel);
+        FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel);
     ~SlidersComponent();
 
     void resized() override;
@@ -35,9 +35,9 @@ public:
 private:
     std::function<void()> makeSliderListener(Slider& slider, int controller);
 
-    shared_ptr<SharesParams> sharedParams;
+    SharesParams& sharedParams;
     AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState;
-    FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel;
+    FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel;
 
     GroupComponent envelopeGroup;
 
diff --git a/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.cpp b/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.cpp
index 652b995..60590c1 100644
--- a/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.cpp
+++ b/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.cpp
@@ -6,13 +6,15 @@
 #include "SoundfontSynthSound.h"
 #include "Util.h"
 
-SoundfontSynthVoice::SoundfontSynthVoice(fluid_synth_t* synth)
-: tailOff (0.0),
-level(0.0),
-currentAngle(0.0),
-angleDelta(0.0),
-midiNoteNumber(0),
-synth(synth)
+using namespace std;
+
+SoundfontSynthVoice::SoundfontSynthVoice(shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> synth)
+: tailOff(0.0)
+, level(0.0)
+, currentAngle(0.0)
+, angleDelta(0.0)
+, midiNoteNumber(0)
+, synth(synth)
 {
 }
 
@@ -26,7 +28,7 @@ void SoundfontSynthVoice::startNote(
         int /*currentPitchWheelPosition*/) {
     this->midiNoteNumber = midiNoteNumber;
     DEBUG_PRINT ( juce::String::formatted("JUCE noteon: %d, %d\n", midiNoteNumber, velocity) );
-    fluid_synth_noteon(synth, 0, midiNoteNumber, static_cast<int>(velocity * 127));
+    fluid_synth_noteon(synth.get(), 0, midiNoteNumber, static_cast<int>(velocity * 127));
 
 //    currentAngle = 0.0;
 //    level = velocity * 0.15;
@@ -59,7 +61,7 @@ void SoundfontSynthVoice::stopNote (float /*velocity*/, bool allowTailOff) {
 //    }
     DEBUG_PRINT ( juce::String("JUCE noteoff\n") );
     clearCurrentNote();
-    fluid_synth_noteoff(synth, 0, this->midiNoteNumber);
+    fluid_synth_noteoff(synth.get(), 0, this->midiNoteNumber);
 }
 
 // receives input as MIDI 0 to 16383, with 8192 being center
diff --git a/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.h b/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.h
index e920882..291ac3d 100644
--- a/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.h
+++ b/Source/SoundfontSynthVoice.h
@@ -8,11 +8,11 @@
 #include<fluidsynth.h>
 #include "../JuceLibraryCode/JuceHeader.h"
 
-using std::shared_ptr;
+using namespace std;
 
 class SoundfontSynthVoice : public SynthesiserVoice {
 public:
-    SoundfontSynthVoice(fluid_synth_t* synth);
+    SoundfontSynthVoice(shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> synth);
 
     bool canPlaySound (SynthesiserSound* sound) override;
     void startNote (
@@ -35,5 +35,5 @@ private:
     double angleDelta;
     int midiNoteNumber;
 
-    fluid_synth_t* synth;
+    shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> synth;
 };
diff --git a/Source/TablesComponent.cpp b/Source/TablesComponent.cpp
index 67f40de..c64bddf 100644
--- a/Source/TablesComponent.cpp
+++ b/Source/TablesComponent.cpp
@@ -8,10 +8,13 @@ using namespace std;
 using namespace placeholders;
 
 TablesComponent::TablesComponent(
-        FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel
-) : fluidSynthModel(fluidSynthModel),
-    banksToPresets(fluidSynthModel->getBanks()),
-    initialised(false)
+    AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
+    FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel
+)
+: valueTreeState{valueTreeState}
+, fluidSynthModel{fluidSynthModel}
+, banksToPresets{fluidSynthModel.getBanks()}
+, initialised{false}
 {
     fluid_preset_t* currentPreset = getCurrentPreset();
     selectedBank = -1;
@@ -59,13 +62,13 @@ TablesComponent::TablesComponent(
 
     initialised = true;
 
-    fluidSynthModel->addListener(this);
+    fluidSynthModel.addListener(this);
 }
 
 fluid_preset_t* TablesComponent::getCurrentPreset() {
-    fluid_synth_t* synth = fluidSynthModel->getSynth();
+    shared_ptr<fluid_synth_t> synth {fluidSynthModel.getSynth()};
 
-    return fluid_synth_get_channel_preset(synth, fluidSynthModel->getChannel());
+    return fluid_synth_get_channel_preset(synth.get(), fluidSynthModel.getChannel());
 }
 
 Preset TablesComponent::getFirstPresetInBank(int bank) {
@@ -108,13 +111,13 @@ void TablesComponent::onPresetSelected(int preset) {
     }
     cout << "Preset " << preset << endl;
 //    selectedPreset = preset;
-    fluidSynthModel->changePreset(selectedBank, preset);
+    fluidSynthModel.changePreset(selectedBank, preset);
 }
 
 TablesComponent::~TablesComponent() {
     delete presetTable;
     delete banks;
-    fluidSynthModel->removeListener(this);
+    fluidSynthModel.removeListener(this);
 }
 
 vector<string> TablesComponent::mapBanks(const BanksToPresets &banksToPresets) {
@@ -165,7 +168,7 @@ bool TablesComponent::keyPressed(const KeyPress &key) {
 }
 
 void TablesComponent::fontChanged(FluidSynthModel *, const String &) {
-    banksToPresets = fluidSynthModel->getBanks();
+    banksToPresets = fluidSynthModel.getBanks();
 
     fluid_preset_t* currentPreset = getCurrentPreset();
 
diff --git a/Source/TablesComponent.h b/Source/TablesComponent.h
index d86e7d9..9f57815 100644
--- a/Source/TablesComponent.h
+++ b/Source/TablesComponent.h
@@ -20,7 +20,8 @@ class TablesComponent : public Component,
 {
 public:
     TablesComponent(
-            FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel
+        AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState,
+        FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel
     );
     ~TablesComponent();
 
@@ -30,7 +31,8 @@ public:
     void fontChanged(FluidSynthModel *, const String &) override;
 
 private:
-    FluidSynthModel* fluidSynthModel;
+    AudioProcessorValueTreeState& valueTreeState;
+    FluidSynthModel& fluidSynthModel;
     int selectedBank;
 
     Pills* banks;