geobee:
Well, I am learning here. I now realize I will require the usb host shield on the top of the arduino, then I would assume the midi module would then sit on top, and plug into the host board? I was obviously missing that part. I now assume that the usb input on the arduino module is only for set up and programming, not to accept the usb from my instrument?
USB comes in two types, host and client. You can only connect a host to a client, not a client to client or host to host. That applies to all USB devices not just MIDI ones.