Any programmers here?

Hey, I wanted to build (a long time ago) a program that connects to the Fantom X and midi so we could program the synth with sysex a whole lot better and faster.
I've searched the net for good sites that deals with programming (for some reason wanted it to be Java) with midi and sound capabilities.
Still didn't have the time to sit down and read it.
In a month or so i'll finish my exams (for this semester) and i want to start reading about the "sound programming" stuff.
Any good pointers i should focus on?
Any ideas where to start?

thnx,
Freifeld Royi