Playing the Keyboard while in Cubase

[Fordy]

Hi Folks

I have a really dumb question but I'll ask it anyway because I can't seem to find the answer

I find the quickest way to create new sounds is by using the Virus plugin in Cubase but the problem I have is that I don't know how to trigger the sounds from the keyboard while in Cubase?

I'm doing pads and strings so I'd like to be able to play chords with one hand while tweaking the sound with the other. Is this possible?

Thanks in advance!