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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Dear Biab Users --
Please help.
What is a simple and quick and easy way to enter a melody line?
Here are the details.
1. I have some simple lead sheets, which are public domain of course.
2. I have entered the chords into a new song in Biab 2012.5, on my Windows 7 machine.
3. I need to enter the simple melody lines, which are mostly quarter-notes and eighth-notes, short 32-bar songs, in 4/4 time, in simple song format such as A/B, etc.
4. I have used Finale NotePad and like using its note-by-note entry method. I would like to enter notes in a note-by-note manner in Biab. For example, I would like to select a note duration (such as a quarter-note) and then drop the notes onto a staff.
5. I do not have enough skill right now to enter the notes by playing the notes. So, I would rather a note-by-note entry process, unless there is something way easier than note-by-note entry.
(Yes, I looked briefly in the Help but could not find the right spot and what I did find was much more complex than anything I need. So I am looking for something simple here.)
So, what do you recommend for me?
Please advise.
Thanks.
-- Mark Kamoski
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,488
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,488 |
Hi Mark, Learning how to use the Editable Notation Mode of BIAB is well worth the effort. I find entering melody into BIAB the quick and simple. Even though I have Encore, I prefer to use BIAB. The process requires different thinking. The below link will take you to a page of videos. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmIf you scroll down a bit, you'll find the "Video Archives". Once there, have a look for ...  Even though this tutorial uses BIAB 2007, the process is exactly the same today. Have a look through this and experiment a bit. I'll think you'll find it's a great way to work with notation. Simply left-click of the stave where you want the note. Don't worry about the length of the note BIAB adds because the program will adjust that note-length when you enter the subsequent note. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Well, if you have notation software, you can just enter it there and save as a midi file. Then in biab you just use the Melody drop down menu, edit melody, import midi file. Read the Help on doing this first. You could also use the notation entry wizard also in Help. You can tap in the rhythm while Record is going and then go back and move the notes to the correct positions in the staff. I just tap the "n" key when I do it. I use PrintMusic most of the time because it's easier for me to use copy and paste. That cuts down on a lot of entry time and reduces my mistakes also. Good luck.
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The following method is FAST and EASY: Quote:
32.Can I enter a melody into Band-in-a-Box using the computer keyboard?
Here is a method that you can use to record a melody into Band-in-a-Box using the computer keyboard:
Go to the Play menu and make sure 'Wizard Playalong Feature' is enabled.
Start recording.
Choose any key on your computer keyboard (N for example) and strike it in time with the notes of your melody. The idea here is not to get the note pitches right, just the durations.
When you have finished, keep the take. Next, put the Notation Window into editable notation mode. From here, you can step forward or backward note by note using the keypad "Ins" and "Del" keys. While doing so, you can use the up-down arrow keys to change the pitch each note. This method works great for non-keyboardists, and is also useful for adjusting existing melodies.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I remembered that there was a video on this. It's now in Pg Music's archives, but I found it at the bottom of the Support section video page: http://www.pgmusic.com/howtos.htm#olderTutsYou have to download the whole file and then unzip. What you want is entrsong.avi. It's a big file but there are lots of tutorials. They are for older versions of biab, but can still be very instructional, IMO.
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
The note entry method used here is the very very very best ever invented..if the resolution was increased, and a few tweaks made, it would be the best ever thing every invented. REally, give it a whirl, there aint no girl...never mind.
Just do it. It's in the tutorials, (video) and manuals. (On line).
Nothing better. Fan, freaking, tast, Tick, (tock).
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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