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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
I took standard "classical" piano lessons as a child up to about age 12, and became somewhat proficient at reading music and playing from sheet music. At the time, I felt it was drudgery since I wasn't learning to play the type of music that I wanted. It was a learning system that I felt was too regimented, as I never really learned about chord progressions and playing "freely". It was just "play the music as written and don't deviate" - repeat, so I gave it up.
Now that I'm retired and have time, I want to learn to play the music I like (pop, ballads, blues) improvisationally. I still have a good understanding of the keyboard and basic chords but need guidance to move forward. I've discovered "Fake Books" and can basically play using them, but it still sounds stilted and stiff, since I'm only basically playing the root chords with my left hand.
An internet search yielded a number of online courses for purchase, and I'd like to make an intelligent choice. Among the choices I've found have been playPianoToday.com, pianomagic.com, and (of course) Scott Houston's DVD courses. I should quickly add that I feel that I learn better from watching/listening than from a book. I feel that the smartest way to progress is to learn chord progressions/modifications to play improvisationally thru one of these courses (or similar). I may need to "unlearn" a few things, and I definitely don't want to get locked into the same regiment of just "playing it as it's written" again. I then want to get back into BIAB (which I've purchased a year ago, but only dabbled with by playing melodies with the right hand), using it as an accompanying backup band.
I have a Yamaha keyboard, but recently inherited my mother's piano (which I just had tuned). Getting the old piano is really what's motivated me to start back in this direction. Now I need recommendations on a good, effective online course which would help me towards my goal.
I hope this all makes sense. Can anyone help me out with a recommendation for an online or video course on DVD?
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469 |
Before paying for anything, check out PianoJohn on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/pianojohn113I think it will be just what you are looking for (as long as you don't mind mostly Beatles, Elton John and Billy Joel). With what you already know, you should get a quick understanding of how to "transition" to a "piano player as opposed to a music reader". His instruction is intelligent and easy to follow. And you can be playing the songs in his "lessons" in no time. And you learn as you go.... floyd
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 267
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Apprentice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 267 |
I have David Sprunger's play piano today course. If you buy the package deal, it's an incredible value. Go to his website and look under the "View All Lessons" tab. You can view many parts of the videos. Another good package deal is at www.pianoforall.comBoth have lots of info for the price. I have no connections to either.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
Before paying for anything, check out PianoJohn on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/pianojohn113
I think it will be just what you are looking for (as long as you don't mind mostly Beatles, Elton John and Billy Joel). With what you already know, you should get a quick understanding of how to "transition" to a "piano player as opposed to a music reader".
His instruction is intelligent and easy to follow. And you can be playing the songs in his "lessons" in no time. And you learn as you go....
floyd
Thanks for the link, Floyd. But, from the few videos I've viewed so far, I'm not sure whether this is what I'm looking for. It appears that each video covers a specific song and just shows the specific notes to play. It reminds me of "rote" practice only without the actual sheet music.
Is there more to his channel that I'm missing?
Thanks again!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I have David Sprunger's play piano today course.
If you buy the package deal, it's an incredible value.
Go to his website and look under the "View All Lessons" tab.
You can view many parts of the videos.
Another good package deal is at
www.pianoforall.com
Both have lots of info for the price.
I have no connections to either.
Thanks for the info, Danna! The "Piano for All" site might be just what I'm looking for. It sounds like it's a mix of learning improvisational skills along with effective practice drills.
Does anyone have any other recommendations for me to check into?
Thanks again!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109 |
I just bought the "Learn and Master Piano" series. It's well reviewed and has about a dozen video DVD's and also audio CD's, but I probably won't have time get into it until after the first of the year.
They're been running a sale $100 off the regular $249 price.
You can also find it on Amazon for about $90, but check the number of disks included
Boyd
Win10 - 16GB-RAM - BiaB 2019 - Mixbus 4 - Slate Bundle - Komplete 10 - Ozone 8 - Neutron 2 - Waves Gold
Ample Sound Guitars & Basses - Pianoteq 6 - SSD5 - SD3 - JamStix 4 - Omnisphere - UVI Falcon - EastWest Play
Sonarworks Reference 4 -
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,809
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,809 |
Don't leaved out Willie Myette. I have David Sprunger's complete course and frankly I don't touch it any more. Willie Myette he's the one for me. A huge range of videos, a complete pianist; blues, jazz, latin gospel, anything you care to name. He has a lot of samples on U tube too so check them out. I took up piano only a while back (but can read and play several instruments). from basic theory scales and chords through all the jazz chords thoroughly treated, chord subs, upper structure triads, I got rhythmn changes, many standards get their own two week course, blues in many styles closely analysed, chord and scale theory the list goes on and on. Latin montunos, classic Jobin songs, gospel in severval styles, minor blues theory and songs, minor harmony, the list is huge. Its all divided up into courses which are suites of 10 minute lessons, that each take about two-three days (ish) to get moving.
Al the time he focuses on creativity, not just copying his ideas parrot style. He helps you understand not just what to do, but why you are doing it and how it fits in the universe of sound
Willie took me from the 'knowing the theory but can't actually play' stage to fluent. Willie is a very good teacher not just a very good player.
Frankly, I could see how it could be done better. I am so glad I discovered him.
BIAB and Willie Myette is a fantastic way to learn
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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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 |
Don't overlook the programs available right here from pgmusic. "The Modern Jazz Pianist" "Piano Performance Series" "Oscar Peterson multimedia CD" -- Oscar Peterson. The Jazz Piano legend brings an exciting new level of artistry to the multimedia experience... "The Latin Pianist" "Piano Master Class" "The Jazz Piano Master Class" "Blues Piano Master Class" -- Aspiring jazz improvisation students, do not sell this one short, the Blues is the *basis" of all other jazz forms and the basics are all here, presented very well. http://www.pgmusic.com/products.win.htm On top of that, these programs were, for the most part, designed to work and play well with BiaB. IMO, beginners should start with the "Blues Pianist" and get those so important basics down. The late great Vince Guaraldi used to say, when someone would give him accolades as to his jazz piano abilities, "I'm just a Boogie Pianist!" Indeed. --Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I have David Sprunger's play piano today course.
If you buy the package deal, it's an incredible value.
Go to his website and look under the "View All Lessons" tab.
You can view many parts of the videos.
Another good package deal is at
www.pianoforall.com
Both have lots of info for the price.
I have no connections to either.
Danna,
I decided to buy David Sprunger's "Play Piano Today" Course. I've downloaded all of the files (which are quite numerous), and see that many (or most?) need to be installed on my computer. My question is - which file(s) do I start with? In what order should the lessons be taken? Should I just run each installation file (in any order), and the sequence is then automatic?
I've e-mailed David and am awaiting his answer, but I thought that I'd ask here as well, since I'm impatient to get started!
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 267
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 267 |
I had purchased the DVD version over a year ago.
So I'm not sure about installing all from download, and the sequence will then be in order.
I doubt that they will.
But I'm pretty sure you should start with the book and videos called "Pattern Piano."
Just this section will take lots of time to get good at.
Hopefully David will reply after the weekend.
Take your time, it will take years to learn all the stuff he has in the course.
Last edited by Danna; 12/16/12 02:59 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I had purchased the DVD version over a year ago.
So I'm not sure about installing all from download, and the sequence will then be in order.
I doubt that they will.
But I'm pretty sure you should start with the book and videos called "Pattern Piano."
Just this section will take lots of time to get good at.
Hopefully David will reply after the weekend.
Take your time, it will take years to learn all the stuff he has in the course.
"Pattern Piano" is exactly where I've started. You're right that there's plenty to absorb (and practice) there. No reply from David yet, but it'll be awhile before I'm thru the "Pattern Piano" lessons. 
Thanks.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
I had purchased the DVD version over a year ago.
So I'm not sure about installing all from download, and the sequence will then be in order.
I doubt that they will.
But I'm pretty sure you should start with the book and videos called "Pattern Piano."
Just this section will take lots of time to get good at.
Hopefully David will reply after the weekend.
Take your time, it will take years to learn all the stuff he has in the course.
FYI: Here's the response I got from "Play Piano Today" Customer Service:
We've put together a short video that will show you the download process for all of our lessons.
Here is the link:
http://www.PlayPianoTODAY.com/download-information.html
For a study plan that will lead you through the complete bundle of lessons, follow the order of lessons found at the following link:
http://www.playpianotoday.com/resource/carts/complete-bundle-shipped-preview6-new.html
One lesson that should be studied at the same time as all of the other piano lessons is "Ear Training 101". This interactive computer program will teach your ears to hear intervals (distances between notes) as well as chords. A good plan of action is to spend 5-10 minutes a day with "Ear Training 101" while you are studying all of the other lessons.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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