|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2 |
Hi,
My eight-year-old son has been learning the piano for a year now, and his homeworks starts to get a bit over my head... But in order to help him remember how the piano piece should be played, I thought of buying a piece of software that I could enter the notes from his music sheets, and which could then play back the piece the way it should be via the MIDI-interface on his Casio piano. I have downloaded a test version of Finale Song Writer, and this software can do this, and I can even change tempo and mute the right-hand staff, for example.
However, I thought that there might be a good idea to add some thing extra when he is struggling with his excercises, and that's why I thought of Band-in-a-Box, which hopefully could add some nice sounding accompaniment to his piano pieces and make the excercise moments more of a joy???
But as I am not a musician myself, I thought it best to ask you folks who have more experience with the software!
So in brief, my question is:
Is it possible to easily enter the notes from my sons paper music sheets and then let Band-in-a-Box play it back?
Is it also possible to "mute" the piano staff? So he can practice one hand at the time, and both hands, and let Band-in-a-Box accompany his piano via the MIDI-interface?
If it is not possible to enter the notes directly into Band-in-a-Box it might be able to import the files from e.g. Finale Songwriter in some exchange format???
Any other suggestions that might help my son learning the piano and making the excerices more fun are most welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,512
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,512 |
Hi. I don't play piano, so this area of questions is not my strength, but I feel confident in saying that BIAB can do what you want, with a little work on your part.
Yes, you can enter notes from piano sheet music into BIAB. The method is somewhat different (and I think, better) than Finale. Also, be aware that, when his music gets more complicated, there are programs that can scan sheet music directly into notation programs, and then that could be moved over to BIAB.
You can transfer data between music programs using a file format called MIDI Format 1. All serious programs support that. A few also support the newer Music XML format, but BIAB does not at this time.
I have to look in BIAB about splitting the piano staff. You could always choose to enter the two hands into different tracks in BIAB, so it would be easy to mute one or the other (or both).
As for playing accompaniment with the melody that would make things more fun, that is the strength and main purpose of BIAB. The catch is, you have to enter the chord symbols so the program understands what to generate as accompaniment. Some piano scores have chord symbols, some do not. If it does not, you would need to find someone who could tell you what the chords are. BIAB does have a utility called Audio Chord Wizard if you have an audio recording of the song, to guess the chords.
I'm sure the keyboard players here may have better ideas.
Also, I note that you are running a test version of Finale. BIAB doesn't have a demo version at the moment, but does have an unconditional 30-day money-back return policy. I don't know anyone who ever returned it, though!
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Biab also has some instrument training/practice software. I'm not sure if they are sold separate or not? Take a look at their "software" link on their main page for more information.
Here is one thing I can testify about Biab: If your son will play along with some of the backings or demos in Biab every day, his "chops" will definitely improve. I play by ear and following chord changes in Biab. My Piano playing has improved immensely over time with Biab as my go-to source of all things music.
Start him out with as much of the Biab Package you can afford and you can always upgrade in the future. PG Music is hands-down "The Best" company I have ever done business with. There is a guaranteed 30 day money back refund if you are not 100% satisfied.
Their software now utilizes Real Track instruments which were recorded by professional musicians in a studio. They are improved and real sounding instruments that accompany your chord changes in Biab. Listening to how they play along will also inspire your son to learn some of their "riffs."
Biab is a fantastic software to learn and play along with as well as make your own custom songs and backing tracks with. Truly worth the investment, ask anyone on this forum.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278 |
A good piano teacher is way more helpful than any software. Band-in-a-Box cannot assist your son's playing developing expression, phrasing, musicality in the sense of what's between the notes on your son's staff lines. Band-in-a-Box may motivate your son, though, having fun playing along with a band - even within his own shed or something. His playing would need to be somewhat solid for this purpose, though, since Band-in-a-Box is like a metronome quite sturdy in its timing. This may potentially hamper your son's motivation. Band-in-a-Box does not listen to his playing - as would a live band or other software concepts such as the -> Smartmusic approach. Irrespectively of the potential caveats, Band-in-a-Box has great educational value. It comes with a great library of songs, often played by beginning instrumentalists. Just look at the leadsheet of "Für Elise", say, and capture its harmonic underpinnings at a glance. This alone may be a worthwhile support of otherwise classical piano teaching.
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2 |
Thanks all of you for your kind answers! And I forgot to tell that he does have a "live" piano-teacher who comes to give him a lesson once a week. The problem for me is that after a day or so my son has forgotten some of the things in his homework and how it is supposed to be played, and I cannot help him enough, so that's why I thought that maybe by transferring the sheet music (his homework in paper form) to the computer via one of the Finale software, he will at least be able to hear how the piece should sound like, how you are supposed to count the rests, etc, and also be able to slow down the tune in order to have a better chance in the beginning to hit the right key and maybe to start out just with the right OR the left hand in order to lower the threshold a bit in the beginning! And it sounds as if I can do all this with BIAB and on top of it enhance the practice situation even further by "bringing in" a full orchestre into our living-room as a back-up band... I noticed that the version "Print Music" of the Finale software suite, has a scanning function which means that the transferring process will be sped up conciderably! Thanks once again!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have taught music, piano private lessons inclusive, for more years now than I'd like to mention and must tell you that, even though Band in a Box software can be quite the learning tool, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND USING BAND IN A BOX for this stated purpose as it would only provide a "crutch" for the beginning student, allowing a path whereas they could lean on the playback of the program to learn that which they are supposed to be learning to READ and play by ear.
Such would lead to larger problems further down the line for the student.
The best answer here is to keep up the encouragement.
Offering small rewards for overcoming slight hurdles that the parent defines can often make this situation a faster path for both student and parent, but by all means don't do the child the disservice of making it a different process than it must be by providing ways to cut corners. Learning to read the chart and all is of paramount importance here and it does often take some time and patience before the light bulb comes on, but once it does, that hurdle is behind you and it is on to the next one.
Talk this over with the teacher, that is likely the best path at this point.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224 |
If he forgets how something sounds once the teacher is gone I would think that a small recorder of some sort would be the answer maybe even an inexpensive dictating machine that he can set recording whilst the teacher is there..
Last edited by joemardo1; 02/16/11 09:40 AM.
joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567 |
I teach guitar and I have a couple of students who record the entire session using the $80 USD Tascam DR-03 I’m also on the same wavelength as Mac, do not create a crutch for the student. I only use BiaB to create backing tracks for those students who are experienced enough to start learning improvisation and/or jamming. I would suggest recording the lessons now and later use Biab for backing tracks. I hope this helps.
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
I have been playing for "just a few year" and can offer this insight. I am a self taught musician mostly guitar. I have played in combos, swing bands, and pit orchestras for light opera. Some of these required the reading of charts. Most of the music I could handle in my somewhat strange and obscure counting methods, but when I had to start sight reading Tower of Power and Bill Chase charts, I was in trouble. So at this late stage I began music lessons, and it was a revelation! The reason for my preamble is that I have had my struggles with the more complex rhythms, however that is what the teacher is for, and he is an excellent instructor. I agree with Mac in that stick with the lessons, approach them the way the teacher is giving them, and be prepared for the hurdles. If everything was easy we would all be Mozarts. So although I have used BIAB for years I do not use it for doing my music lessons. I use BIAB to apply my music lessons to something and "have fun". Hmmmm doesn's someone else say that. I say buy it but use it as an extension to the musical experience.DennisD
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
http://www.finalemusic.com/Finale/W-ProductComparison.aspxI just did a quick search on Google for "Finale Products Comparison Chart" and came up with this URL. Give it a try and see if it might help, at least on the Finale part. Good Luck, Phestus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
In the first post, the OP said: Quote:
But as I am not a musician myself, I thought it best to ask you folks who have more experience with the software!
Not being a musician is the problem here, not the choice of software.
Again, any use of software at this stage of the game is more likely to create a crutch for the student to lean on rather than get the basics going for the student. What seems to be a pleasant shortcut now will turn into a big problem later down the line.
*Talk this over with the teacher.*
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,085
Posts799,932
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean