Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do understand what Band in a Box is and does. I had it years ago and never really got off the ground with it because It was so complicated and I spent more time trying to figure it out. However, I just upgraded to the latest and greatest so at least I should be up to speed on the software itself.
As far as the computer....yes it is big enough to do what it nees. I have an AMD 3500 2.21 GHZ with 1 gig of ram and 1 terra byte of space so the computer is not the issue at all. Being a photographer I have machines that can handle tasks especially with photoshop etc.

The first two things you mentioned are exactly what I am trying to do. I am not trying to have it transcribe etc. Just play into it and do it to the metranome and have a melody line and chords.

Lagacy sound card is what I have. As far as midi and Computer music I have a basic understanding of what Midi is and the tracks and channels etc. I have Audition and had other programs in the past of the like. I know Audition is a powerful program and have not mastered that at all but someday. I had cakewalk before too and did sequencing with external devices.

I guess there are just so many things that I never took advantage of before and I want to use it to the fullest. I have a band and often times just want to take some charts and change Chords where needed and even learn how to place note for a lead sheet etc. I'm sure it can do all of that but with all of the menu options and sub menu drop downs you just get lost as well as the icons and what they do.

I also wanted to get a resource of MGU songs where I can browse and open Standards charts like Misty, Satin Doll and the miriad of other Jazz standards. I was told that there are people who have a ton of not just Midi files but also BB songs that have the melody etc.

So, that is the latest to your questions back to me. Does that help? I appreciate the input and hope to get off the ground and start recording. I know that the midi set up and clicking the right boxes is a challenge because there are so many options. I also have a keyboard that does not have midi anymore but does have usb....does that work with this program or just midi keyboards?

Thanks Gary...They tell me you are the best. :-) I just wish there was someway to go to a workshop and get the hands on and learn. I am definately more of a visual learner rather than flipping through manuals and the like. Some people can do well with ready volumes of directions and figure it out.

Are any of the video tutorials decent and really show you or are they all over the place?

Thanks!