Came across this video posted to YouTube - it's a simple step-by-step tutorial using the "Pyctus Melody Sketch Pad" and Band-in-a-Box®.
The YouTube description for this video: Taking a melody based approach to composition. Nothing wrong with chord progression based but I always think that the melody is the centerpiece and should be the focus rather than trying to fit a melody into a progression.
The Pyctus Melody Sketch Pad is interesting but I can't find out anything about it. A search in Band-in-a-Box brings up "No Topic Found" while an internet search brings me back to the forum. Do you have a link you can share for the program?
I did find an interesting program called JamDeck though. Everyone can check out JamDeck ++ HERE ++
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 11/14/1608:44 AM. Reason: Added link
I did a ton of online searching for the Pyctus Melody Sketch Pad also, and wasn't able to find a thing online about it (it's not built in with Band-in-a-Box).
I'm going to get in touch with the OP of the video, and hopefully they can point us in the right direction!
I am not really sure what this is. That was not a "melody" he was generating--it was mostly a typical Mozart sounding arpeggio. Sort of.
BIAB has a gazillion midi "melodies" you can generate and tinker with (melodies as opposed to arpeggios) against a chord pattern you keep static, or a chord pattern you allow BIAB to "change." That is the whole midi composing side of BIAB that often gets forgotten when so much of the discussion is on Real Tracks. I love the melodic midi generation capabilities of BIAB too.
The description to the video from the OP really doesn't make sense to me but maybe I am just dense. No one I know would ever say you have to write a chord progression first and then find a melody that would "fit." You generally write a melody by humming a tune and then deciding whether you want a minor, major or jazz cadence to that. That just requires some knowledge of chords, which you then type into band in a box.
I watched this video and totally did not get it.
If you want write a melody why not just sit down at the piano and write one?
I often find a melody on the piano, capture it instantly in midi in Real Band or Sonar, export the midi, open it in BIAB and ask BIAB to tell me what chords I was playing. Even when BIAB is "off" I often prefer the chords it suggests and then we are off to the races. To me, that makes sense.
Again, I was somewhat lost on what this guy is trying to do. Maybe I need to watch it again!!!
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Couldn't see any videos for JAMDECK, they make BeatCleaver that is good. I found HookPad https://www.hooktheory.com/hookpad there's lots of videos on that.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!
Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.