I'm a little late to this party, and don't have time to read all the posts (what I did read was thoughtful) because I have an early gig today, so excuse me if I'm being redundant.

First of all, there is more than one right way to make music, so my way is best for me and may not be best for you.

I like my apps separate. Band-in-a-Box (auto accompaniment), MIDI sequencer, notation and DAW.

If I am going to use BiaB, I generally start with it, export what I want to keep as a MIDI file and work with that using an old version of Master Tracks Pro. If I want to add audio I'll use a DAW and for what I need, Power Tracks Pro Audio works great. If I want a chart, I'll use an old copy of Encore which works great with Master Tracks Pro.

I like separate apps because I work better at one phase at a time (not a great multi-tasker). I find my concentration level to be deeper that way and the output better. Of course I could work on more than one phase in Real Band, but with separate apps, I find the interface less cluttered, no menus with sub menus and sub-sub-menu choices which leaves me to have more time with my hands on musical instruments and less time with my hands on the computer.

I have a web page on how I make backing tracks for my duo. Feel free to use what you like and ignore the rest http://nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.html

Of course YMMV.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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