|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2 |
"The composer of countless beloved standards and show tunes including “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “White Christmas,” and “God Bless America” couldn’t read or write music."
To achieve great results you need not only knowledge of the theory of music and have talents, but also the desire to work - every day and every hour
www.vst-platinum.com Best of virtual instruments & Samle library - a site for musicians, sound engineers and music lovers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I knew SOMEBODY would Google that as if it makes a difference to the schlubs who want to play for the old folk "down to th' VF Dubya".
That list isn't even close to the discussion we are having here. There are what, 73 gajillion people in the USA who play music and you think listing 20 EXCEPTIONAL exceptions matters?
How about this scenario? Somebody hears you play in a club and says "I want this guy for my next session." Their people contact your people. Your people set you up with a time and date. You show up with your favorite guitar, sit at your stool, and they hand you music. And the session master counts you in. If you can't do that, learn how to sight read or you'll never get another session call.
That scenario isn't copy music or improvising 32 bars of blues solo. Pick whichever example from your list that you like, and in every case they had to HEAR somebody play something and then they learned it from there. In commercial session work, there is no song yet. You create it. You create that rhythm bed for the solo players to solo over. How many of those Wrecking Crew guys do you think couldn't read? (Um... the answer is "none".) Unless they were working for Brian Wilson who spent as long as 6 months on a song, they had to get it right NOW so they could wrap in an hour and get to the next session. But music wasn't their hobby or their 4 time a month side job. It was how they paid for mansions.
Only those who can't read will cast aspersions at those who do like the non readers here do. That is classic "denial by overcompensation" (like presenting Google's list as your evidence). "I can't do it. Thus it must not be important." Or, "I can't drive stick. So stick shift must be stupid." I love to be able to hand people charts that I wrote and they can read and say "Play this." And if they are good, 3 takes at most and they are done.
Also remember that solos are NOT laying in rhythm beds. You included BB King. His virtuosity was his tone and his lack of wordiness. Simple lines played with taste and tone. Have you noticed he couldn't play while he sang? What he did didn't call for reading.
Interesting from your Googled list is that there are several players on there that the world considered "the greatest" and I have absolutely no love for. Eddie Van Halen was all flash. Hammer-on solos seeing how many notes he could fit into his solo window but not a good rhythm player. And so many dumb kids thought he invented the right hand on the neck technique because they are young and know nothing about music. That's been around since flamenco guitar was born in what, the stone age? Jimmy Page? Loud, tasteless, solos that were uninspired and told no story, often with poor timing, mostly played with toys. ("Did you see that? He used a BOOOOOOOW!!!!") Likely why he was 3rd to the dance with The Yardbirds. Tom Petty? Seriously? If he was all that, why did he have a guitar player in his band? And he couldn't sing AT ALL. Miles Davis? The scat and bebop he did COULDN'T be written. Parker too. And Gillespie. When you have a guy like Parker who was proud to say he never played the same thing twice, what IS there for him to read?
What do you think of Dream Theater? Think THEY can read? Those Berklee educated guys? The DRUMMER reads music.
I will strongly and passionately disagree for the rest of my life with anybody who says reading does not matter. Again, most of you who say it doesn't, can't. I agree with the Notes Norton Notion that the people who reached skill plateaus without reading likely took much longer to get there than they would have had they been able to read. Wow. You might want to edit your signature line, man. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,037
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,037 |
"Berlin boasted of his ignorance of music. As early as 1915 he said that since he knew little about the rules of songwriting, he was free to violate them, “and the result was [often] an original twist.”
Could well be true, I have read nothing about the man, but at the same time I wouldn't be surprised if the above is incorrect for the simple reason that some people like an air of mystery about themselves, and admitting or pretending to know nothing about a subject (that you come across as great at) only adds to the esteem that people hold you in.
People do the same nowadays, so probably no different then.
Great discussion though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,108
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,108 |
All musicians are free to approach things as they like, but I hope a list like this does not discourage anyone from learning music theory if they have the opportunity. It can only make you better.
I’ve given work to over a hundred regional musicians. I can’t hire you unless you can read music well.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
All musicians are free to approach things as they like, but I hope a list like this does not discourage anyone from learning music theory if they have the opportunity. It can only make you better.
I’ve given work to over a hundred regional musicians. I can’t hire you unless you can read music well. That was not my intention. I just got fed up with all the snobbery on a site dedicated to typing in chords and "making" music. I do disagree with it necessarily making you "better". We wouldn't have the Blues if playing it required knowing theory. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
We wouldn't have the Blues if playing it required knowing theory. You are such a tool. Blues is one style of what, 100? Usually blues is found to be played by a bunch of people who only know 3 chords. Try to sit down and play a jazz chart you have never seen or heard before without being able to read. Go play your 12 bar blues for nothing on jam night and stay out of conversations that have to do with intellect. You don't belong in them. Just because you can't read don't put us who can down for having actually STUDIED music rather than just a-pickin' along.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,520
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,520 |
Why disparage a rich American original genre (and those who love and play it) that has such deep roots in our music history? What’s the upside of that? Who would suggest that jazz would exist w/o it’s progenitor the blues?
I just don’t get it — yeah, yeah, I know, I’m bereft of intellect...
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
There is no doubt the ability to read is a great thing. The ability to feel is also a great advantage. IMHO there are times when the ability to read outweighs the ability to feel playing in a military type band or a symphony orchestra one could probably get by with little feel but to read is important. Playing country music reading is probably not that important but the ability to feel and understand is. Similar to blues to be able to read dots and play like a machine puts a dampener of the music.
I lived in a town that had a music training facility for army musicians. They could all read dots really well. However few of them were ever asked to play in the local club type bands because read is what they did, not feel. I must say however those that did play in local bands were by and large excellent musos.
To have someone play blues, rock or country with feeling is what it is about. I would think with jazz it would depend on the band but once again I believe feeling is paramount.
People that can both feel and read with a great sense of loyalty would be the most useful but they are not that easy to find.
My thoughts I may be wrong but it’s how I see it.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 01/25/19 02:16 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,392
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,392 |
There is more than one right way to make music.
Plus there are many different skills needed to make music. Improvising, reading, intonation, phrasing, ornamentation, dynamics, innovation, tone, expression, and so many more.
Some people can do very well without knowing all the skills but without all the skills they are limited in some way.
Not reading music is a little like not reading your native language (in my case English).
One can be a decent cook without ever reading a recipe. But without being able to read a cook book, if someone told you they wanted Veal Oscar or Shrimp Scampi, and that cook may have eaten those dishes in a restaurant, it'll take him/her a lot of failed tries and wasted food to get them to taste right. With a recipe it's very possible to get it right the first time.
I'll cite an example I wrote in a corresponding thread.
We had a request to learn "Just Another Day In Paradise" by Bertie Higgins. It wasn't a big hit, and so finding the music was almost impossible. I prefer to have the right chords and then substitute when and if I want to.
The chords aren't difficult at all, and I had what I thought were the right ones but I questioned a couple that worked, but didn't sound quite right.
So I posted on a forum or two asking if anybody knew the correct chords. About a dozen people generously used their ears and took the time to figure out the chords, and I ended up with a dozen similar but different versions of the chords.
I found a used copy on eBay, bought it, and found we were all wrong. Nobody figured these simple chords out right.
In addition the music had the background song-specific licks written in notation, and that saved me a lot of time figuring them out. I changed them to steel drum, changed the feel a little to make it more lively for live performance.
The guy who requested it, a regular customer at a club we played in, liked it, appreciated it, and told us our arrangement was even better than the record.
And I've thought about it a bit since I posted that. Every person who gave me the chords they heard missed a few, and then didn't all miss the same ones. Even a person who I know has absolute pitch (aka perfect pitch) missed a couple.
Also, when I was on the road, I was in a band where everybody, including the drummer read music (the drummer also played marimba and other melodic percussion instruments).
We toured the country, warmed up in concert for famous bands, and were courted by Motown to be the first choice for what eventually became the group Rare Earth. The talks broke down over money, but there was a lot of sheet music, much of it hand written floating around Motown studios. The horn and string parts were played by members of the Detroit Symphony simply because they could read music. Some of what we now call "The Funk Brothers" had jazz gigs outside the studio and could definitely read.
I heard an interview with Paul McCartney on the radio when he was trying to make 'classical' albums like "Standing Stones". He said he wished he could read music, and his 'classical' albums show is love for listening to classics, but his inability to have the skills to write it, even with help.
And George Martin knew how to read, arrange, and had good theory chops. Listen to the "Let It Be" album, produced by another fine producer "Phil Spector" and you can immediately see what George did with the Beatles Songs. He should be listed as a co-writer IMO.
Lynyrd Skynyrd may or may not have been able to read music, but The Swampers who cut much of their music you hear on record certainly did.
The Wrecking crew was mentioned earlier. You can't count the non-reading musicians that were replaced on record by the reading Wrecking Crew, along with Mussel Shoals and other top studios.
When we had an active recording studio in town (before desktop forced it out of business), I was a first call sax player. the most familiar guitar playing regulars all read music.
It's a good skill, and is actually easier than reading English once you get it.
Oh, it's OK not to be able to read music, but it's much better if you can. You might be in good company if you can't, but you'll be in better company if you can.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
"We had a request to learn "Just Another Day In Paradise" by Bertie Higgins. It wasn't a big hit, and so finding the music was almost impossible. I prefer to have the right chords and then substitute when and if I want to. The chords aren't difficult at all, and I had what I thought were the right ones but I questioned a couple that worked, but didn't sound quite right." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40613SHHW2cSeriously? You crack me up, Bob. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,110
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,110 |
Wow. You might want to edit your signature line, man. Eddie only reads music. Not his signature line.
Keith
2025 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
We wouldn't have the Blues if playing it required knowing theory. You are such a tool. Blues is one style of what, 100? Usually blues is found to be played by a bunch of people who only know 3 chords. Try to sit down and play a jazz chart you have never seen or heard before without being able to read. Go play your 12 bar blues for nothing on jam night and stay out of conversations that have to do with intellect. You don't belong in them. Just because you can't read don't put us who can down for having actually STUDIED music rather than just a-pickin' along. Actually, since my stroke paralyzed my right side I can't play guitar anymore. I explained that to you a year ago in a PM, when you had complimented me on my playing and wanted me to do some tracks for you. Remember that?  As for my being a "tool", that is a matter of opinion (and you know what they say about those.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,462
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,462 |
Can I read music? Well, kind of. I can look at the "shaped notes" as Johnny Cash used to call them and figure out a few things such as the key, the actual notes, the values of said shaped notes, and if I have the time..... can actually play it on the piano if it's in the key of C, G, or maybe D. I often write out the first few notes of the melody to a new song I'm working on so I don't lose it. Just the note names is all I need to recall the melody.
I studied piano for 7 years as a kid and music theory on high school for 2 years plus playing in the school band and orchestra as a drummer. Yep, I was a drummer from 3rd grade up through 11th grade. All of that was based on the simple premise that reading was necessary. I hated reading the music, especially percussion. I always felt that it was too limiting. I wanted to jam and improvise.
One particular event comes to mind. My piano teacher gave me a new piece of sheet music and told me it was a very beautiful melody. She played it by reading it so I could hear it with instructions to learn it the following week. So I went home and started to work on it. Next week, at my lesson, she asked me to play it for her. I told her I really liked the melody and proceeded to play it. When I finished she clapped and said that was absolutely beautiful .....and well played..... now, would I play it again.... and this time.... play what was actually written on the sheet music. Busted!
I developed the ability to hear a song and know what was going on so that I could play practically anything without a lot of rehearsal time or the need for sheet music. When I played with the church orchestra, we played a lot in all those flat keys. I relied on the sheet music a good amount and the chord charts.
I don't look down on those who can read, nor those who can't. We're all musicians and have our unique ways to express ourselves with our music. To those who only sight read, I encourage you to learn how to play by ear as it can make you a better musician as it lets you get into the music and feel it. To those who can't read and don't know any theory, once again, take the time to learn at least the basics as it too will make you a better player because you will understand the deeper aspects to the music you play.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I once knew a woman who played in Eugene Ormandy's Philadelphia orchestra. She played Harp. Beautifully. Now, that is some serious notation, Jack. She would stare in wonder at my 12-string as I played my trite little songs. Then she said "I'd love to be able to do that." "Do what?" I said. "Improvise" Different strokes. Regards, Bob
Last edited by 90 dB; 01/28/19 11:23 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,793
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,793 |
I just got fed up with all the snobbery on a site dedicated to typing in chords and "making" music. Gotta agree with you there!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
I can recall several heated debates with my father who played various brass instruments mainly trumpet and cornet. He had several instruments set up in different keys (Bb and Eb cornetsfor example”). My father could site read, he could also knock out a tune by ear. He was awarded recognition by several musical organisations. He could play the notes but in my opinion had little feel in most stuff he played.
One day we were playing together (a very rare event as we did not see eye to eye) things were going along nicely and he played this beautiful note and held it. I asked why did you destroy the feel. His answer was I played the music as written there is a fermata on that note. Yes I said but if you have a heap of dancers on the floor it is more important to keep to the time. He could not see that. His opinion was the fermata was there and made it fine. I guess the people dancing needed to understand the importance of a beautifully played note.
Then again another time by this time dad was 84. He was coming to my second marriage ceremony. We lived in a different state and he’d be in our area for a couple of weeks. Before he left home he asked if I could lend him a cornet or trumpet. I told him I could and quickly forgot that. After a couple of days he asked where is the trumpet. “When you get to my age (84) if you don’t practice every day you lose your lip.”
Anyway at the wedding we had a top musician playing a keyboard. Dad went over and asked if he could play a tune on the cornet. No worries said the keyboard player what are you going to play. Il Silenzio says dad (one tune he always played with feeling), right (chortle) says the keyboard player. The keyboard player starts an intro, dad starts playing, the keyboard players jaw dropped he stooped and looked at the old man amazed. At the end of the song he said to my father will you play some more with me. Yeh says dad, what would you like asks the keyboard player. Whatever you want says dad. What key asks the keyboard play. Dad looks at him and says, “just play sonny I’ll find you”. They played on for 30+ minutes.
Sorry to be long winded but it is a story I wanted to tell.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 01/28/19 01:53 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,037
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,037 |
Actually, since my stroke paralyzed my right side I can't play guitar anymore. I explained that to you a year ago in a PM, when you had complimented me on my playing and wanted me to do some tracks for you. Remember that? As for my being a "tool", that is a matter of opinion (and you know what they say about those.) [/quote] I think you maybe mentioned this once before Bob, whatever the discussion about reading music or not, good to see you starting these discussion and keeping that crazy sense of humour of yours. Must all be down to that Starmaker machine or whatever the hell you call it.. Wonder if it would do anything for me....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,392
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,392 |
I don't look down on musicians who can't read or don't know much theory, instead, I hope I encourage them to take some time to learn to read and learn music theory. Why? Because in the long run I truly believe it will make them better musicians and make music more fun and rewarding for them.
Yes there are many skills to have in music. Reading is one, theory is one, big ears are very important, improvisation is another skill, and the list goes on and on.
Every skill we acquire as a musician enhances what we can do to reach a listener emotionally. And for me, that's what it's all about.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
I was working briefly with a bunch of guys trying to get the into a lace where they were passable enough to take their little blues band (We have at least 100 bands here that do what they do) out to play it. During one rehearsal, the singer missed the timing on a pickup note AGAIN (6 straight rehearsals he made the same mistake) and I went OFF on him. I told him that he kept making that same mistake every week, and every week I corrected it, and he did it right. Until the next week when he did it wrong again.
I tried to explain the concept of "anticipation", where sometimes a syllable comes before the downbeat.
Deer in the headlights.
Then I asked the million dollar question. "Don't you know what the downbeat is?"
He didn't know that! How do you play guitar and sing and NOT know what "downbeat" means? Had this guy cared enough about the craft that is music he would have invested 2 hours per night 2 nights a week for 9-10 weeks and learned BASIC BASICS. I don't ask that anybody can score a 16 staff symphony. Learn what rhythm is. Learn the circle of 5ths. Learn how to read time signatures. Learn the steps of a scale, the difference between major and minor, how to build chords. I don't expect anybody to suddenly become Mozart and write manuscripts perfectly the first time to where there is no backup copy. Just learn basic basics.
We had a discussion here once about chord structure and how I was taught the concept. Everybody dismissed the way I learned it by half step count to tell me "Any major chord is 1-4-5." Great.
What does 4 mean? What does 5 mean? 1-4-5 calls for the person to know scales and scale structure. Where the half steps and whole steps are. To a newbie, 1-4-5 means what downbeat meant to that singer.
As far as that band, I called the guy who was running the band and business side of it that night and said I wouldn't be back. I can't fit into a group of people who call themselves musicians and don't speak "music". I told them that with what he had to work with, which was a young hot guitar player and a bunch of guys named Joe, that they would never be more than a "wives and girlfriends, friends and family" type band and that I wasn't interested in playing for 20 people. They played 6 gigs, the guitar player bailed to move to Nashville, and they got a new guitar player who was yet another "wing it" player. They lasted 6 more gigs and disbanded. At the root of it was that the guy running it was the drummer and he was possibly the worst drummer I ever tried to play in front of. I turned on a click track at that same final rehearsal and he was already off time after 4 bars. You can hide anything on stage except the drummer. The drummer has to be great. When I was in the Motown band and we were auditioning for a new drummer, it came down to 2 guys. We called them both and said that we were going out that night to drink some beer and hear some music and they should join us. When they got there we all sat around and didn't talk about the band AT ALL. What I DID do was have one of the band's girl followers "just happen to be there" and get them both to dance. One was smooth as could be on the dance floor. The other looked like a badly animated stick figure. We hired the good dancer, because he had a better natural feel for rhythm.
And he knew what quarter note triplets are. (Theory.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
My first instrument was banjo. I also play guitar and bass guitar. Oh, I am forgetting Handbells with the church's choir.
I was taught banjo without notes nor tab. All I can say is that is one ornery instrument. Timing was non-existent for me. I fought with it... and fought... and fought.
But, between the handbells, guitar and bass guitar, I did learn theory. It has made that banjo a bit easier to understand and play.
...Deb
Last edited by DSM; 01/29/19 06:37 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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!
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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,585
Posts781,274
Members39,691
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean