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Hi Folks This may come as a bit of a surprise, considering my level of involvement on this forum, but I have been out of work for far too long and my generous girlfriend/sponsor has offered me the opportunity for some new education to boost my morale, give me something to do and help me become more 'qualified'. At first, we were talking about adding qualifications to my existing skill set in the field of psychotherapy that would be recognised in Austria (my qualifications are professionally recognised in the UK but not here in Austria) but it proved (to me) to be far TOO expensive and to take far too long to end up with knowledge I already have. So, I suggested that I might look for something that might actually enhance my employability whilst, at the same time, adding to skills that I could use (emphasis on 'I'). I am living in Vienna. I asked an experienced pro bass player friend of mine about Sound Engineering courses here and he suggested the SAE. Now, I have no intention of technologically designing new audio instruments or re-inventing the wheel and I am already 50, so I found an online course in Music Production (3 months duration online) at Audioaction here and I thought that a 1 year Diploma course at SAE in Digital Journalism here could be very useful. I have over 19 professional qualifications in a wide range of useful subjects (Sports, Education, Business, Computing Systems, the Arts, Psychotherapy, NLP, Hypnotherapy, etc but can't find work with any of them) and I really do NOT want to waste my time with education that proves worthless anymore in terms of finding employment. From now on, my education has to benefit ME first. That said, if I can use that education to find regular paid work, I would be DELIGHTED!!! So, does anybody on the forum have any experience with either SAE or Audiocation? I would very much appreciate some input prior to giving them a commitment. BTW, I know that the two most important tools in Audio Engineering are (1) your ears; and (2) knowing how to use your equipment (which, in terms of PG software, I do) BUT I NEED WORK!!! Many thanks for any input you have to offer
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Sam, I don't know these 2 institutions but if it is what we have here, some of ours don't provide the academics that an employer values . Ask them to provide a list of jobs that the students have gotten then call those firms and ask if the students were qualified and are still working and advancing with the firms. If they can't or won't then walk away.
Also go to different production studios and ask them where they hire from and what their min qualifications are.
Since I am not the world traveler that you are, I ask this in ignorance but is the culture in Vienna accepting of an English transplant in this field of work. Here sometimes it's the "Good Ole Boy" system that prevents some from entering a narrow economic field.
Plan B write a hit, sell it to a star and live well. BTW I'm still trying to figure plan "B" out
Wyndham
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So am I (looking for Plan B), Wyndham! Hence, the search...
Really, I think my benefactrice thinks it would keep me motivated and keep my hopes alive
Good advice, though. I put it out on FaceBook and a couple of my muso friends here have already replied stating that there are no good audio engineers in Austria and that there are too many sound guys here in too few locations. Which is why I want to study something that would be useful to ME.
Over 50? I doubt very much that I will ever find useful employment again in any case with my health today and my past record of primarily self employment!
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Quote:
I really do NOT want to waste my time with education that proves worthless anymore in terms of finding employment. From now on, my education has to benefit ME first. That said, if I can use that education to find regular paid work, I would be DELIGHTED!!!
Sam, I feel like I know you I've read your posts now for several years. Of course, this is only an internet forum so I could be way off base so please feel free to ignore what I'm about to say. You seem like a good guy, very emotional and your signature line says it all "follow that dream". Time to get real, buddy. You're 50, I'm 64 and I've been there and done that. The difference is I made this decision when I was about 35. I was a full time musician up to that point and was actually barely making a living at it. Believe me, that's a major victory in the music business. You have to bite the bullet and take real solid business and accounting courses. They're not too hard, not like the hard science stuff like nuclear engineering or something. Companies want accountants to keep the book and figure their taxes. Forget the "fun" stuff like trying to be an engineer in a music studio. Let me tell you a story about that. I met a guy at my attorney's house two years ago who just sold his sound design business for something like 3 million to Disney, my attorney negotiated the deal that's why he was invited to the party. I'm pretty good at being friendly and conversational and gaining somebody's confidence and I got him talking about how he got started and it's the same old story. His family owns a thousand acre or so horse ranch in Manitoba Canada, worth millions. He's a sound engineering grad and then went to Hollywood. After many months of pounding the pavement and meeting people he finally got in a studio as a unpaid intern. His duties were to come in for the graveyard shift as a janitor and gopher. Six months he did this and got to know one of the engineers who finally let him sit in the control room during some 3am sessions and he began to get some hands on experience, still unpaid mind you. How was he living? Three guesses and the first two don't count.
Did I mention he's a coke freak? That and his parents my friend. When people talk about networking in Hollywood that's the unspoken way they network. Sam, colleges all over the US turn out graduates by the thousands every semester in all aspects of film and music and all of them are chasing maybe 10 jobs?
Another brief one just to rub it in. Another guy I know is a graduate of the Berkelee School of Music in Boston as a piano performance major. He's a fabulous, monster player, he can read and play any style plus he's a pretty decent singer. Killer studio musician. He was absolutely starving in New York for 4 years and came out here thinking he would have better luck. I happened to talk to him a few weeks ago. He now has 45 music students, is making a living and does a 2 night a week restaurant gig for $75 a night. He never got even one studio gig anywhere around here in the last 5 years. Nada, squat, nothing. As far as I know he's pretty straight, that's probably why no studio work. I doubt it's any different in Europe but I've never been there so I don't know for sure.
It really pains me to be a big wet blanket because I had that dream too for many years but you can't follow it any more. Don't waste your time and effort taking anything that's remotely connected with the entertainment business in any form except maybe law school.
Bob
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That is sound advice, Bob, and I would say the same to somebody else too. However, I did that earlier. I was accepted to 2 good English universities and a drama school to study performance arts but decided instead to go to another university specifically dedicated to courses that would lead to good jobs in the city - City University, London. There I studied and worked hard for a Bachelor of Science with Joint Honours in Business Computing Systems. It was effectively 2 degrees in 1: Business Management and Computer Science and normally takes 4 years but I managed to complete it in 3. I graduated in 1992 with an Upper Second (recognised in England as the 'professional' standard) but I was already over 30 and not one single employer would take me on because thay all stated that I was 'too old to be a graduate entry level' and because I did not have 6 years prior experience in a blue chip company so was 'not qualified for fast track'. I spent the next 4 years or so working full time at trying to find a job using my qualifications, with no success at all. So, I went back to university and took a full time one year course in education that would normally lead to a job as a teacher in further and higher education. I did find some work after that but only occasional and part time - I lectured at 6 universities (3 in London and later 3 in Austria) over the last 12 years or so, as a visiting lecturer, on a number of business areas including marketing, finance, human resource management and business computing but I could never find anything permanent or full time because I was not an academic as such and did not have a PhD. I also studied for a Master's degree in Arts Management and graduated in 2002 but that has never produced any work whatsoever. Furthermore, I already have professionally recognised qualifications in: Hypnotherapy, NLP, Psychotherapy and English language teaching among others. Sad to say, these have never produced enough work either.
So, as you can see, I already have more than enough business qualifications but the jobs just aren't there. That is why I am now looking at finally studying something that would be useful to me first but could also possibly lead to employment somehow and I figure that, as there are no really good sound engineers in Austria (they really do NOT know how to mix, either live or in the studio), that I could finally be in demand and they would be skills that would help me personally too. Therefore, the two courses I am considering are: 'Music Producer' online at Audiocation and 'Digital Journalism' at SAE
I hope that clarifies it a bit
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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I know several people who graduated SAE. It is known to be a good educational institution.
Apart from that:
1: What would you like to do with your knowledge after you graduate. Live sound engineer or studio sound engineer?
2: Are there jobs on the market in the field you would like to work in?
3: If you want to be a live SE: Do you realize that means hauling heavy equipment around and working mostly (really) late at night?
4: Don't expect big paychecks as an SE (like Bob already said); there are some who get paid nicely, but those are the ones who made a name for themselves.
These are important things to consider before you start your education. Perhaps you could use your previous education and the knowledge and experience you already have and build from that to find a new career.
Whatever you decide, I wish you success. Keep us posted.
Mike
BTW: what happened to the home brewery business?
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Sam looks to me like you've got enough education but aren't learning anything. It'll just be one more feather in your cap that you do nothing with.
The next sentence I'm just joking around with you. From what I've read from you in the years I've been here you do pretty well as a Jigalo.
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Thanks very much for the input Mike and John. @Mike: (1) I would enjoy both studio and live. I enjoy anything to do with music but, with my health (a hernia plus a back problem and a gut problem, both of which have been operated on already plus high blood pressure and a thyroid problem), studio would probably be more suitable and possibly more useful (2) Are there really any real jobs anywhere these days? Hence, I want to study something I can use for myself and which could lead to possible employment. At 50, I really have virtually given up the thought of finding permanent full-time work and I am not sure my health would take it anyway. (3) Time of day is not a problem but maybe the lifting would be (4) Long term the pay is not too important. I am lucky enough to have 2 independently wealthy parents from whom I potentially stand to inherit enough to see out my days and I have no pension rights to date anyway. I am even considering working the cruise liners eventually as a nightclub singer or taxi dancer. The most important thing is to be doing something that contributes to this world rather than just rotting away in my flat (for which my 80 year old father is currently paying) Quote:
These are important things to consider before you start your education. Perhaps you could use your previous education and the knowledge and experience you already have and build from that to find a new career.
That is what I thought too and have racked my brains for months plus networked to hell and back trying to find something but no joy, sadly.
As to the home brewery business, it is still there in the background but at the moment it is taking longer to build than originally projected and at the moment I am not even officially involved. It may take off in due course... or not
@John: I do indeed have more than enough education but some training in something I would enjoy could well prove useful in the long run. I can't see that either of the two courses I have outlined above would go amiss and I would enjoy doing them and they could prove useful to me as a recording artist in my own right and possibly as a freelance journalist on the music scene in Vienna (or elsewhere). As to being a gigolo, it has its complications and can be rather tricky at times - you try running 3 girlfriends at the same time 
BTW, the SAE in Vienna are actually starting this course in 'Digital Journalism' for the first time this autumn which might be an indicator that there is actually a market demand that at the moment is not currently being met. I would be one of the first on the market with a diploma in it. Just a thought
Mentioning my health, I have recently finished reading 'The King and Dr Nick', all about Elvis Presley's health problems and the story behind his death. Seems I have more in common with him than vocal talent and a love of music. Great book and I highly recommend it
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Hi Sam,
I'm a firm believer in "it's never too late to start over".
God knows I've done so many times myself.
I would encourage anyone who wants to try something new to go for it.
However, some of the things offered in schools only make the schools rich.
Every student sitting beside you is your competition. If the niche is already crowded, the sheer number of competitors makes your chance of employment go down. Employment is the goal, am I correct?
If you want to work...find a need and fill it.
It's a simple philosophy. If the need already exists...the job is already open!
Mick
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Quote:
If you want to work...find a need and fill it.
It's a simple philosophy. If the need already exists...the job is already open!
That, my dear friend, is the underlying concept behind Marketing.
Thanks very much for the understanding and support, Mick 
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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From what I have read the SAE seems to be a respectable outfit with a good reputation, so you could do a lot worse. If the studio market in Austria is just starting then you would be in the right place, (and hopefully) at the right time. When the pop/rock music college started in Mannheim Germany, those in at the beginning made the grade, the ones who came late didn't. That means that the course will be just another diploma on your wall if you don't network and build contacts from the word go. In another post regarding some pc problems you mentioned that you couldn't understand the German settings on the pc. If this means that you can't compete in German, then you have a problem. A German course would be vital to enhance your chances of success. Best of luck.
Chris
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Thanks very much for the feedback, Chris.
I do understand German. I just hate reading and writing it (which, strangely enough, Austrians and Germans do too - the spoken language is totally different to the written one)
And I network HEAVILY...
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Sam,
Can I take a bus to Austria ? I want to try it.
I'm in the same boat as you are. Lots of credentials and no job 'cause I don't really like any of the things I'm qualified for. Now at 58.......
Try to find something you know you'd like, are in the age category that you'd be likely to be hired and move to a place were you can do it.
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SAE is well recognized.
Unfortunately, the kind of jobs that graduates have to accept are usually internships, with no pay and long and crazy hours. SAE prepares students to work in professional studios; but the problem is those are becoming less and less common.
With your long list of educational credentials, are you stating that none of these seem enjoyable? What makes you think that obtaining a degree from SAE would guarantee happiness in a job?
I actually know someone who attended one of the SAE schools in Germany. For awhile, he had a job at BMW in their noise & vibration reduction department (I actually know his father very well - haven't had an update in awhile).
Since you came looking for advice on the internet, Sam, here's hoping you'll take this as advice.
Pick one of your 10 or so backgrounds - make use of it NOW. Find the good in whatever job you can find using one of those credentials, and capitalize on it and expand that good. Reduce and eliminate the negatives in that job to the best of your abilities. Save your current girlfriend some money while you are at it.
Then take that nice dog for a walk each night after you get home from work, with the satisfaction of putting in a good day's work.
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Well Sam, if you've got money in your family and you're not hurting for support then you could do it. When I got out of the Air Force in 1968, I paid $285 in initiation dues to the NABET film union in Hollywood in an attempt to get work on a film crew. That was a lot of money in 1968. The union did nothing to help members get work except give you their union membership card, after that you're on your own. I drove about 20 miles each way, paid for parking and walked miles around Hollywood to all the producers offices putting my name in. In 3 months I got maybe 7 days work. The deal is networking, networking and more "who you know". When you see the film credits rolling along at the end of a movie all the production people like "Best Boy", Key Grip", "Gaffer" etc are all department heads and they personally pick their crew for the shoot. Good luck getting to know them if you don't already have an in somehow. Still, if I had enough money in my family to support me for maybe a year or so, I may have been able to do it with enough perseverance but alas, I didn't I was completely on my own and had to give it up. Since you do, this could work for you just like the guy I met at the party. Get your degree and do the intern thing for free for a year or so, it might work out eventually. There's still the drug angle though. A lot of times the contacts are made because you become somebody's dealer. I hate to say it but I saw it and it's true at least in Hollywood. Maybe not in Europe but the music biz is the music biz the world over I think.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Hi Sam,
I`ve graduated SAE in 1992. After that I worked in the "Reigen" (Hadikgasse) as an live audio engineer and I mixed all the great Jazz players like Don Cherry, Mike Stern, Bob Berg, Archie Shepp, John Scofield, Billy Cobham, ...
SAE can give you a real good education if you work hard enough. It`s not like school, though, you have to be self-responsible.
But to be honest, I don`t think it would change much, Sam. Now, I really do not want to offend you, and I mean that! But I think you`re having a problem with your "Selbsteinschätzung" (self-evaluation?). I think reality passes your eyes. There must be something that keeps you off from doing anything with all you 19 degrees. Ask yoursef why that is and be honest to yourself. In many posts of yours you told us what a great musician and lyricist you are - then again you feel too ashamed to post any music or you haven`t finished any (Your webpages has been announcing songs now for how many years and there still aren`t any).
Well, as I said, I do NOT want to make you feel like a loser. You are not. But I think you must be more honest to yourself and estimate what you can do and what you cannot. Find out what your STRENGTHS are. And don`t listen to your friends. They all tell you what you want to hear.
I think you`re really good with that karaoke stuff. So why not make that a big business thing. And please don`t lament about Austria is not appreciating your skills. I am a pro muso here and earn enough money to live. And I do not have rich parents or a rich husband. And you are a cosmopolite anyway. You can travel wherever the best music scene is. If you want something put all your energy into that and just do it. Don`t search for excuses.
My friend, forgive my harsh words. I want you to be successful, I really which you all the best.
Good Luck,
Sandra
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Thank god I invested, and turned one year of university into a permanent pension. The investments are almost 100 percent back. The land is all worth more. And retirement at 52 game me time to go back to photography, family, and consulting, taking only the jobs I want, unless I think it's going to ruin the relationship.
I admit to melting down on one business owner yesterday, who'd building I manage, he sent a guy to pull wires for a new security system on Easter Sunday. Well I'm cooking for the clan, 18 people for supper, and he want's me to drive downtown? At first I blamed it on the both of them being Orthodox, but I found out it's their easter this year too, which is 'abnomal'. So, due to the fact I get free Hotel rooms from this chain, I let the guy in.....
Lots of guys I meet are in their 50's and driving school busses. They meet for coffee at the same time. Of course being part Scottish I would NEVER buy coffee out except 2 or 3 times a year, it costs like 3 cents to make, not 3 dollars like at Starbucks. The bucks part means. Should have been Starpounds for penny wise and pound foolish, though being a colonist still have no idea if yer southern fried types use the penny wise pound foolish thing, I know it's going to die out, my 2nd son asked me how that made any sense...
I'd say market the Karoke thing, lots of very cheap cool new digital lights, DMX software for a laptop has dropped to very affordable, and make a setup no can ignore. Offer multiple levels of it, lighting, lasers, haze machine, make the person feel like a rock star. They you end up in your comfort zone, and look for gigs a big fairs etc. We have 4 festivals a year that pack over 1500 people into the karaoke tents for the 'so you think you can sing' judging. That's a good one, cause you find a panel of prominent people who want to do that for 'political' exposure and they pay you to be there and keep saying there name..."Und Herr Koo, vants to thank everyone for using his laundry..vat did you think...???" LOL
John Conley
Musica est vita
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I've just called Sandra and we have had a chat on the phone, John
Just to clarify, it is NOT that I don't like using the skills and knowledge I have but that I cannot find the opportunities. Things have been very tough for me since my major gut operation in 2006 and, what with my health and other problems (financial, emotional and psychological) life has been getting harder and harder for me. I do enjoy teaching, lecturing, DJing, giving hypnotherapy and NLP training, if only I could find the work!
Hence, considering investing in some retraining that would be interesting and useful
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 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 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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