|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
This crossed my desk and is at the intersection of 2 of my interests, brain science and music. A couple quotes that resonated with me: The musicians who were experiencing flow while performing showed reduced activity in parts of their frontal lobes, which are known to be involved in executive function or cognitive control. In other words, flow was associated with relaxing conscious control or supervision over other parts of the brain.
For example, knowledgeable but relatively inexperienced computer programmers may have to reason their way through every line of code. Veteran coders, however, tapping their specialized brain network for computer programming, may just start writing code fluently without overthinking it until they complete – perhaps in one sitting – a first-draft program.I'd be interested in hearing from veteran musicians that have experienced "flow" and how it aligns or doesn't align with this article. Musicians and Creative Flow
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,989
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,989 |
As a computer programmer and a musician, I have experienced is crossing over from "still learning to do it" into "performing with little effort". I assume anyone who drives a car or rides a bike has the same experience. For example, when I'm playing a piano part that I haven't completely internalized, I'll have think about what I'm doing. When I reach for a specific interval of notes, I need to double-check that my fingers have landed at the expected anchor points, and the stretch of my fingers matches the interval. It's hard because I'm still learning it as I'm playing, and learning takes a lot of work. In contrast, when I've internalized all that, it takes far less mental effort - I can just reach for the interval, confident that the I'll hit the mark. Of course, sometimes that confidence is misplaced.  Because I'm not a great player, I'm always ready to strip complexity from my playing in order to maintain that groove. If I'm coming up to something that I won't be able to execute at the full level of complexity, I'll figure out how much it needs to be pared down so that I can keep the groove.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
As a computer programmer and a musician, I have experienced is crossing over from "still learning to do it" into "performing with little effort". I assume anyone who drives a car or rides a bike has the same experience. My experience is similar but a tad different. There is perhaps just one song that I can play along to on the bass where a) I have it so memorized and that I have such "relaxed conscious control or supervision" that it's as if I'm on some kind of auto-pilot and b) where I experience a state of near-euphoria. This song is Song on the Radio by Al Stewart. Others may call this "being in the zone". It's more than just locking in with the drums, it's like riding a wave of vocals, keyboard and sax with your fingers knowing you won't fall off the surf board. Maybe another way to express this is being part of a "larger truth"; that is, the band. I am able to improvise on this song but only a little bit; my bass skills hold me back from fully improvising without error. The funny thing is that I have yet to reach this "zone" with any of the stuff I've actually composed and recorded. Likewise, over my career there were times where I'd be in a similar "zone" while writing code or working a tough engineering problem late at night when only the janitors were around. But I can't say that I reach a similar zone while riding a bike, driving a car, or speaking/writing English. Perhaps, the "danger" of messing up or a real sense of accomplishment needs to be present. Or maybe joy has something to do with it. Riding a bike or speaking is so easy there's no danger, joy or sense of accomplishment involved. Perhaps this isn't about intensive hyperfocus on a task or relaxing one’s focus but rather some combination of the two. In any event, this is a fascinating subject.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930 |
I have always told my students learn scales and music theory but don't let it get in your way when playing. After you play you can analyze what you did via music theory. Learning scales and music theory gives one the background and confidence to jam or improvise with authority. Music is the one thing where you learn the rules so you can break them!
Having such a background allows me to jam with confidence with Bob and others. My own compositions usually start with a chord progression and a BiaB style that I play over. Once I have a melody down I can improvise with it. That is the same as when I play songs out of a fake book; the first pass I play the melody, the second pass I improvise, then back to the melody. This is a jazz thing and why BiaB calls a chorus one pass through a song.
Like David at times I have to think and check my fingerings while play something new and difficult. That is part of the learning process. Now with arthritis attacking my fingers sometimes what was easy is now harder to do, if at all possible, so I do as David does then also.
Music is a wonderful universal language.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,444
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,444 |
I definitely agree with MarioD. Learn the fundamentals until they are under your fingers. Scales, arpeggios, and as you progress, more complicated things (depends on your instrument).
But you need to get to the place where you can turn off the cognitive part of your brain.
I've been playing music on stage for a long time, and I don't know how it happens. But when I'm singing, playing, and improvising, I get into that place where there is no space, no time, and no me, just the music that feels like it's flowing through me instead of from me.
Now in the parts that are memorized, it's easy to analyze, but I leave room for an improvised solo in most of our songs. How does that happen? It's almost like I'm listening to someone else play the solo, and on rare occasions, I even surprise myself by playing something really superb and unusual.
I guess it's the zone, flow, or whatever else you want to call it. But being in that place is the best part about being a musician. And I'm lucky enough to be able to make my living that way.
Also, I've noticed that if I get distracted and then have to think about what I'm doing, the magic is broken, I have to think about what I'm doing, and it's still good, but not creative.
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: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930 |
.............................................
Now in the parts that are memorized, it's easy to analyze, but I leave room for an improvised solo in most of our songs. How does that happen? It's almost like I'm listening to someone else play the solo, and on rare occasions, I even surprise myself by playing something really superb and unusual.
.................................
Also, I've noticed that if I get distracted and then have to think about what I'm doing, the magic is broken, I have to think about what I'm doing, and it's still good, but not creative.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫ That is exactly how I ran my wedding bands. Improvising solos kept the band fresh (and happy:}) and surprising ourselves took us to another level. Our customers never knew that we were just improvising. However you need the right personal in the band to accomplish it. Yes, the creative magic is gone if you must think about it while you are on stage. However thinking about it during practices and/or using BiaB can lead to those magical moments.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
So where do you come down on what a state of flow is?
Intensive hyperfocus on the music or relaxing one’s focus?
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,792
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,792 |
So is the objective to suggest an operational definition of “creative flow?” Sans that folks can run all over the map with experiences that may or may not have a thread of commonality.
Bud
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
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
If you have to think, it isn't flow. Flow leads itself to where the moment is. Thinking is programming yourself and referring to some mental "lick library" you have. Copy band players do that because it is their vision quest to sound EXACTLY like the record. Like a little robotic jukebox. When you are truly into flow, just close your eyes and watch the little black dots go by in your mind as your soul takes the music where it wants to go.
ANY flow starts with learning how to play an instrument. Maybe try that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930 |
........................
ANY flow starts with learning how to play an instrument. Maybe try that. Bingo! We have a winner! Spot on!
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
So is the objective to suggest an operational definition of “creative flow?” Sans that folks can run all over the map with experiences that may or may not have a thread of commonality. I think some degree of commonality is being observed from brain imaging data. "The musicians who were experiencing flow while performing showed reduced activity in parts of their frontal lobes, which are known to be involved in executive function or cognitive control. In other words, flow was associated with relaxing conscious control or supervision over other parts of the brain."
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
ANY flow starts with learning how to play an instrument. Maybe try that. Eddie, is this directed at me? If so, I am learning an instrument, actually more than one; view the Showcase for examples. I don't see any examples of you on the Showcase. Can you play an instrument? I'd be interested in hearing from veteran musicians that have experienced "flow" and how it aligns or doesn't align with this article.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,366
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,366 |
Flow happens, if I am performing and can't get to the 'Flow' aspect, it's a bad night.
However, as mentioned, practice does indeed help make the 'Flow' possible, but to me that went without saying.
A musician knows how to play their instrument (or 2 or 3 or 4)
A musician getting into the 'Flow' was the article, and yes, it happens. You know the music well enough that you are not in the 'reading/thinking/computing' state of mind (learning), but more in the feel/groove state, which is always a much better place to be.
Music flows out of you that you never would have anticipated sometimes.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
........................
ANY flow starts with learning how to play an instrument. Maybe try that. Bingo! We have a winner! Spot on! Mario, I disagree. How can "learning to play an instrument" be spot on? Isn't this rather obvious? How can you reach a state of flow if you flat out can't play an instrument? Another obvious statement is that the musician can't be in a coma, indeed, he must be alive I'd be interested in hearing from veteran musicians that have experienced "flow" and how it aligns or doesn't align with this article.PS: Sorry to hear you have arthritis. Periodically check with your doctor and watch the medical news. Big Pharma (and Medium Pharma for that matter) are developing new drugs all the time.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
Flow happens, if I am performing and can't get to the 'Flow' aspect, it's a bad night.
However, as mentioned, practice does indeed help make the 'Flow' possible, but to me that went without saying.
A musician knows how to play their instrument (or 2 or 3 or 4)
A musician getting into the 'Flow' was the article, and yes, it happens. You know the music well enough that you are not in the 'reading/thinking/computing' state of mind (learning), but more in the feel/groove state, which is always a much better place to be.
Music flows out of you that you never would have anticipated sometimes. rharv, VERY well articulated. I agree that practice is fundamental, the musician must know the piece "backwards and inside out". And this does go without saying. And I agree, as you say, that there is a difference between reading/thinking/computing (clunky, descrete, relatively slow, digital?) and feel/groove (smooth, continuous, effortless, relatively fast, emotional?, analog?) I'm sure there is more to this subject and it's neat that researchers are investigating this. As happens with so many other areas of research, most likely this area of research will result in unforecasted benefits in adjacent areas of brain science.
Last edited by Bass Thumper; 04/19/24 04:28 AM.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
Eddie, is this directed at me? If so, I am learning an instrument, actually more than one; view the Showcase for examples.
I don't see any examples of you on the Showcase. Can you play an instrument? I play 3. And I write. I produce my own stuff and have produced other local artists in my area. My lyrics come from my soul, not AI. My chord progressions come from my head, not Scaler. I have a BA in Music and as of this month I have 68 years of experience. (I followed that up with a 2nd degree, a BS in Computer Science.) I have been in some of the top bands in my area. I am just now old and physically unable to attack music with the passion and respect music deserves, so I retired from it rather than pretend I still have what it takes. I have now retired and quit playing, but I didn't have to give the degree back. I still know music inside and out. I have been a showcase winner of a free copy of BIAB 4 times. I am all over the showcase. Don't you know how to search? You likely do what you do at a very high level. I would never pretend to do what you do. That's good advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,930 |
Mario, I disagree. How can "learning to play an instrument" be spot on? Isn't this rather obvious? How can you reach a state of flow if you flat out can't play an instrument? Another obvious statement is that the musician can't be in a coma, indeed, he must be alive I'd be interested in hearing from veteran musicians that have experienced "flow" and how it aligns or doesn't align with this article.PS: Sorry to hear you have arthritis. Periodically check with your doctor and watch the medical news. Big Pharma (and Medium Pharma for that matter) are developing new drugs all the time. I meant that Eddie's statement about learning an instrument is spot on. Some so called "musicians" are just cutting and pasting loops together or using only AI to make a song. Once you have learned an instrument the flow can come naturally. I know you are learning an instrument or two so that statement doesn't apply to you. Yes, I think flow aligns with the article. Once you are in the groove and flow is happening it feels like all other parts of my brains shuts down, i.e. it is the ultimate high, at least for me. Yes, me and my doc has been on top of it. Actually I have found out that Hemp Root, dark cherry pills, and fish oil really help. On occasion I do have meds that help but I rarely need to take them. But some damage has been done.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,444
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,444 |
<…snip…>How can "learning to play an instrument" be spot on?
Isn't this rather obvious?<…> I think what is understood in that statement, is ho well you learn to play the instrument. It's a combination of learning things until you can play them without thinking about them, and enough experience so that you can play the right things at the right time without thinking about it. When I was young and learning to improvise in bands, I did a lot of thinking about what I was doing. Some things I did worked out well to my ears, others did not. Plenty more were between the two extremes. I never intended to get into the zone, I never tried to do it, and I don't think you can intentionally get into the flow. With enough experience, it just started happening. I didn't even notice it at first. So it's about learning to play the instrument well, plus a good dose of experience. As I said, I don't think you can go into the flow intentionally, and some people who are very good players never seem to get there, either. So I wouldn't be concerned about it. I'd encourage people first to practice their fundamentals until they don't have to think about them. The fundamentals can't be overstressed, fragments of scales and arpeggios make up the bulk of what we call music. If you can't do this without thinking, you are at a disadvantage. Then learn some other people's solos that you particularly like, and are at your skill level. Keep progressing and learning more difficult passages. Little by little, you will build up a vocabulary of licks, and they will reside in your subconscious. Somehow, and I can't explain how, to me, it's magic, the right notes will come out at the right time while you are improvising. My best advice is not to think about it. If you are meant to get into the flow, it'll happen all by itself. Keep learning, no matter how much you know, there is something else to learn. That's one of the things I like about music. 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'd encourage people first to practice their fundamentals until they don't have to think about them. The fundamentals can't be overstressed, fragments of scales and arpeggios make up the bulk of what we call music. If you can't do this without thinking, you are at a disadvantage. I'd encourage people first to practice their fundamentals until they don't have to think about them. The fundamentals can't be overstressed, fragments of scales and arpeggios make up the bulk of what we call music. If you can't do this without thinking, you are at a disadvantage. I'd encourage people first to practice their fundamentals until they don't have to think about them. The fundamentals can't be overstressed, fragments of scales and arpeggios make up the bulk of what we call music. If you can't do this without thinking, you are at a disadvantage. I'd encourage people first to practice their fundamentals until they don't have to think about them. The fundamentals can't be overstressed, fragments of scales and arpeggios make up the bulk of what we call music. If you can't do this without thinking, you are at a disadvantage. I'd encourage people first to practice their fundamentals until they don't have to think about them. The fundamentals can't be overstressed, fragments of scales and arpeggios make up the bulk of what we call music. If you can't do this without thinking, you are at a disadvantage. There you have it. Take the words "PRACTICE" and "FUNDAMENTALS" from that if you take nothing else. Learn how to play. Not how to program computers and call it your own. While there is an intellectual component to making music, that component is best applied to learning those (say it with me) FUNDAMENTALS. Scales, keys, why the different keys have sharps and flats, how those keys relate to each other.
Last edited by eddie1261; 04/19/24 07:41 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,644 |
Some so called "musicians" are just cutting and pasting loops together or using only AI to make a song. Once you have learned an instrument the flow can come naturally. I know you are learning an instrument or two so that statement doesn't apply to you.
Yes, I think flow aligns with the article. Once you are in the groove and flow is happening it feels like all other parts of my brains shuts down, i.e. it is the ultimate high, at least for me. It's also a high for me. "The takeaway for musicians, writers, designers, inventors, and other creatives who want to tap into flow is that training should involve intensive practice followed by learning to step back and let one’s skill take over. Future research may develop possible methods for releasing control once sufficient expertise has been achieved."
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,171
Posts789,250
Members39,831
| |
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