Can anyone tell me if there is a systematic training program for BIAB? I would like something that starts with the basics (and doesn't assume the student knows the terminology) and progresses to most of the advanced processes.
I have looked through youtube and PG Music's website. While there are a lot of good tutorials out there, nothing is laid out systematically. I also feel I am trying to learn a foreign language!

Thanks!

If Music Terminology as used (properly, I might add which is a great thing about Band in a Box) is new to you, things like Fake Chords (Use of letters and numbers to denote a chord, such as "Cm7" or the likes), or certain terms about Rhythm and Time Signatures, or perhaps "Feel" as in SWing feel vs EVen feel, perhaps looking into the various reading resources that are readily available concerning the subjects would help.

And -- You've hit the nail on the head by noticing that it is like trying to learn a foreign language, for it IS another language, the Language of Music.

However, this particular language uses an alphabet that consists of only 12 letters, A thru G. Think of it that way and it does not seem nearly so daunting.

Also consider the idea of getting some personal music lessons near you, that can surely help the novice to wade thru these things in some sort of orderly and bite-size fashion.

I hope this is what you are referring to, if not, please elaborate.


--Mac

Mac's correct in that music is another language, after years of study I can barely say "Hello!" LOL

If you are referring to something along the lines of a "How To Use BiaB" like creating Styles, Cut-Copy-Paste Parts around the song, etc, I have not run across any that go thru the program like this. You can piece together a set of tutorials from around the net, but most are out-dated. Even the supplied BiaB Tutorials range from 2006 thru 2012, and they are not "All Encompassing" either....

Funny thing, everybody asks for a book on the subject, awhile back many seemed to be trying to push yours truly into writing said book, but when I investigated the issue, come to find out that the included .pdf manuals from PGMusic for Band in a Box are exactly what everyone seemed to be clamoring for. A book on how to use the program.

That, and the fact that there are typically two upgrades a year, with "over 50 new features" deems any book that I could put together obsolete before it could be published...

In short, the .pdf Manuals and Upgrade Manuals that install inside your BB folder are a wealth of information.

But don't expect the study of them to be a quick process. Band in a Box is much like a musical instrument in that you cannot expect to dazzle people with your playing in the first month of owning your first guitar.

But, a John C. pointed out awhile back, if Band in a Box could be fully learned in a couple of sessions, the program would not be worth the trouble.


--Mac

Hi Gravel,

In addition to what's been said above, and just in case you haven't yet stumbled across these, there's also a whole heap of video tutorials found at the link below.

http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htm

If you scroll to the bottom of the webpage, you'll find some older, archived tutorials as well. Even though these might not say 2013, they are still relevant to today's version and worth watching.

Regards,
Noel

I think the OP was referring to BIAB "How To" and not music theory.

That being the case, there are few who are greater admirers of BIAB in every respect than I am.

But I would have to say that a SYSTEMATIC....Square 1 through Square whatever...video tutorial library would be a MAJOR addition to PG's customer support.

I for ONE...and only ONE...would prefer that PG spent its time evolving such a SYSTEMATIC AND CONSOLIDATED video library rather than adding a SINGLE new feature.

I'm sure you "pros" will SHRIEK at such a suggestion. But remember, everything is easy when you know what you're doing!!! But new users...the life blood of PG's FUTURE don't know JACK...and trying to parse the manual and fairly "unconsolidated" library of video tutorials is just flat DAUNTING.

SUGGESTION:

Get a brand new IT type employee who knows NOTHING about BIAB...but who is at least somewhat knowledgable of music to spend a few hours a week with an in-house PRO...going through Page 1 of the Manual to the end and evolving a video tutorial as they go.

Even go outside the company if need be to find such a person for what would be...I would imagine...about a 3 month project.

AND I for ONE would be FINE with PAYING EXTRA for the "UPGRADED VIDEO TUTORIAL MANUAL"!

How much? $50.00 in a heartbeat. For all other more intrepid souls...there will be MONTHS of FUN....AND FRUSTRATION as you try to "go deep" with the software.

Just my 2 cents.

Jim

My issues are more of the "how to" in BIAB. For example, last night I wanted to have a four measure (bar) ending to my song. BIAB makes it easy to add a 2 measure ending complete with fading the dynamics (velocity?) and holding the last chord. But, "how-to" add two additional measures, and change the chord pattern, to the inserted ending while maintaining the fade and hold properties eludes me! Pretend you know nothing about BAIB, then try to find instructions on making endings longer than 2 measures. I still haven't been able to find the solution to this specific problem.....

While I am not an expert in reading music, I do know, or at least I am familiar with, music terminology if you take the "computer" out of it. It is terms like "DAW", "Nudge", "event", etc. that have me searching forever.

Actually, since writing the above post, I have found that much of the terminology seems more related to the world of music software/hardware in general rather than BIAB specific. I have gotten some help in the area of terminology by reading midi glossaries on line.

However, like Jim, I would be willing to pay some extra money for a well written systematic teaching program for BIAB. The learning curve on the program would be greatly reduced for people like me!

Like, I am willing to bet, a lot of you, I work full time and play gigs on the side. After adding in family life and practice time with band mates, there just isn't a lot of time left over to be spent on the learning curve for a piece of software. Therefore, anything that considerably reduces that curve is very valuable to me.

BTW: I bought BIAB in order to create backing tracks for my live playing. I am more interested in playing live music then learning programing! All that said and done, I will admit that BIAB is "suggesting" new possibilities for this old dog!

Tony

Gravel,

I'm not sure if you are aware of this so I'll mention it just in case you have not yet found them. Under the "Help" there are also a number of very useful tutorials. I found these useful when I was starting out.

Regards,
Noel

I have never understood the viewpoint that use of the computer for music endeavors as anything other than some sort of easy "one-button-and-its-a-great-finished-product" is problematic.

**The day you bought or were given your first instrument, could you just pick it up and instantly make wonderful music that other people applauded?**

Or did you have to spend some time learning a few new things, new names, nomenclature, etc. before you could play the doggone thing?

Band in a Box is much the same. Treat it like a brand new musical instrument that is indeed rather complicated as compared to any single instrument. After all, most are suddenly encountering aspects of playing instruments *other* than the instrument that they've been trying to master. The Drummer may have some things to learn about the Melodic Instruments, the player of a Melodic Instrument may have to learn a few things about Drums and Percussion, all may have to learn about things such as MIDI, at least to the extent that the foundation behind Band in a Box, whether you choose all Realtracks or not, is MIDI-based.

Along the way, Band in a Box will make you a better musician...

The key to getting there as fast as possible lies in spending an ordinate and typically small amount of time with the program on a daily basis.

Didn't learn to play the Piano, the Trumpet and then the Guitar overnight.

But, in the process I've learned to enjoy The Journey.


--Mac

Quote:

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Even go outside the company if need be to find such a person for what would be...I would imagine...about a 3 month project.

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Groove3 would be a good one for this, out of all the "video instruction" companies out there I find their instruction the best...at least IMHO...