Came across this video posted to YouTube - it's a simple step-by-step tutorial using the "Pyctus Melody Sketch Pad" and Band-in-a-Box®.
The YouTube description for this video: Taking a melody based approach to composition. Nothing wrong with chord progression based but I always think that the melody is the centerpiece and should be the focus rather than trying to fit a melody into a progression.
The Pyctus Melody Sketch Pad is interesting but I can't find out anything about it. A search in Band-in-a-Box brings up "No Topic Found" while an internet search brings me back to the forum. Do you have a link you can share for the program?
I did find an interesting program called JamDeck though. Everyone can check out JamDeck ++ HERE ++
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 11/14/1608:44 AM. Reason: Added link
I did a ton of online searching for the Pyctus Melody Sketch Pad also, and wasn't able to find a thing online about it (it's not built in with Band-in-a-Box).
I'm going to get in touch with the OP of the video, and hopefully they can point us in the right direction!
I am not really sure what this is. That was not a "melody" he was generating--it was mostly a typical Mozart sounding arpeggio. Sort of.
BIAB has a gazillion midi "melodies" you can generate and tinker with (melodies as opposed to arpeggios) against a chord pattern you keep static, or a chord pattern you allow BIAB to "change." That is the whole midi composing side of BIAB that often gets forgotten when so much of the discussion is on Real Tracks. I love the melodic midi generation capabilities of BIAB too.
The description to the video from the OP really doesn't make sense to me but maybe I am just dense. No one I know would ever say you have to write a chord progression first and then find a melody that would "fit." You generally write a melody by humming a tune and then deciding whether you want a minor, major or jazz cadence to that. That just requires some knowledge of chords, which you then type into band in a box.
I watched this video and totally did not get it.
If you want write a melody why not just sit down at the piano and write one?
I often find a melody on the piano, capture it instantly in midi in Real Band or Sonar, export the midi, open it in BIAB and ask BIAB to tell me what chords I was playing. Even when BIAB is "off" I often prefer the chords it suggests and then we are off to the races. To me, that makes sense.
Again, I was somewhat lost on what this guy is trying to do. Maybe I need to watch it again!!!
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Couldn't see any videos for JAMDECK, they make BeatCleaver that is good. I found HookPad https://www.hooktheory.com/hookpad there's lots of videos on that.
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
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Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
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If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
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