This page provides links to music software demos that are currently on the market. Some demos are strictly for the Macintosh platform, some are for the Windows platform (PC) and some are available on both platforms (Macintosh and PC). The software has been categorized according to type: (1) Music Theory/Ear Training Software; (2) Auto-Accompaniment/Improvisation Software; (3) Music Scanning Software; and (4) Sequencing Software.Download the software you wish to review from the given websites. Generally, files that are available for download have been compressed so that they don't take so long to download. Files may be compressed as StuffIt or Self-Extracting Archives (.sit, .sea), BinHex (.hqx), MacBinary (.bin) Zip or GZip (.zip, .gz, .tgz) UU (.uu, .uue, .enc, which is the equivalent for PCs of BinHex on the Mac). To "unstuff" (MAC) or "unzip" (PC) these files you may need to use FREE downloadable software which may be found at the links below. After you download StuffIt Expander (MAC) or Aladdin Expander (PC), install it on your hard drive. Then, simply drag the compressed file over the StuffIt or Aladdin Expander icon and thefile will be expanded to your desktop where you can then access it to install it on your computer.
Download StuffIt Expander for Macintosh
Download Aladdin Expander for Windows
Some tutorials may also require that you have Acrobat Reader to read text. Download Acrobat Reader to your computer if you need it.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for Macintosh or Windows
Demos often vary in their functionality. Some demos are fully functional except for the SAVE command; some limit you on how many parameters you can use; some limit the amount of time that they may be used (often limited to 30 days); some are not as functional as others and only include minimal amount of examples. Do not be surprised if a demo only allows you a certain amount of time; this is very common and keeps the customers coming back for MORE.
MIBAC MUSIC LESSONS I & II (MAC & WINDOWS): This product teaches music fundamentals to beginning musicians with some ear training.
MIBAC MUSIC LESSONS I FOR MACINTOSH
MIBAC
MUSIC LESSONS I FOR WINDOWS
MIBAC MUSIC LESSONS II FOR MACINTOSH
MIBAC MUSIC LESSONS II FOR WINDOWS
Main website: http://www.mibac.com/
MUSIC ACE or MUSIC ACE2 (MAC & WINDOWS): This product teaches music fundamentals to children. Music Ace2 is the follow-up to Music Ace and is a bit more advanced.
MUSIC ACE FOR MACINTOSH OR WINDOWS
MUSIC ACE 2 FOR MACINTOSH OR WINDOWS
Main website: http://www.harmonicvision.com/
MACGAMUT (MAC ONLY): This product was designed to teach beginning ear training with drill and practice techniques.
MACGAMUT
FOR MACINTOSH
Main website: http://www.macgamut.com/
IMAJA'S LISTEN 2.5 (MAC ONLY): This product was also designed to teach beginning ear training techniques but utilizes both a piano keyboard or guitar fretboard to enter answers.
Main website: http://www.imaja com/
EMAGIC'S HEARMASTER (MAC ONLY): Music theory software with an emphasis in ear training.
Main website: http://www.emagic.de/
RISING SOFTWARE'S MUSITION 2 (WINDOWS ONLY): Comprehensive music theory and fundamentals package for beginners.
Main website: http://www.risingsoftware.com/
RISING SOFTWARE'S AURALIA (WINDOWS ONLY): Beginning to intermediate level ear training/music theory software.
AURALIA
FOR MACINTOSH
AURALIA
FOR WINDOWS
Main website: http://www.risingsoftware.com/
PG MUSIC'S BAND-IN-A-BOX (MAC & WINDOWS): This software allows you to input a fakechart which will be transformed into an auto-accompaniment played by an entire band (piano, drums, guitar, strings, horns). This program is useful for increasing improvisational skills and many other things.
BAND-IN-A-BOX
FOR MACINTOSH
BAND-IN-A-BOX
FOR WINDOWS
BAND-IN-A-BOX
TUTORIAL VIDEOS IN QUICKTIME FORMAT (MAC OR WINDOWS)
(UNSTUFF OR UNZIP TO USE)
Main website: http://www.pgmusic.com/
SOUNDTREK'S JAMMER PROFESSIONAL (WINDOWS ONLY): Similar to Band-in-a-Box, this software allows you to have an interactive professional "back-up" band play your charts. Very useful for getting those "creative juices" going!
JAMMER
PROFESSIONAL FOR WINDOWS
Main website:
http://www.soundtrek.com/
MIBAC JAZZ (MAC ONLY): Designed by jazz musicians, this program is similar to Band-in-a-Box, providing an auto accompaniment for typed-in chords by means of a jazz rhythm section including real chords, real rhythms, and real bass lines. Another useful program for practicing improvisation!
Main website: http://www.mibac.com/
CAKEWALK'S IN CONCERT (MAC & WINDOWS): This software allows you to perform as solo pianist with an interactive back-up band which will follow the tempos you play making practicing much more fun!
IN
CONCERT FOR MACINTOSH
IN CONCERT FOR WINDOWS
Main website: http://www.cakewalk.com/
MUSITEK'S SMARTSCORE (MAC AND WINDOWS): This is music scanning software that will allow you to scan in a piece of printed music with your scanner and then edit it as you desire with Finale. Also includes sequencing capabilities.
SMARTSCORE
FOR MACINTOSH
SMARTSCORE
FOR WINDOWS
SMARTSCORE
PIANO EDITION FOR MACINTOSH
SMARTSCORE
PIANO EDITION FOR WINDOWS
Main website: http://www.musitek.com/
MUSITEK'S MIDISCAN (WINDOWS ONLY): This is Musitek's first version of music scanning software. Can be imported into Finale; however, this software has no sequencing capabilities like SmartScore does.
Main website: http://www.musitek.com/
SEQUENCING SOFTWARE DEMOS
CAKEWALK'S PRO AUDIO 9 (WINDOWS ONLY): Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 is Cakewalk's latest version of multitrack digital audio and MIDI software. This software allows you to create, mix, and deliver music and sound in a wide range of media.
Main website:
http://www.cakewalk.com/
CAKEWALK'S METRO 5 (MACINTOSH ONLY): Sequencing software which allows you to record multiple tracks with some notation capabilities.
Main website: http://www.cakewalk.com/
CAKEWALK'S GUITAR STUDIO 2 (WINDOWS ONLY): The only multitrack recording software designed just for guitar players. Integrates sequencing software from your PC with the guitar you already own.
Main website: http://www.cakewalk.com/
OPCODE'S VISION DSP (MAC ONLY): Vision DSP is a complete software system for recording, editing, effecting and playback of MIDI and digital audio. One of the best sequencers on the market today.
VISION
DSP FOR MACINTOSH
Main website: http://www.opcode.com/
Of course, you are NOT limited to just downloading ONE software demo. For your own pleasure, download as many as you like and try them out! This is one of the best ways to keep current about what is happening in the music software industry. Have FUN!
