Cakewalk Introduces First Intelligent Music Partner for Keyboardists

January 29, 1998 -- Cakewalk has announced a revolutionary way for keyboardists to practice and perform music with the debut of Cakewalk In Concert . This Windows 95/Macintosh software combines "intelligence" with music technology to provide solo keyboardists with the experience of performing together with a band or symphony orchestra. It makes rehearsals more realistic and fun, and has a wide range of entertainment applications including recreational playing, performance preparation, live performance and music education.

Listen to the In Concert presentation from MusikMesse

With In Concert, users simply open any standard MIDI song file and start playing. In Concert performs all the other instruments automatically, following the lead of a keyboardist. If a user begins playing faster or louder, In Concert adjusts the tempo and volume of the other instruments to match. If a user skips or repeats a section of a song, In Concert adjusts the other instruments to skip or repeat as well.

Other accompaniment software can only play back files at a predefined speed and volume, so the experience is mechanical.

"Playing a keyboard alone isn’t rewarding because you miss the interaction and completeness of performing with others. That is why no one likes to practice and perform alone," said Greg Hendershott, chairman and chief technology officer, Cakewalk. "With In Concert, the experience is so close to performing with a real band that it’s actually fun."

In Concert addresses the needs of nearly every segment of the music market, including professional performers, music educators, students and recreational musicians. Whether a user is beginning a music career or is a veteran performer, In Concert delivers accompaniment at the appropriate pace and level of ability.

In Concert is ideal for musicians who want to fill out their live performances with the full accompaniment of a band, jazz ensemble or symphony orchestra. It provides the experience of playing with another performer and acts as an extension of an instrument by obeying commands expressed through performance.

The easy-to-use interface and intuitive transport controls makes learning easy. Music teachers can use In Concert as an accompanist for the student, freeing the teacher to focus on instruction. Students enjoy the experience of playing with another musician, while the teacher concentrates on evaluating the student’s performance.

With In Concert, the recreational keyboardist can have more fun and learn faster because the software takes the routine out of everyday playing.

In Concert loads and saves standard MIDI files. MIDI files used are readily available through music and computer retailers, and on the Internet. Users can also create original MIDI files with other Cakewalk music authoring software products for use with In Concert.

Pricing and Availability

Cakewalk In Concert has an estimated street price of $149 (U.S.) and will begin shipping February of 1998.

For more information on Cakewalk In Concert, call 888-CAKEWALK or visit Cakewalk on the World Wide Web www.cakewalk.com.