Jim Bottorff's Banjo Page
TIPS ON CHANGING TEMPO, KEYS,
AND MAKING LEAD SHEETS
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USING "BAND-IN-A-BOX" FOR TEMPO/KEY CHANGE AND LEAD SHEETS
 
The midi files from this website can be loaded into the music program "Band-In-A-Box" (BIAB) using the "open midi file" or "import chords from midi file" commands depending on the version of BIAB.  After the midi file has been loaded into the BIAB program you should be able to see the chords and change the song tempo and key as needed.  Tip: Sometimes the "open entire midi file to melody" must be checked in the import window options for the melody to be heard.
 
To save a midi file from this site to your computer, right click on the "Song Name" on the home page or "Play" on any chord page and select "save target as...".
 
Following is a sample lead-sheet for "Camptown Races" made by importing my webpage midi file into Band-In-A-Box.  Some editing is necessary to activate the chord recognition feature and for page formatting.
 
Click here for the BIAB lead-sheet to "Camptown Races"
 

USING MUSIC WRITING PROGRAMS
 
Music writing software programs can be used to change tempo and keys as well as make lead-sheets.  Midi files can be imported into programs such as Encore, Music Time, Finale, Music Write, Music Ease, Midinotate, and many others.  Midinotate contains a chord recognition feature that is very helpful.  After the midi file has been imported into the music writing program, the tempo and key can be easily changed, and the lead-sheet can be printed out.
 
Here's an example of a lead-sheet for "Camptown Races" made by importing my webpage midi file into Midinotate.  Some editing is necessary to activate the chord recognition feature and to remove all the tracks except for the melody.
 
Click here for the Midinotate lead-sheet to "Camptown Races"
 
 

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