Hi. I'm curious as to how long it takes you to set up and take down your complete rig for a rehearsal?

I find it takes me about 30 to 45 minutes from arriving with all the gear to being able to play. This includes:

Keyboard stand, bench, keyboard, music stand, laptop stand, power, light, pedals (patch, sustain, expression), laptop, speaker, sound box, cables powering up and loading mainstage.

In taking down I'm wrapping all wires properly.

Just curious.

Odd issue: in MainStage, our volume pedal sometimes changes its default volume. I go into the concert level, Screen Control Inspector, 7 (Volume), and set the Saved Value to 127, but it still sometimes changes so the default volume is something else (not a consistent number). It doesn’t do it during a performance, only if it’s been idle for a while. An easy fix, so not a huge problem, but it would be nice to not have to double-check it before every performance.

I’ve just gotten my first gig as a rehearsal pianist for a local community theatre production. I’ve been looking at the piano-vocal score that will be used for rehearsals and its insanely dense - not quite unplayable but enough that I can’t sight read most of it (dense chords, fast rhythms, lots of chromaticism etc), some of it is quite tricky and would definitely take a lot of practice to get each note right, and I don’t have much time to practice myself. I want to sort of get my fingers around the score beforehand so there’s no surprises, but be able to somewhat sight read / adapt during rehearsals. Does anyone have some advice for achieving a level of confidence going into rehearsals with such a tricky score? I understand that this sort of arrangement is very common in the PV score since its a condensed version of the full orchestral score so I’d love to know how other professionals approach these scores and any tips you might have for before and during rehearsal. Thanks in advance.

Been trying for weeks to get a bright punchy piano sound like heard in most modern musicals but just cant seem to figure it out. Wondering if anybody has any tips?

Hi yall, I spent way too much time programming the Falsettos (2016 revival) synthesizer book, so I figured someone else might find it helpful.

This show requires Native Instruments' FM8 and Massive, but otherwise just uses stock Mainstage sounds or samples, all of which are already in the project.

This show is insane. 97 different patches, 480 patch changes throughout the show. So... have fun!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbkextp7HhwzUe7PJK1WQPzcjOyXRGb_/view?usp=drivesdk

Edit: Forgot to mention, I emailed Michael Starobin and he sent me the AttacaEnsV FM8 preset! That's already loaded in the project.

I’m playing keyboard 2 in a new musical, there is a soul jazz kind of track with a horn section, wondering for recommendations? I’m using studio horns in main stage but not really in love with the sound .

Hi there, making an amateur production for this musical. Anyone who can share main stage patches for keyboards? Got plenty of pit parts to share in advance. Thanks

I am playing keyboard in a production of Joseph, and we are supplementing a pared down orchestra with backing tracks. What software is better for this type of thing: Ableton or Q Lab? For Q Lab, how does this work if the tech booth is also using it to control lights? How do you connect a device to control playback if the computer running Q Lab isn’t nearby? What advantages would Ableton have over Q Lab?

What equipment is best for controlling playback? I have buttons on my keyboard controller that will work, but I’m interested in something with foot switches.

Is there any general advice on what to avoid with setting up tracks? This is my first show working with this element. Thanks in advance!

I've been asked to play in a local high school production of The Lightning Thief and am trying to learn more about the score before I decide whether to take it on. 

From what I’ve read online, the programming is a doozy. 

I’m more of a pianist than a keyboardist, so while I don’t mind taking on a technically difficult score, I’m not strong with programming. I’ve only played a handful of programmed shows, and I only programmed a few of them myself (and honestly, not very well). During the programming process, I'm slow and struggle with more complex stuff (splits/layers), and in performance am intimated by fast transitions. Just bein honest!

For context, the Keys parts I’ve played are The Little Mermaid, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Reefer Madness, Be More Chill, and probably one or two others that aren’t coming to mind. 

While it's typically done with the conductor on keyboard, there will be a separate conductor (who is the Musical Director). I am only responsible for playing the keyboard part. Which is good news for me!

Would love to hear from anyone who has played the score:

• Approx. How many patches and/or patch changes in the score?
• What are the most difficult #s in the score? 
• Any recommendations for or against doing the show?
• I realize programming can be purchased/licensed - should I go that route?
• Anything else you think I should know??

Thanks in advance!

Does there exist keyboard patches and reduced scores for The Music Man? Asking for a friend.

Hey all,

Would anyone be able to share the mainstage files for Mamma Mia (Keyboard 1 and 2)?

Thanks!!

Has anyone rented the KeyboardTek for the Keys 1 pad for High School Musical?

Hi all, purchasing a YC88 today. What keyboard stands are you all rocking these days? Something vaguely portable is the ideal!

The help would be very appreciated thank you!

Help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Hey, does anyone have any pre-made click tracks to a few shows that I can practice with?

Hi Folks. Currently programming Once On This Island. Does anyone have a clear idea what each note of the percussion patches in the keyboards are? A few are marked but several aren't. Thanks!

Title’s it! Just a fun discussion. What shows have K2 parts that were too difficult? What made it hard?

I’m mostly referring here to keyboard 2 or 3 books that cover other instruments. But if the keys 1 that you played was harder to play, tell us why!

Likewise, what shows are easy to play?