Create a track using the Virtual Keyboard on Bandlab
Use BandLab’s Virtual Keyboard to create a short musical track, record melodies, layer parts, and experiment with sounds to learn music production basics.
Step-by-step guide to create a track using the Virtual Keyboard on BandLab
Step 1
Open BandLab in your browser or app and sign in to your account.
Step 2
Start a new project by tapping or clicking Create or New Project.
Step 3
Add a new track and choose the Virtual Keyboard instrument.
Step 4
Pick a sound preset for the keyboard like piano electric or synth.
Step 5
Set the song tempo (BPM) to a comfortable number such as 90 or 100.
Step 6
Set the loop length to 8 bars so your melody fits one repeating section.
Step 7
Press the red Record button and play a short melody on the virtual keys for one loop.
Step 8
Press Play to listen to your recorded melody from the beginning.
Step 9
Add another new track and choose a different instrument sound to layer.
Step 10
Record a second part such as a harmony or bass line to play along with your first melody.
Step 11
Adjust the volume slider for each track so your parts sound balanced together.
Step 12
Add one simple effect such as reverb to a track to experiment with the sound.
Step 13
Save your project so your music is stored in BandLab.
Step 14
Share your finished musical track on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have access to the BandLab app or the Virtual Keyboard preset?
If you can't use the BandLab app or the Virtual Keyboard preset, open BandLab in a browser or substitute any on-screen piano or MIDI keyboard in another free DAW and still follow the steps to set tempo and an 8-bar loop.
My recording didn't start when I pressed Record — what should we check?
Check that the red Record button is active, the Virtual Keyboard track is selected, the loop length is set to 8 bars, and your device volume and permissions aren't muted before recording again.
How can we adapt this activity for different age groups?
For younger kids use a 4-bar loop, a simple preset and have an adult press Record and adjust the volume slider, while older kids can use 8 bars, add a second track for harmony or bass, pick synth presets, and tweak effects like reverb.
How can we extend or personalize the track after finishing the basic melody?
Extend the project by recording extra tracks (bass or harmony), changing the tempo or loop length, adding more effects and automation, balancing parts with the volume slider, then save and share the finished track on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to create a track using the Virtual Keyboard on BandLab
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BandLab Bootcamp For Beginners [In-Depth BandLab Tutorial]
Facts about digital music production for kids
☁️ You can record, layer, and share tracks online on BandLab — and even collaborate with friends in different places.
🎹 BandLab is a cloud-based music studio where you can play a virtual keyboard straight from a browser or app.
🎧 Many modern songs are built by layering virtual instruments and tweaking effects — music production is a bit like building with sound Lego!
🔁 MIDI is like a digital music language that tells virtual instruments which notes to play, how loud, and for how long.
🎛️ Virtual instruments use samples or sound synthesis so a small keyboard can mimic pianos, synths, drums, and more.
How do I create a track using BandLab's Virtual Keyboard?
What materials do I need to use BandLab's Virtual Keyboard with my child?
What ages is creating a BandLab Virtual Keyboard track suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for kids using BandLab's Virtual Keyboard?
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