Ok, guys! Let's see what you say...

I listened to your cover of If I Stand (which is one of my all-time favourite songs to perform, not to meantion my absolute favorite songwriter). Not a bad job! It appears you are limited now more be equipment than actual skill. The drums are WAY too busy, keep it light and just keep the rhythm (listen to Jars of Clay's version for an idea). I'd pull the vocals back a couple db, maybe less than that actually. Also, I'd replace your piano sound with something a little more prosounding, I can run it through NI's Akoutik Piano if you wish.

All in all, good job!

Actually i have always liked the free piano from Sampletank, when i get home i will listen with headphones but it just might be a need to give the piano track some personal attention. Actually after another listen i do not think the sample patch is the problemat all, it is just the midi track is a bit stiff, as most midi is.

I use premade midi all the time, and it is a great way to get work done for those who do not play all instruments well. One trick i learned is not just changing velocity,but also ever so slightly, moving the individual notes on the piano roll, so they are not so perfectly timed. This gives a much more human feel.

Hi Beagle

I'm not really skilled enough to give good, constructive critiques. I'm still hopping 'round that learning curve and trying to train my ears. But I did give your tunes a listen and liked them. I am always amazed at how quickly you guys can complete a song.

thanks a lot, wickerman and pete! I appreciate the compliments. Robo - I had done that on Be Thou My Vision, but I got in a hurry on If I Stand and didn't vary the timing any. I'll go back and work on that.

Greek - yep! It's actually not a very quick process, but it's a lot easier than learning difficult songs on the keyboard. Photoscore

I have the photoscore midi lite which I think cost me $24. it has some limitations, and it doesn't read everything perfectly, so you have to edit it before you can save it as a midi file.

then there's also a problem where it always limits the notes to 360 ticks per quarternote, but you have to edit all the notes once you've scanned it anyway, so after you change the global setting, you can change the notes in CW. Very worth the money, IMO!

Thanks, Robo! I appreciate the tips! I plan to continue working on those items!

Thank you, raven! very kind of you!

Ha, sussed