Are These the Original Broadway Sounds? What Sounds Are Included?
Some KeyboardTEK titles include sounds or patches connected to the original production. Others are recreated, adapted, or rebuilt so they can be used reliably by licensed productions.
This article explains what may be included in KeyboardTEK programming, what “as orchestrated” means, and why not every show contains original Broadway programming.
Table of Contents
Are These the Original Broadway Sounds?
Why Some Programming Is Modified or Recreated
Are Cued Instruments and Sound Effects Included?
Review Your Keyboard and Drum Books Before Ordering
Are These the Original Broadway Sounds?
Sometimes, yes. Many KeyboardTEK titles feature sounds, patches, or programming based on materials from the original production.
However, not every show includes original Broadway programming. Some shows never had a Broadway production, some productions happened before programming could be stored and reused in a modern format, and some original materials are not available or cannot be distributed under the applicable licensing agreements.
When original programming is available and authorized, KeyboardTEK prepares it for use in the secondary licensing market.
Why Some Programming Is Modified or Recreated
Even when original production programming exists, it may need to be modified before it can be used by licensed productions.
Programming may be adapted to:
- Follow licensing requirements
- Work reliably on current versions of MainStage
- Function on customer-owned or consumer-grade hardware
- Replace unavailable third-party sounds or instruments
- Improve stability for rehearsal and performance use
- Match the licensed keyboard book and current rental materials
When original programming is not available, KeyboardTEK works to recreate the intended sounds as faithfully as possible.
This may include:
- Working with original programmers, orchestrators, or members of the original music team when possible
- Studying available recordings and production references
- Researching the original hardware used in the production
- Rebuilding sounds with available software instruments, samples, and modern equivalents
Our goal is to support the sound and function of the orchestration in a way that is practical and reliable for licensed productions.
What Sounds Are Included?
KeyboardTEK programming is provided as orchestrated.
This means that any sound or instrument listed in the licensed keyboard book is included in the programming for that keyboard book.
For example, if the licensed keyboard book calls for piano, strings, brass, organ, synth, bells, or other keyboard-triggered sounds, those sounds are included in the programming for that part.
The programming is designed so a live keyboard player can perform the written part using the sounds required by the orchestration.
Are Cued Instruments and Sound Effects Included?
Sometimes.
Cued instruments or sound effects are included when they are orchestrated to be triggered by the keyboardist or player using that programming.
If a sound effect or cue is not part of the keyboard book, drum book, or relevant licensed performance material, it may not be included in the KeyboardTEK programming.
In other words, if the keyboardist is expected to trigger the sound as part of the written part, it is generally included. If the sound belongs to another department, playback system, sound design cue list, or separate rental package, it may not be included.
What Is Not Included?
KeyboardTEK programming does not automatically include every sound heard on a cast recording or original production recording.
The following may not be included unless specifically listed or offered for that show:
- Sound effects not triggered by the keyboardist or player
- Backing tracks
- Full performance tracks
- Sound design cues outside the licensed keyboard or drum books
- Custom cuts or custom patch combinations
- Sounds from unrelated productions or non-licensed materials
- Additional playback files that require separate licensing or approval
Some shows may offer additional playback, click, sweetener, or SFX files separately.
Review Your Keyboard and Drum Books Before Ordering
Each production is responsible for reviewing its licensed keyboard, drum, and percussion books before ordering.
Before placing your order, confirm which books your production is using and which parts require programming.
Once programming has been delivered, KeyboardTEK may be unable to offer a refund or credit simply because the production later determines that a specific book, sound, or cue is not needed.
Still Have Questions?
Contact KeyboardTEK Support if you are unsure whether a specific sound, cue, book, or electronic music element is included for your show.
When contacting us, please include:
- The name of the show
- Your licensing company
- The keyboard, drum, or percussion book you are asking about
- The specific cue, sound, or instrument you are trying to confirm
- Whether the sound appears in the licensed book or only in a recording