Do You Offer Backing Tracks?
KeyboardTEK does not provide live musician-replacing backing tracks.
We do offer playback tracks for certain shows when playback material is included in the licensed or authorized production materials. Those playback files are delivered and played through KeyboardTEK’s playback solution, KTPlayer.
The difference matters: backing tracks are usually used to replace live musicians. Playback tracks are show-specific audio elements that are intended to be triggered as part of the production.
Table of Contents
Backing Tracks vs. Playback Tracks
Does KeyboardTEK Provide Playback Tracks?
Why We Do Not Provide Musician-Replacing Backing Tracks
What If My Production Needs Tracks?
Backing Tracks vs. Playback Tracks
The terms backing tracks and playback tracks are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing in the context of KeyboardTEK products.
At KeyboardTEK:
- Backing tracks means prerecorded instrumental tracks intended to replace live musicians or orchestra parts.
- Playback tracks means authorized audio files that are part of a show’s electronic music design, sound design, click track system, sweetener package, or licensed production materials.
KeyboardTEK may provide playback tracks when they are part of the authorized materials for a show. We do not create or sell full backing tracks to replace missing live musicians.
What Are Backing Tracks?
Backing tracks are prerecorded performance tracks that play musical material instead of live musicians performing that material.
For example, a production might ask for backing tracks if it does not have enough live players for the orchestra, or if it wants the sound of a full band without hiring the musicians required by the orchestration.
KeyboardTEK does not provide this type of musician-replacing track package.
If your production needs a reduced orchestration, approved rehearsal tracks, or full performance tracks, you should speak with your licensing company. In many cases, those materials require specific approval from the rightsholder or licensing company.
What Are Playback Tracks?
Playback tracks are different from backing tracks.
Playback tracks are audio files that are meant to be triggered during the show as part of the production’s approved electronic music design or playback system.
Depending on the show, playback material may include:
- Click tracks
- Sweetener tracks
- Electronic music stems
- Sound effects
- Pre-recorded sequences
- Timecode or LTC-related material
- Audio files that support specific moments in the score
- Other show-specific playback elements included in the authorized materials
These files are not intended to replace the live orchestra. They are part of the production’s designed musical or technical system.
Does KeyboardTEK Provide Playback Tracks?
Yes, when playback material is included in the authorized materials for a show and KeyboardTEK has the right to provide it.
Not every show includes playback tracks. Availability depends on the title, licensing permissions, source materials, and the specific product offering for that show.
If playback is available for your show, it may appear as a separate product or add-on when ordering.
What Is KTPlayer?
KTPlayer is KeyboardTEK’s playback solution for shows that include authorized playback material.
KTPlayer is designed to help productions run playback files in a controlled and show-specific way. Depending on the show package, it may be used for materials such as click tracks, sweeteners, stems, or other playback elements that need to be triggered during performance.
KTPlayer is not a general backing-track player and is not intended to turn a live musical into a fully prerecorded performance.
Why We Do Not Provide Musician-Replacing Backing Tracks
KeyboardTEK’s work is built around supporting live musical theatre performance.
Our keyboard, percussion, and playback products are intended to help live musicians perform the sounds required by the orchestration or authorized electronic music design.
What If My Production Needs Tracks?
If your production needs tracks, first determine what kind of tracks you mean.
If you need authorized playback material that is part of the show’s electronic music design, contact KeyboardTEK Support or check the show’s product page to see whether playback is available.
If you need tracks to replace live musicians, contact your licensing company. They can tell you whether an approved track package, reduced orchestration, or other licensed solution is available for your production.
KeyboardTEK cannot approve the use of backing tracks or substitute materials that are not authorized by the licensing company or rightsholder.
Still Have Questions?
Contact KeyboardTEK Support if you are not sure whether your production needs keyboard programming, playback tracks, KTPlayer, or another type of electronic music support.
When contacting us, please include:
- The name of the show
- Your licensing company
- Whether you are using live musicians
- Which books or electronic music materials are included in your licensed package
- Whether you are asking about playback elements included with the show or tracks to replace live players