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.
About this activity
Use BandLab’s Virtual Keyboard to create a short musical track, record melodies, layer parts, and experiment with sounds to learn music production basics.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Open BandLab in your browser or app and sign in to your account.
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Step 2
Start a new project by tapping or clicking Create or New Project.
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Step 3
Add a new track and choose the Virtual Keyboard instrument.
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Step 4
Pick a sound preset for the keyboard like piano electric or synth.
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Step 5
Set the song tempo (BPM) to a comfortable number such as 90 or 100.
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Step 6
Set the loop length to 8 bars so your melody fits one repeating section.
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Step 7
Press the red Record button and play a short melody on the virtual keys for one loop.
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Step 8
Press Play to listen to your recorded melody from the beginning.
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Step 9
Add another new track and choose a different instrument sound to layer.
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Step 10
Record a second part such as a harmony or bass line to play along with your first melody.
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Step 11
Adjust the volume slider for each track so your parts sound balanced together.
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Step 12
Add one simple effect such as reverb to a track to experiment with the sound.
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Step 13
Save your project so your music is stored in BandLab.
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Step 14
Share your finished musical track on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I create a track using BandLab's Virtual Keyboard?
Open BandLab and start a new project, then add an instrument track and choose the Virtual Keyboard. Pick a sound preset, set tempo, and use the on-screen keys to play and record short melody takes. Loop, copy, and layer multiple takes for harmony or bass. Use the mixer to adjust volume and simple effects, then export or save the project. Encourage experimenting with sounds and keeping sections short for kids.
What materials do I need to use BandLab's Virtual Keyboard with my child?
You need a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with internet, a free BandLab account, and headphones or speakers. Optional extras: a MIDI keyboard for tactile play, a microphone for recording singing, and a stable internet connection. Adult supervision for account setup and downloads is helpful. No paid software is required; BandLab runs in-browser or via the app, making it accessible for home use.
What ages is creating a BandLab Virtual Keyboard track suitable for?
This activity suits children roughly ages 7 and up. Younger kids (4–6) can try basic play and listening with an adult nearby. Ages 7–12 benefit from guided steps—simple recording, layering, and experimenting—while teens can explore deeper production tools. Adjust session length and complexity to attention span, and provide hands-on help with account setup and saving projects.
What are the benefits and safety tips for kids using BandLab's Virtual Keyboard?
Benefits include learning melody, rhythm, layering, basic music production, creativity, and digital skills. It builds listening, patience, and problem-solving. Safety tips: create accounts with parental permission, protect privacy, supervise sharing and collaboration features, limit screen time, and monitor headphone volume. Variations: try genre challenges, remix a favorite song, or collaborate with friends to keep lessons engaging.
Watch & Learn
Need 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.