Performance tracks are designed to mimic the accompaniment of a live orchestra or band. Before the widespread use of sound recording and dissemination, most live musical performances were accompanied by some sort of musical backing, such as a piano, string trio or guitar. Performance tracks became popular after the invention of the record player, which allowed consumers to play back recorded music. Today, most performance tracks are recordings of live musicians, or a simulation of live musicians made by a synthesizer, placed on a CD and played back during performances and rehearsals. Additionally, digital performance tracks can be played directly from a computer.
Rehearsal performance tracks are recordings of the music of songs used in operas, orchestral performances and musical theater, which allow actors and musicians to practice their parts without having live accompaniment. This is often useful because it allows a conductor or director to focus on one person's playing or singing and control the volume of the accompaniment. Performance tracks are also used for voice lessons when students and teachers do not have access to a piano.
Many churches that do not have access to a piano or organ use performance tracks to supplement the singing of the choir or congregation during services and ceremonies. Because many traditional hymns and gospel songs are not copyrighted, Christian and other religious performance tracks are available for low or no cost. Free performance tracks are available for download on the Internet, and can be burned onto a CD for playback during performances.
For musicians who require performance tracks of their own songs, many recording companies produce custom-made tracks. These are based on sheet music produced by the customer and are used for practice or to accompany live vocal or instrumental performances. Custom tracks are generally produced using an arrangement of bass guitar, drums and a piano or acoustic guitar. Overdubs of additional instruments can be added on to supplement the music for performances.