For the musician who wants to practice his instrument but without a full orchestra of friends at his beck and call, here’s the next best thing: Play Along CD’s!

Created by Winifried Hackl, a teacher and a musician, the CD’s try to fill the lack of adequate accompaniment available to solo instrumentalists looking to put in some rehearsal time. Recorded with a full orchestra in the background, you can take your skills on the violin, piano or keytar (actually MIDI might sound terrible on this) to new heights by playing along with Courtly Music Unlimited’s wide selection of recordings.

The CD’s are grouped according to the instrument you will play and you current skill level. If you’re playing the tenor and are at least on an intermediate level, for instance, you can get the Old English Dances from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book CD, which includes eleven classic dance selections you can play along to. Each CD will have each selection in two recordings, one with your part in it and the other with just your accompaniment. That way, you can learn the number by ear before diving in to play.

They offer an ample selection of CD’s for everyone from absolute beginners (Play Along Teaching Materials) to accomplished soloists (Music Partners CDs). A wide range of music choices for accompaniment is also offered well beyond the traditional classics, including modern rock, country and big band swing.

This is a great way to advance your music skills, playing along accomplished musicians who can actually play their notes on cue. While a little anti-social, it sure beats playing along with an imagined orchestra and should prove immensely helpful to helping ease your learning curve.