Maybe it might be a good idea to make a list of composing programs and locations, and sticky them? I won't make a new thread of it without permission from a moderator, but here's what would go in it :)

Noteworthy Music

Noteworthy Composer - Evaluation version available limited to 10 saves per file. You can save your sheetmusic as .nwc files (only readable by other Noteworthy Composer users) or MIDI files (very very useful!) And you can also download MIDI files and open them in Noteworthy to read the sheet music (useful for transcriptions.) The program allows you to input MIDI controller effects (pan, reverb, sustain, pitch bend etc) as well as the usual instrument changes, performance styles and special endings (DC, Fine etc). This is good for people who don't like using the mouse as you can enter your entire score using the keyboard!

This program is my fave - I could spend a lot of writing time extolling its virtues but I want to be fair to all the other programs too ;) Just try it - it's powerful, versatile and just plain brilliant

DOWNLOAD: http://www.noteworthysoftware.com/composer/evaluate.htm

Full version is US$39 - order from the website.

Coda Music

Finale Notepad 2004 - Free download and enables you to enter and print sheet music as well as view other people's Finale files. They also supply Finale Showcase, a website where you can upload your compositions for others to listen to. The main limitations of Finale Notepad (I believe) are that you can't save your songs as midi files, only .MUS files which can only be read by other Notepad users, and you can't open MIDI files using the software. (I don't use this software so please feel free to correct me on this.)

DOWNLOAD: http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/features.asp

Finale Notepad Plus - Same as Finale Notepad, only with this you can open MIDI files to view as sheet music and save your work as MIDI files.

Full version upgrade from Notepad is US$24.95

DOWNLOAD: http://www.finalemusic.com/downloads/demos.asp

On the page above you can also find a demo version of Finale PrintMusic!, Finale 2005, Finale Guitar and Finale Allegro which I'll talk about now. I'm supplying all the demo versions here so you can find the software that's best for you if you're looking with view to buying the full version.) If you're poor like moi, better to go for Finale Notepad or Noteworthy Composer as they're free and you can get more use out of them than the other Finale demos :)

Finale PrintMusic! - 30 day evaluation available limited to no saves and first-page sheet music print with demo watermark. Useful for assistance with notation and playback but not good if you want to save your work and come back to it later. With PrintMusic! you can scan already written sheet music, record acoustic instruments into the score and save your compositions as MIDI files/open MIDI files.

Full version upgrade from Notepad is US$59.95

Finale Guitar - Notepad for guitar basically - create your own guitar tabs and transposable fretboard groups, or play into the software using a MIDI guitar. However, you can also put guitar frets into anything from PrintMusic! upwards (not the Notepads, they only do text chords) so if you want to do other things besides guitar compositions you might be better off trying something different.

Full version is US$99.95

Finale Allegro - Used to create MIDIs from MIDI keyboards/guitars, or acoustic single line melodic instruments. You can create sheet music with this too but it's primarily for MIDI sequencers as it has more advanced MIDI controls.

Full version is US$199.95

Finale 2005 - The biggie! Lots to offer for people buying the full version, but veeery pricey - if you're serious about what you're doing (i.e. doing it professionally or full-time) then going for something like this or Sibelius might be a good idea. You can scan music, save as audio, graphic and MIDI files, everything that the others can do only on a much bigger scale including repeats, lyrics etc.

It's yours for US$600! @_@ However, if you qualify for student price it's US$300 :)

And for the final (or finale *ducks thwacks for terrible pun) advantage of using anything from Coda Music - you can use it to open any other music files created by the same or later products from Coda Music, so your .MUS files can be opened by anybody using any Coda Music program :)

Sibelius

Sibelius 3 - another biggie, up there with Finale 2005. Basic point-and-click procedure as in Finale. You can create mp3s, graphics and MIDIs of your music, record live more than one instrument, mix your music and alter dynamics etc after recording and places page turns at the best location for performers. One disadvantage is that old Sibelius versions aren't compatible with files from later versions unless you choose to specifically save it as an older version. Sibelius also uses graphic smoothing and note spacing techniques to produce nice-looking scores, and most usefully for MIDI creators it can tell you when the notes you're inputting for a particular voice are out of range of the instrument. And for fun-ness you can randomly mess around with the look of the sheet music paper you're writing on, note colours and so forth. Professional software through and through.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.sibelius.com/cgi-bin/download/g...∏=sibdemo (http://www.sibelius.com/cgi-bin/download/get.pl?com=sh∏=sibdemo) (Saving disabled and only one sheet music page print + watermark allowed.)

Full version is between US$480-500

G7Music

G7 - Similar to Finale Guitar but run by Sibelius. You can scan music, create tabs and frets and there's lots of samples to play with. It will also play back notation including any fancy things like slides etc.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.sibelius.com/cgi-bin/download/g...d=g7demo&com=sh (http://www.sibelius.com/cgi-bin/download/get.pl?prod=g7demo&com=sh) - Evaluation copy with saving disabled.

Having difficulty finding the price in US$ for this without contacting the distributors but probably about the same as or more expensive than Finale Guitar.

GVox

Encore - German software recommended by some Ichigos users. This can transpose parts, transcribe MIDIs, play multiple endings and pedal marks/MIDI controls, guitar tab transcription, change your note head types (to percussion etc), and allows you to print thumbnail graphics of your score.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.gvox.com/fr_body_downloads.php (Save and Print disabled) - This is the general downloads page so you can get MusicTime Deluxe from here too.

Yours for US$415.

MusicTime Deluxe - Same sort of thing as Encore. You get a funky piano keyboard window where the keys light up as the notes are played. You can play in parts from MIDI keyboards, enter notes using keyboard or mouse, add guitar chord diagrams to your score and print music in colour.

Full version is US$124.

Tierramedia

Music Works Personal 2.5 (I randomly found the full version of this at a car boot sale so thought I'd look it up!) - this is a basic composition program that will let you open and edit MIDI files, compose your own music and print in colour. It also lets you edit the curvature and endpoints of ties/slurs.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.tierramedia.com/downloads.asp (Full version for 30 days, watermarked music prints after 30 days, disable saving after 60 days and disabled program after 90 days - not bad usage though, a good program for penniless composers who would still like to save and print their compositions.)

Price unavailable as website is still under construction.

Myriad

Melody Assistant - This is an interesting piece of software in that it will allow you to save your compositions as MP3s - this is pretty cool as it always sounds so much nicer in that format than as the tinny MIDI files. And for budding singers you can add lyrics to your songs and play them in karaoke mode so people can sing along (if you want to inflict that upon yourself ;)) You can save your scores as graphics files (PICT, BMP and EPS - BMPs are quite large though). The program is quite versatile in that you can record music from CDs, MIDI keyboards or record by microphone, and then edit your recording before mixing it in your tune, as well as password protect your files (I've not come across this before - I assume it would be handy if annoying siblings use your computer and you don't want them messing up your files!) Another handy thing is that you can apply effects such as reverb etc to your piece without messing around with the MIDI master controls (which can be a bit fiddly if you don't know what you're doing.) Quite nifty by the looks of things.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.myriad-online.com/cgi-bin/downl...lang=EN&prod=MA (http://www.myriad-online.com/cgi-bin/download.pl?lang=EN&prod=MA) (No clef/time-sig change, watermarked printed pages, song exporting limited to 3 or so seconds of sound, but unlimited usage is allowed.)

Full version is US$20

Harmony Assistant - It has the features of Melody Assistant but also allows you to edit your score in a WYSIWYG type window which displays your score as it would be printed, choose different note display modes (mathematical display done by note duration and engraver display done by equal note spacings), split the windows to allow you to see more than one score at once, create automatic harmonies based on your solo instrument lines (using chord groups), a kind of notepad to stick bits of scores, audio samples etc in for later retrieval (very handy when you're swapping bits of music around), as well as the facility to write your own scripts that interact with and control the program's functions. Versatile and evidently powerful, though I'm not sure how much one would prefer computer-made harmonies over those composed by hand :)

DOWNLOAD: http://www.myriad-online.com/cgi-bin/downl...lang=EN&prod=HA (http://www.myriad-online.com/cgi-bin/download.pl?lang=EN&prod=HA) (Saving disabled and printing limited to one page)

Full version is US$70

(Thanks to Sephiroth for the Myriad products - great find!)

Anvil Studio

Anvil Studio - A cool MIDI composing/sequencing program, the most useful looking feature of which is the ability to actually edit your score while it's still being played, which is handy for making changes ahead of the player or while the dud notes are still in your head rather than having to waste time stopping and starting the piece. It also has mouseover note-playing, again saving time fiddling with the stop and start buttons, and the ability to loop different parts of your piece at different points by linking the start of a loop to the playing of another note elsewhere. I imagine this would be handy for sequencer specialists who make a lot of use of audio samples in their songs. Another good thing is the ability to edit the MIDI controller events (reverbs, fades etc) for each individual track rather than sticking in the events throughout the score and making it look messy. Best of all, it's freeware with no restrictions on saving etc so if you're a poor downtrodden music student, this is for you ;) The only downside is that you can't print your sheets without purchasing the additional plug-in off the Anvil site, but that can be overcome by opening the MIDI file in another program that will let you print (though the sheets might not look the same as sometimes the program can read the MIDI incorrectly, but it doesn't take too much tidying up.)

DOWNLOAD: http://www.anvilstudio.com/upgraden.htm (Middle paragraph of download links)

You can purchase additional accessories from the Anvil website - either separately or as part of the Anvil Studio Works (US$99)

(Thanks to Haku for the Anvil recommendation!)

If you have a composing program that you enjoy using that isn't on the list please post it and I'll add it to the list :) Also if you use any products that are on the list and there's a cool function on them that I haven't listed, or I've written something incorrect about them please let me know!

split and stickied! thanks for putting this together madmazda86! ^_^

Nps, glad it was useful! :D

i got 1 that might be worth noting if not then please ignore..............its called melody assistant......it turns midi's into sheet music

Added - thankyou! :)

I use Anvil Studio. Well, a nice feature I found is it has 13 different notation staves. Also, there's the ability to insert MIDI controller events. I've found the ability to change pan or relative volume useful. It also lets you sustain notes played until you insert another controller telling them to stop. It saves songs directly in MIDI format, so there's no decision to make. Just try it. I'm sure you'll like it. Only the _optional_ plugin accessories need to be paid for.

http://www.anvilstudio.com/

Wow, I can't believe we never thought of this sooner. Excellent idea! (and yay, you got Encore up!)

Yay! NoteWorthy is on top!!!

Originally posted by michael@Sep 8 2004, 07:52 PM
Yay! NoteWorthy is on top!!!
Hehe, well I use it and love it to bits, so naturally ;)

Anvil has been added - thanks, Haku!

CakeWalk Pro 6.0 is pretty good i think

Info on CakeWalk Audio Pro 6.0 (http://www.harmony-central.com/Events/WNAMM97/Cakewalk/CPA-60.html)


CakeWalk Homepage (http://www.cakewalk.com)

I also use Master Track pro 6.0
yes i know it's very very old, but it's very straight forward.

For those of you who likes MIDIs, i believe Master Track Pro 6.0 is the best.

Info on MTP6.0 (http://www.sandyn.com/MIDI.html)

I think the Finale 2005 price should also include the student price as most of us here are probably eligible for it. I'm not sure what the official price from coda music is but you can get it for $200 from the ebay store (it's completely new).

Ok, I've added the student price up there - I've got to go out now but I'll try and add Neerolyte's suggestions this evening or tomorrow :) Thankyou!

how do u use the myrad thingy and thew encore thiny

Originally posted by NemisisAlice789@Sep 29 2004, 09:58 PM
how do u use the myrad thingy and thew encore thiny
There should be help files included - either within the program or in the readme files included with the download :)

OKie dokie then!

what is the program to convert mp3s into midis????? :blink:

I just type "convert mp3 to midi" in google.

http://www.mp3towav.org/mp3-to-midi.asp

I tried one of them, but it is so bad if it's not converting a solo piece.

I use voyetra Music Write Professional Edition, you might want to check it out (working on finding a link)

Noteworthy is my favourite because it notates midis for you. :D

Thanks. Sorry about that un-needed topic.

i wanted to correct you guys on finale note pad.
well you can transfer the .mus files to .midi but you have to buy the full version and you can buy it from the site for $24.00

well i downloaded noteworthy and i didnt really like it. you know all the pressing enter after you position the curser.

i think finale is funner and is alittle easier

i think it is more fun too. ^_^

HOWEVER, those stupid MP3 to MIDI programs are extremely bad. No, they are truly bad programs. :doh:

Some more MIDI free sequencers I know of are JAZZ++ (http://www.jazzware.com/cgi-bin/Zope.cgi/jazzware/), Quartz Studio Free (http://www.digitalsoundplanet.com/SoftwareHouse/Products/Quartz_Studio/Studio_Free/studio_free.phtml) and DirectMusicProducer (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=6e938a6e-b383-466b-a3ee-5a655bf5db8c&DisplayLang=en) (it's part sampler, too). In my opinion, Anvil is a steaming pile in terms of making 'good' sounding pieces, and Noteworthy isn't much better. But for simply notation's sake, I suppose they are bareable.

As for free wave editors, Goldwave (http://www.goldwave.com) and Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net) are top on my list. They let you record directly via "What you hear", and has lots of effects for post-processing; also, they let you save in a variety of compressions(in various bit-rates, kps, and frequencies).

For commercial products, you've guys mentioned the most of the main notation software, but one that you've missed(which I think is pretty good, anyways), is Lime (http://www.cerlsoundgroup.org/cgi-bin/Lime/Windows.html); it's pretty cheap, and looks is featured-enough for most small-scale projects. If you care more about the sound, and less of how it looks, check out Cakewalk's Home Studio/Sonar and Steinberg's Cubase (or DMP, Logic, Protools, if you have a mac).

::pulling out hair:: does anyone know if Noteworthy Composer has a snare drum? It's not listed in the list of instruments but when I opened a midi (in Noteworthy) that had a snare drum part in it it played fine but the instrument that was playing was listed as a string ensemble....but it sounded like a snare drum. And when I tried to do the same thing but it sounded like a string ensemble...so yeah I'm confused anyone wanna help?

Taiko or Steel Drum does the trick for me :)

::stops pulling out hair:: uhh what note? all or them or is there a specific one that sounds closer?

Any, just if you pick one, stick to it, as those patches do have a certain degree of tone so if you want a solid drum beat it needs to be the same note over and over.

tanky tanky Maz :D

Originally posted by Fob@May 5 2005, 03:02 PM
::pulling out hair:: does anyone know if Noteworthy Composer has a snare drum? It's not listed in the list of instruments but when I opened a midi (in Noteworthy) that had a snare drum part in it it played fine but the instrument that was playing was listed as a string ensemble....but it sounded like a snare drum. And when I tried to do the same thing but it sounded like a string ensemble...so yeah I'm confused anyone wanna help?
I don't know Noteworthy Composer, but here's what worked for several midi-programs:

Midi-channel 10 is reserved for the standard drum-set. No other instruments will play on that channel (you can set the instrument to "string ensemble", but you'll still hear drums). So if you want a snare drum, set the midi-channel to 10.

Accoustic snare drum = Note# 38 (D1)
Electric snare drum = Note# 40 (E1)

Every note has a different drums'n'percussion instrument. You get sounds like cymbals and handclaps and bicycle-bells and cow-bells, but how they sound depends on the sound card. Play around with the notes to see what they sound like.

what i dont like about noteworthy is that there are no set mesures and if there is than is there a note limitor that will limit how many notes are in the measure. if there is a way to do this than plz tell me how.

Your best bet to measure would be to create a new staff consisting entirely of rests in the time you've chosen (with barlines in between obviously) - you know you've got the correct number of notes in a measure when the barline of that stave lines up with the barline of your rest stave below :) If you're still confused I'll post a screenshot.

nah i understand

I use Music Ease, a very good software. Goto Musicease.com

Psst, add FL Studios.
It's a great MIDI sequencer, and that's just a small side-feature of it.

And this composition program to the top: Reason 3
It´s very easy and extremely good.

Finale 2006 is out. No demo though..yet if you dont know already :heh:
http://www.finalemusic.com/finale/default.aspx

When I compose music, I use Propellerheads Reason 3.0, which I find more then serves my needs - www.propellerheads.se/products/reason/
I'll occasionally compose songs in MOD/S3M format, which I use for games and such, for which I use Modplug Tracker - it's free and quite capable, once you get used to it - www.modplug.com
For post-production editing and MP3 conversion, I use Audacity, which is also free and perfect for doing just that - audacity.sourceforge.net/

Yeah. And if anyone wants to hear what my stuff actually sounds like, www.purevolume.com/mcjimmyd

^_^

Hurrah!! Finale 2006 is out!! *rushes out to buy it* Personally, I like 2004 the best, and I can't really find anything that justifies the upgrade. If you have 2004 or 2005 and you know all the tricks, steer away from this one; if your just starting, check it out!

so.....out of all of them, which do you think is the best one?
also are there limitations?
like you can only use the program for a set number of days?

Hello? Why isn't CAKEWALK on this list?!

The same reason FL Studio isn't either. They just don't count apparently...

SCALA (http://www.xs4all.nl/~huygensf/scala)

This isn't a composing program per se, but it's a neat utility for those interested in less conventional tunings and such. This program has hundreds of modes and chords, most of which I bet you've never heard of. I've only recently started to fiddle with this program, but it seems to be able to retune your MIDI synth so that it can play the many microtonic scales that lie within it. Anyways, I'm not a big expert on such, but a friend of mines showed me the basics of how to use the program.

First, you specify the type of scale by typing it in the command line - for example, equal 12, equal 17 will give you a scale divided into 12 equal steps and 17 equal steps per octave, respectively. After you've defined the scale, it's time to choose a mode - basically, a mode is a subdivision of a scale. The easy way to choose one is to click on the "Play" button and then the mode button to choose it - the numbers by the mode indicate how it's divided up. The number of numbers indicate the number of notes in that mode, and the value of the number indicate how many steps are between the notes (usually starting from C). For example, for the equal temperment, "2 2 3 2 3" gives you the Major Pentonic scale, as C+2 = D, D+2 = E, E+3 = G, G+2 = A, A+3 = C. And guess what - C-D-E-G-A in fact is a major pentonic scale. Of course, by step it's not necessarily a semitone - it depends on what scale you choose. If you choose an "equal 24" tuning (ie, the octave is divided into 24 notes), each step would be a quarter-tone. Similarly, the chords depend on the steps which vary with the scales.

Actually, I believe the program the website has a bad file when you try to access the chords, so I'll upload the zipped file here. Just copy it to your main folder to replace the other file. Anyways, I realize this program might sound kinda complicated (and it really is, though you do a lot with the little I've showed you), but just fiddle around with it and see what fresh sounds you can produce.

How COULD cakewalk not count?! That's what I ALWAYS use!

Does anybody use Garageband or Logic Pro?

Nope. Bad naming sense of those two though =P

so those programs ain't good?

I didn't say they weren't good, but I never heard of either. That's usually a sign of a bad program. Not always, but usually. If you're looking for good composing/transcribing software, check out Finale or Sibelius.

i know, but i don't really like them, i just don't know why.

not heard of them, maybe u don't have an Apple :P

woa, Swedish people who use Apple?

yeh, always used it. wat do use PC or?

btw bor du i stockholm?

I use Logic Fun (the "light" version of Pro). I like it 'cause you have total control over midi events (not that I have enough expertise to exert that control, lol).

It's not the best program to create sheet music, though. (But then it's primarily a sequencer and not a notation program)

Also, it's not as easy to use as most other programs.

I've tried several. Logic Fun came out my favourite among the freeware. If money wasn't an issue, or if I was a more dedicated composer, I'd probably go for Finale, though.

I use Logic Fun (the "light" version of Pro). I like it 'cause you have total control over midi events (not that I have enough expertise to exert that control, lol).

It's not the best program to create sheet music, though. (But then it's primarily a sequencer and not a notation program)

Also, it's not as easy to use as most other programs.

I've tried several. Logic Fun came out my favourite among the freeware. If money wasn't an issue, or if I was a more dedicated composer, I'd probably go for Finale, though.
can u give me the link where i can download it?
i have a mac.

I looked for it online, but didn't find it. Googling for "logic fun" +"emagic" yields results, but all the download links appear defunct...

Me, I got it with my sound-card, but it's a Windows version.

I never heard of a Logic "Fun" - probably because when Emagic was acquired by Apple, they've dissolved all the Windows developments. There is Logic Express (http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/), though. It's not cheap($299), but certainly moreso than the Pro version ($999). By the price tag, you should probably know that's it's an industry standard-level program. I've tried an older Logic Platinum on the PC before, and it was a pretty nice program, so I expect the OS X version to be even better. Also, there's MOTU's Digital Performer (http://www.motu.com/products/software/dp/body.html/en), which we use here at my university - can't say I love it (mostly because I've gotten so acquinted to Cakewalk's interface), but it has quite a bunch of features - I'm pretty sure it's very expensive too, though. Your (Sai Ming) best bet is probably sticking to Garageband for now.

I never heard of a Logic "Fun" - probably because when Emagic was acquired by Apple, they've dissolved all the Windows developments. There is Logic Express (http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/), though. It's not cheap($299), but certainly moreso than the Pro version ($999). By the price tag, you should probably know that's it's an industry standard-level program. I've tried an older Logic Platinum on the PC before, and it was a pretty nice program, so I expect the OS X version to be even better. Also, there's MOTU's Digital Performer (http://www.motu.com/products/software/dp/body.html/en), which we use here at my university - can't say I love it (mostly because I've gotten so acquinted to Cakewalk's interface), but it has quite a bunch of features - I'm pretty sure it's very expensive too, though. Your (Sai Ming) best bet is probably sticking to Garageband for now.
Why?
I will still need to pay for the plug-ins to get the other instruments :(
Is there no good freeware for mac?

Check through some of these then:

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/mac/MIDI_SEQUENCERS/

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/mac/NOTATION/

I didn't say they weren't good, but I never heard of either. That's usually a sign of a bad program. Not always, but usually. If you're looking for good composing/transcribing software, check out Finale or Sibelius.

Hey the Airforce uses garageband alot. so does my teacher. You have to get the add-ons though or it's a pain...

hmmm.Music software? I'll recommend Fruity Loops. It's an excellent software. I found it extremely easy to use. Try it. It's nice. ^^ All my compositions under the thread "Constaneum's Music Compositions" are composed using Fruity Loops. ^^

is it for mac?

no idea. i'm using windows xp. XD

I'm using Guitar Pro 4....That is if I only knew how to work it!

well. i'll still strongly recommend Fruity Loops if you love the instruments i've used in my compositions. However, it's not really suitable for orchestral type music though. ehehhehe. There's mixer and other stuffs supported by the software but i have no idea on how to use them. T_T * sob sob *

sibelius, save as midi, import to cubase, use alot of plugins, record yourself via a mixer. sounds sweet.

USE PRO LOGIC or LOGIC EXPRESS! :P
they sure are the best, i think:D
...and sibelius isn't a dumb thought either

For me, I like usuing NoteWorthy Composer for writing and composing the music,

Then usuing SONAR Home Studio (v4) for editing, mixing, sounds etc. Mainly finishing the piece with SONAR.

Hey, tsup? I'm new here and I have a question for y'all: once you compose a music with final notepad, can ya create midi's or whatever out of it? 'Cause I've been having problems with it...
I would appreciate some help, thx. :lol:

Nope - that's the main catch of it being free. Can't save in any format other than .mus. Gonna need a full version of Finale to do that.

You can post it on here and one of us can convert it for you, though.

You can post it on here and one of us can convert it for you, though.

Is it possible? Well I'd be very happy if anyone could do it for me. But for the moment I gotta finish it...:heh:
Thanks for ya help, Deathraider, Shizeet, see ya later!:lol:

Nope - that's the main catch of it being free. Can't save in any format other than .mus. Gonna need a full version of Finale to do that.

And that full version of Finale costs something?

I think it cost around 600 $ x_x

if you´re not a pirate that is :shifty:

I think it cost around 600 $ x_x

if you´re not a pirate that is :shifty:

Ya gotta be kiddin'... <_<
I'm sorry but for that crap I ain't gonna buy it...

I'm sorry, but Finale is not "crap." I have profound love for that program.

I have a question for other Finale users: What are the upgrades from 2005 to 2006? This is question is for Finale, not Finale Notepad.

hey... for people who like the guitar so much... why not try PT software...it converts midis into tabulares and notes at the same time!!! i think it is still free...

NoteWorthy Composer (Unregistered) : Writing the Score

SONAR v4 - HomeStudio : Editing all what you hear

which software can sound other intrument except piano,note worthy just can sound piano....

Wow you're not very expierenced with NoteWorthy. NoteWorthy can have MORE than just a piano MIDI playing. It's just the default for new stanzas.

Ok :

Right click on the staff
Go into properties (in the scrolled down flap)
Click MIDI at the top of the box that appeared
And there!

NoteWorthy Composer (Unregistered) : Writing the Score

SONAR v4 - HomeStudio : Editing all what you hear
Ha! You don't even need to register Noteworthy as long as you don't open something more than 10 times. That was a bad move on their part! :lol:

For Finale upgrades, I think there's the ability to make .wav files with Garritan Orchestra, but I don't know what else.

How can I add more bars @ Finale NotePad 2006? =s

I'm using Guitar Pro 4....That is if I only knew how to work it!

Yes, guitar pro is great, and don't think it is only for guitar: it's a great tool for whatever instruments you want. It's what I use. ^_^

Ha! You don't even need to register Noteworthy as long as you don't open something more than 10 times. That was a bad move on their part! :lol:

Yea, put printing is the only thing I'd change-if I could choose one.

Yes, I've noticed that. Your music may seem a little unprofessional with "Unregistered Copy of Noteworthy Composer" all over it, or whatever it says.

Yes, guitar pro is great, and don't think it is only for guitar: it's a great tool for whatever instruments you want. It's what I use. ^_^

Indeed. And Guitar Pro 5 includes a built in Real Sound Engine (RSE). Too bad you can't export anything with RSE. =_=

You can export RSE. Theres just some random way to do it. File - Export - Wave

OK I just got Finale 2006 but how do you simulate a pedal for piano?

EDIT: Crap, double post.

Just use the GPO and use the articulation tool. Make sure you use the little asterisk looking symbol to show when to lift the petal, though.

Starting to prefer Finale NotePad over NoteWorthy Composer now.

I need a converter.

MUS ---> MIDI

Please post any that you can find.

~ Thank-you

Finale 2006 can do that. There are also other Finale products that do that too.

2006 DEMO?

Ok, I'll try that

Thanks.

EDIT:

No.

You need the full version to convert.

Yea :P

You can post the .mus file and me or someone else'll save it as a midi for you ;)

[Not in this thread though]

Ok does anyone know how to use drums in Finale. Cos for some reason i dont have personal orchestra but i want to make some of my pieces mp3. (Or Wav Then convert it). However Finale has a problem with midis made in guitar pro.

So how do you use drums in finale? (Full version 2006)

I'm using:

Finale Notepad 2006
Finale Printmusic 2006 (30-day Trial, the one you can download)...
but for some reason, after 30 days, Printmusic still works? (with exception of MIDI importing/exporting, and printing. I just use Notepad to print, and Printmusic to place in expressions.)

Also how do you change the composer name in finale if you already opened a file without changing it?

The writing tool.

Maestro, if you're using Finale Notepad 2005, I could convert the MUS for you.

I use Cakewalk, but I've been trying to ween myself off composing software. The software has always been a crutch for me, allowing me to compose without having to play the keyboard. Naturally, that hasn't worked wonders for my skill. Now that I'm forcing myself to compose at the keyboard, the limitations of the software are starting to become rather apparent to me. Writing the notes down on paper really is better, though for now, my productivity is way down (not that it was that high to begin with).

* Thanks for the help above.

But I'll just transfer and rewrite notes in NoteWorthy.

I just use Finale for sheet music and other things like that.

But again, thanks.

For midis in Guitar Pro, I've found that opening it in my Cakewalk program and re-saving it from Cakewalk allows me to open it in Finale.

I need a converter.

MUS ---> MIDI

Please post any that you can find.

~ Thank-you

You can get the 30-day free trial for Printmusic 2006...

Does anyone know what the difference between the full version of noteworthy and the evaluation one? Cause if there is a difference in places like instrumen-sound-quality then I might just get it. But if the sound still remains so fake and digitized, I won't bother.

The only differences are save function capabilities and the lack of the nag screen. I think it's possible to tinker with Noteworthy to get better sound out of it (you can customize its MIDI output, I think, so if you get better instrument files, it might sound better), but I don't know enough about it yet to try something like that...

Hiya!

I'm looking for a program called Zel for writing MIDI files. It's completely different from the usual MIDI sequencers since it uses text language instead of notes to create its music. It's similar to computer programming language in a way, but quite simplified. You can find details on its website, www.zelsoftware.com. However, the internet link to its download is broken. I was wondering if someone here had the installer file and could send it to me, or even better post it up for everyone to enjoy. It's freeware after all!

There's a similar one called KeyKit (just Google it). However, you really need to get used to its own language as well, and it's much more complicated than the first program. However, KeyKit is very "easy" to reprogram and modify, which programmer-musicians might like. It has advanced mathematical functions to create algorithmic music, if anyone's interested.

Well if anyone has the Zel installer, I'd be very grateful if you could send it!

Ok i got a problem guys, In guitar pro i cant hear midi sounds only RSE. Anyone know how to fix this?

Ok i got a problem guys, In guitar pro i cant hear midi sounds only RSE. Anyone know how to fix this?

To the left of the "Play" button (that green arrow somewhere along the top), there's a button that says "RSE." Click on it. Also, you can click on the instrument and choose "Use MIDI." It should work. ;)

For finale, how do I get the tromolo strings sound?

Use the tremelo symbol:

http://www.greenonions.com/images/tremolo.gif

I'm not sure exactly how to use it in Finale, though. Just...look around or something. Or someone else will tell you. ;)

I found this software a while back, and I thought that if some of you that wants to buy one of those pricey software for notation and find Finale and Sibelius not to your taste, maybe you can try Notion 1.5. ;)

http://www.notionmusic.com/

Notion is a fairly new piece of software, so there's not much people knowing about it. The company says that this software is comparable to Sibelius and Finale (I'm not sure if it is, but I ordered the free demo to try it out and for another reason *read PS if you want to know*... but it says it is... :heh: so yeah) :think:. The stuff of the program is pretty much the same as Finale and Sibelius, all though the interesting thing about this program is that it includes the London Symphonic Orchestra samples that were recorded at Abbey Road Studio, so comparing that to Sibelius's Kontakt Silver Player and Finale's included GPO, it might be a nice alternative. :\ And if you think their samples aren't satisfying enough, you can always expand the library by buying their expansion packs (all though I personally would suggest buying the full version of GPO for an orchestra, as it includes all the basic instruments with some nice additions :P).

The price for this program is $600 (US), so yeah, pretty pricey... :heh:

PS: The Notion software company thing also now offers a contest thing with the grand prize of $2500 cash, a trip to London to watch your winning piece to be performed (accomodation and flight are paid by them!) and all that! ;) But even if you think you won't get the grand prize, there's still a young composer prize with $1000 and a copy of Notion. Although the minimal requirements are that it can't be bigger than a symphonic orchestra (meaning no dulcimers, rhodes, or anything instruments that doesn't belong in the orchestra), and it has to be in Notion format, which if you order the demo, you can somehow write your piece in the demo and upload it! I already provided the link in the Music General Chat, so if you have any comments or concerns about it, reply there! :)

GASP!! I have got to get that! Well...there goes this year's christmas bonus and then some...:heh:

I plan on buying Finale 2007 sometime... but does it come with GPO, or do you have to buy GPO seperately (sp?)?

i have sibelius 3... and i dunno if it's just me, but the notes are a little glitchy. Anyone else suffering from this? Luckily i got mine for free...

i have sibelius 3... and i dunno if it's just me, but the notes are a little glitchy. Anyone else suffering from this? Luckily i got mine for free...

I use Sib 3 too, maybe you should turn your options to higher quality rather than speed? :think: Use the help menu or the user manual thing if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Okay, this is now the official help thread for programs such as Finale & Sibelius.

Eeeenjoy

Hmm.. I don't know if this is more of a 'Composition Program' but it is used for the finished product of compositions.

I need a free mp3 converter that isn't a trial at all. No 15 , 30 day trials, one that I own and can use all the time.

Any rip, crack or anything is fine-I have tried many, but have the most of 30 day trials, and don't like having to bust out works in that matter of time. Anyway, I don't like having my stuff on 'take-home' .wma files.

Xilisoft Mp3 Wav Converter is free to use how much you want.

Doesn't your soundcard include these converter/encrypting program as well? 'Cos when I got my Audigy 2 ZS card, it included a program called Creative Audio Converter.

Yea, with SONAR I can save as mp3s but I need to pay for a permit or some shit, otherwise I wouldn't ask.

Thanks Noir.

Here ya go...

I used to use this before I had Acid Pro.

Cheetah Audio Converter. http://www.mp3machine.com/software/cheetahconvert/

Oh, already usuing the one Noir gave me, but thank's for finding that too man. Like the help. :)

Oh...whoops... I missed the post where he gave the program to you. Ahwell.

Quick question, is thewre a way in Finale 2006 to print your parts from the score in a size that would fit in a flip book? Like the ones bands sometimes us for marching instead of memorizeing their music. Our band wants to use them to practice our field show with the music in the begining stages of learning the drill.

Thanx!

^In the setup wizard, there's something that says "Page Size"...

Well first off I purchased finale 2006 and was wondering how you transcribe midis with it...

once i figure it out then i can use this thread to transcribe midis for everyone...

*ps hope i didnt post in the wrong section...

thanks!

To get notes out of a MIDI file, you just need to use Finale this way:

File -> Open -> Select file type MIDI -> Open the MIDI music file

One of the Quickstart Videos should help guide you better:

File -> Launch Window -> Quickstart Videos -> Note Entry -> Importing MIDI Files

Which program that is free do people recomend as the best? Im currently getting Anvil because it looks good but reading isnt the same as knowing its a good program..

Ah... Long time ago, when dinosaurs still roam the Earth (yeah, rightXD), I had to do all the research on this topic by myself, but now you people are lucky, you have quite a few members here that knows this topic relative well. Well, since so many of you Ichigo composers seem to want to improve your sounds, I took some of my time this morning to write up a little list of sample libraries that you people could look into. Well, you might ask, what is sampling and how does it work or isn't soundfonts the same thing? Well, sampling is replacing MIDI with real recorded sounds by real musicians and soundfonts are different, as they are manipulated like MIDI and therefore they have the MIDI like quality. Oppositely, samples are not, samples are demanding applications that requires a lot of space, RAM, manipulation and pre-requisites that you need to take concern of. Okay, enough of my little introductions, here goes a little tutorial:

What do I need to use samples and how do I get started?

Depending on what sample library you have, you might need something called a sampler. A sampler is a device that plays the sample back, because if you don't have a sampler to tell your samples what to do, the samples are just a bunch of one note .wav files. Certain samples are already packaged and programmed as a set of sounds where you can use it freely without much hassle and preparation (i.e. Garritan Personal Orchestra), while some other samples are just bits and pieces and you will need a sampler to put all the pieces together to use. But for now, let's focus on what you would need to playback normal samples. Like I stated before, a sampler is mandatory for many samples, and some samplers you can choose from are: Gigastudio, Kontakt 2, HALion, and etc... Once you have a sampler and a decent set of samples, you're set to load samples into the sampler (just follow your program's help manual for instructions to load samples)!

Wah! Why are some samples more expensive than others while they have the same instruments?

The price determines the quality. :P So the more instruments doesn't always the higher the price, it's the quality. You might come across a 3 GB piano sample and a 2.5 GB orchestra samples, and you will see the 3 GB piano should be more expensive than the 2.5 orchestra samples, and that's because of the quality of the sample. But what determines the quality? Well, when the musicians and producers record the sample, they use microphones and all that right? The cheaper samples usually have only one or two microphones around the playing musician, therefore the sound might turn bland and flat, while the expensive samples have microphones everywhere, so therefore the samples become lush and much more realistic. Secondly, it's the sample rate, meaning how close together the samples are recorded. The higher the sample rate, the better the quality. You might still not understand this concept but here is an example: lower quality samples usually record one note for every perfect 4th interval and they stretch the pitch of the recorded sample to the desired pitch rather than actually having every note of the instrument recorded. Maybe that was still confusing, but heh... :heh: Even so, lower end samples doesn't usually mean it's not realistic, it's just mean you need to tweak it more! ;)

There are so many kind of samples! Giga, HALion, Reason, and etc... Why do they all have different extensions and are they cross-compatible even if I'm not using their sampler?

Say you have .rex sample you want to use with your Gigastudio sampler, from this point, you may go to your manual and find the page where it says file compatibility. If you don't see .rex being compatible, then you will need a file conversion program (they're usually around $30-50 USD). Also, when you purchase samples, you also have to be careful about the extension and compatibility before you buy it, because if you buy the one with the wrong extension, your sampler might not be able to open the samples.

So how do I make music with samples? Do the samplers include notation/sequencing programs?

No, they do not include notation programs, so you will need to hook up the sampler to your sequencer/notation program. How do you do that? You'll need a virtual link to link your sampler to the program, and an example program would be MIDI Yoke. But since different samplers have different options and whatnot, you'll need to read your help manual carefully on how to hook the two programs up.

What are some good samples people recommend?

Like always, 'good' samples are usually quite pricey and they're usually for professionals, so if you're trying to find some realistic yet cheap samples, you'll need to look a little harder. Some good examples of such samples would be Garritan Personal Orchestra and East West Quantum Leap Silver Symphonic Library. But because, they're lower end samples, you'll need some more tweaking with effects in your sampler and/or sequencer. But for a more detailed list, download my list of samples that I uploaded!

Tell me a little more about the sample libraries you know and give me some suggestions about them.

*All links to these libraries/companies are included in my list of sample libraries*

Kirk Hunter Sample Libraries

Well, this is a relatively new library that I found when I was browsing the northersounds forums. I heard some of the stuff are quite good from the samples (esp. the solo strings), but when I scrolled onto the website and read the list of instruments and their samples, I was a little, well, disappointed, because it's practically the same as GPO and their samples are just more higher end. Although if you were to get an orchestral sample library, I would personally look at this.

Garritan Personal Orchestra

This is my all time favourite sample library! :D Why? It's cos it has a large variety of instruments, and you can manipulate the sounds much more intuitively and easily than many other orchestral libraries and it's cheap compared to many others! This would be my priority if you don't have Finale 2007-2007 (as they're included in the program already).

Vienna Symphonic Library

One of the awesomest and remarkable sample library ever made. I don't think any of us would be able to afford it here :heh:, but there are some cheaper stuff with the Horizon Series (with solo/ensemble instruments), so yeah, if you want to treat/fancy yourself to something pricey, have a look at this.

East West Quantum Leap/Soundsonline

This place has the most comprehensive set of libraries. Period. It can bring you from Beethoven era orchestra to morphing atmospheric soundscapes. But, unfortunately, they are different libraries, so if you wanna buy them all... Ka-ching. :P :lol: But my favourite (and most wanted) libraries out of all of them are Symphonic Choir, and RA, because they're the top in ethnic instruments and vocal, and what more can I ask for? ;)

Sonic Implants

Hm... I'm not quite familiar with this comapany, but quite a lot of samples (especially drums and bass) were created from them. They have quite a collection of sample libraries as well.

M-Audio

I always thought this company only did hardware stuff, but I came across a few orchestral sample libraries this morning, so I thought their stuff wouldn't be half bad either... ;)

Tascam

The creator of Gigastudio of course have a lot of sample libraries and all that. They have quite a list as well, so for Giga users, have a look at them (and I recall they aren't that expensive as well)!

Halion

Halion finally started making their own samples for goodness sake. Back then, they were only a sampler/sequencer company with little of their own samples, now they have a good set of libraries for piano, orchestra and strings, for classicists and romanticists and whatnot, you should have a look at this company's product as well.

Project Sam

I was directed into this company's website when I was browsing around the garritan website. They have a growing set of sample libraries, and I especially like the church organ they have, so yeah, if you're into organ, try this.

Bela D Media

Again, thanks to garritan's website, I found this lovely site with realistic and warm vocal samples. Although they only allow a few syllables (probably Ah, ooh and eee), the samples still sounded nice.

Zero-G

Another company with a large and growing list of samples, they have a variety of styles, so if you need some sort of samples, browse here and a few other places too. ;)

Native instruments

I use Kontakt 2 by this company, and it's pretty good so far, only a few annoying bugs and all that...:heh: But generally speaking, they don't have much samples other than a few keyboard and piano ones, but they have a good drum machine and synth thingy, so yeah, if you're on these stuff, this is the place for you.

So yeah, that's pretty much it for my current lists, sure there are many more companies out there sampling the heck out of them, but if I type anymore, my fingers are gonna break. :heh: So yeah, if anyone have anything to add on, feel free to tell me and I'll modify my post, and most of all, if I made any mistakes, tell me as well. Noir7, you can also modify this post any way you want as well. :) So that's basically it, if you have any more questions, PM me or post here, I'll try to answer you. Happy sampling~! ;) :lol:

PS: Download my list of sample libraries if you want further info on each of the companies or libraries I mentioned! ;)

Also, you people may also add more to the list, just PM me, send it to me or something and I'll replace it, or just tell me and I'll add it, and I might add more to it later on. ;)

ARGH! Dang! The .doc is too big... ;_; *uploads it elsewhere*

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1Y5AG2XC

Thanks for sharing this with us :)

Yeah, this is great and I recommend especially the EWQL products. They're pretty big (ranges from 1-40GB I think) but they're worth your while.

i got a big question soo uhh im using a comp that doesn't ahve a very good sound card i guess =/ uhh im trying to record a "stero out" so that it records as sound it played. i'd love to do so because i am using a trial version of Sibelius (i love sibelius cus its easy and the sound is much better than any other program) yet i do not have $400 at hand to buy the full version, im using a corrupted unregistered version, means i can't save but can print without "sibelius demo" all over it. i got away with being able to "save" i decided i will "print screen" and save as a jpg img.. the only problem is i want to save a sound version as well... sibelius does not let u convert to a .mid, .wav, or .mp3. right now im using an excelent program named audacity for changing pitches, adding tracks, stacking traks, recording ect. the only recording option i have is MIC IN cus my sound card sux plz help =/ is there a way i can record? or do i ahve to get a better sound card?

^Sometimes I use SmartMusic 9 to record.... but it takes a while to download. (you need a Mic.)

i got a big question soo uhh im using a comp that doesn't ahve a very good sound card i guess =/ uhh im trying to record a "stero out" so that it records as sound it played. i'd love to do so because i am using a trial version of Sibelius (i love sibelius cus its easy and the sound is much better than any other program) yet i do not have $400 at hand to buy the full version, im using a corrupted unregistered version, means i can't save but can print without "sibelius demo" all over it. i got away with being able to "save" i decided i will "print screen" and save as a jpg img.. the only problem is i want to save a sound version as well... sibelius does not let u convert to a .mid, .wav, or .mp3. right now im using an excelent program named audacity for changing pitches, adding tracks, stacking traks, recording ect. the only recording option i have is MIC IN cus my sound card sux plz help =/ is there a way i can record? or do i ahve to get a better sound card?

Try the demo version of Notion, the cool thing about it is that you can record using London Symphonic Orchestra sounds and you can record your entire song without having any hassles. But for notating, Sibelius is still the best. :P So save up or search around and you might find a crack or two... :whistle: And yes, to use the fancy stuff you need a better soundcard, a soundchip won't do.

i need those craks =/

Save as > MIDI file

I believe you need the Konakt Player to export mp3's.

And please, use proper English.

Save as > MIDI file

I believe you need the Konakt Player to export mp3's.

And please, use proper English.

But he's using the demo version, so he couldn't do that... :\

But he's using the demo version, so he couldn't do that... :\
But he's also using illegal cracks. :\

well, you crack it up, then it;s your own problem :)

heh I'm a sibelius fan....the entire band at my school has a copy of it, though cant really say everyone bought it...

Guys, what's the real comparison between Finale and Finale: Allegro?

I know Finale has EVERYTHING and ANYTHING you need, but with Allegro priced a lot lower, what is all that different?

Mainly,

-How Many Staffs/Parts can you write?
-All Instruments?
-All the tools you need for writing piano solos (8va, 8vb, Key changes, tempo, time sig. changes, the whole 9 yrds).
-Saving is unlimited
-Prints very cleanly, and efficently

Those are my MAIN five questions about Allegro.

Thanks for the info in advance. ^_^

Staffs- *estimates about 50*
Instruments- Not necessarily... but I can give you an instrument template that has ALL of the instruments in it.
All the tools you need for writing piano solos- 8va + 8vb, yes, but 15ma, and 15vb, no.
-Tempo, yes (even Printmusic can do it)
-Key Changes, yes (just not nonstandard key signatures)
-Time signature changes, yes (Printmusic can, too)
-The whole 9 yrds (???)

Allegro can also do dynamic changes, clef changes, but NOT mid-measured clef changes.

Saving is unlimited, and it prints like Finale Notepad :bleh:.... You'll have to get Finale 2007 (not 2006) for this feature.

I wouldn't get Allegro... mainly the version is a bit outdated (2004?) ...

Hope this helps ;).

I think Allegro would exceed most of the needs for us composers here, unless you are sure that your future education will be heavy on music that requires a lot of flexibility, then you should consider Sibelius or Finale 2007. (Personally, I'd go for Sibelius, but no, people likes Finale more cos it's more 'point-and-click' :bleh: )

Well, when I'm older and I'm actually composing for reasons more than practicing like on here, I'll get Finale 2007. but I think Allegro is where it's at for right now-but you said it DOESN'T have unlimited saves?

~~

Also, what's the difference between Finale and Finale Academic? I know it's cheaper, but what's the difference with that too.

Academic is only available to students, educators and special organizations, meaning if you're one of those categories, you can get it for a cheaper price.

Well, when I'm older and I'm actually composing for reasons more than practicing like on here, I'll get Finale 2007. but I think Allegro is where it's at for right now-but you said it DOESN'T have unlimited saves?

Also, what's the difference between Finale and Finale Academic? I know it's cheaper, but what's the difference with that too.

It does have unlimited saves but it DOESN't have unlimited staffs ... and it prints like Finale Notepad. (The Printing part is the thing that is ONLY in Finale 2007).

From what I've heard, the Academic version is the same thing as the regular version, just cheaper. About the student category, it's only for college students.

I am planning on getting a music major, actually... but on what, though? :think: It's either, (for me) composition, arranging, or performance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How does the Sibelius system of inputing notes work?... I may get it... (it's $400, right? (US)) and Finale is about $600 U.S.... and are you able to convert Sibelius files to .MUS?

About the student category, it's only for college students.

No, I got Sibelius academic version when I was still in elementary. :\

PS: Sibelius doesn't work in scroll view, but rather in page view, and relies more on shortcuts rather than point and click. But usually Finale people won't like it, cos it's quite different from what they're used to.

... *meant Finale*...

Check the website (finalemusic.com) if you don't believe me...

... *meant Finale*...

Check the website (finalemusic.com) if you don't believe me...

If Sibelius does it, so does Finale, cos after all, they're competing company's, if they don't do what each other does, everyone's gonna buy Sibelius.

Directly from website:


This product is intended exclusively for the use of qualified faculty, college students, music ministers and music ministry representatives. Only qualified buyers may purchase this product. Purchase by or transfer to others is prohibited. Mandated qualifications may change from time to time.

And: http://finalemusic.com/finale/academic.aspx

About the "K-12" Part, it means someone who works at the school.

Or... if there's a letter from the teacher. (Middle School- High school).

Sibelius's website said the same thing, but in the end, I thwacked my report card or some IDs at them and they still gave me my discount price. -.-'

I should do that :shifty: :heh: ...

Well, I'm getting Finale: Academic from EBay for about $213 soon. The salesman on EBay is like an "Unofficial" Finale Ebay Store on there and have him my school ID and what perdiciment I am in. I'm happy.

Can't wait--haven't composing anything substancial in a while, thinking on some themes for a Sonata-Allegro formed piece--yet do I know what it is? No. :heh:

I only have Finale Notepad 2005, but Noteworthy sounds really cool ^^ i want to make mp3s, and i have a keyboard, too ^^

Finale? That's a pretty powerful program, I hear. Personally, I prefer Sibelius, for it's ease of use (and it's pretty efficient too). I've never used Finale extensively, so I can't compare the two, but how effective is it to control dynamics on Finale?

Finale? That's a pretty powerful program, I hear. Personally, I prefer Sibelius, for it's ease of use (and it's pretty efficient too). I've never used Finale extensively, so I can't compare the two, but how effective is it to control dynamics on Finale?

Definitely Sibelius would be on the top of my list, I never liked Finale ever since I used G7 a long time ago. Partially because in Finale, you need to find all the buttons through clicking and stuff, which is annoying, but with Sibelius, you just click n+abcdefg(notes)+123456789(note values)+l(Lines) and you can already compose a piece!:P

but how effective is it to control dynamics on Finale?
If you're just composing MIDIs, then Finale's dynamic controls are just fine. I've learned that Sibelius is much more suited for later editing with sequencers and stuff..

And my teachers and mentors use Finale. That's another reason why I am preferring that anyway.

Good prints, and my old band teacher uses like FInale 2004 or something and he says it does things perfect for composing.

Most of the professional film scores are Finale, no? But my school uses Sibelius, and the Julliard school all use it....

I think Sibelius is significantly more user friendly, unless you are a Finale whiz, then it doesn't make a difference...btw, who else here uses Sibelius?

I think Sibelius is significantly more user friendly, unless you are a Finale whiz, then it doesn't make a difference...btw, who else here uses Sibelius?

I use Sibelius and loving it, even if it's Sib 3.

heh, it's a huge step up from using...ANVIL STUDIO *shudders*
but I can't find the trance techno synth pad instruments on Sibelius...so I guess whenever I feel like techno, I have to go back to Anvil...

Guess I'm getting Finale. My mom kinda ordered it without telling me, but I cracker her today. :sweat:

Most of the professional film scores are Finale, no? But my school uses Sibelius, and the Julliard school all use it....

I think Sibelius is significantly more user friendly, unless you are a Finale whiz, then it doesn't make a difference...btw, who else here uses Sibelius?

I use sibelius...

I heard "the simpsons" theme was composed in sibelius btw

Hey, I just recently acquired Sibelius, and I'm having some beginner trouble.

Say I have a bunch of notes put down, then, I want to insert a note in-between those bunch of notes, how can I do it so it doesn't destroy anything else I already have there?

Thanks in advance.

I dont really understand the question...

if you mean like, you have 4 fourth notes and want to insert a note in the middle of them. you have to make the note before the new note smaller so you have a void to fill.

if you are talking about a whole new bar that you want to paste between two other bars then do this:

right click, choose Bar, choose single and left klick where you want the new bar


I dont know if im of any help at all....

Anyone know how to delete only the accidental/dynamic/articulations without deleting the actual note with Notion?

KK, what program do you use? I know on Finale, you click the button with the 'Mf' on it, or the one with the Articulation sign. Then you just click on the dynamic sign or the artucalation sign and press delete.


Question:

Does anyone know how the drums work on Finale 2006? I can play drums and read notes for drums but I can't seem to figure out how the drums work on Finale.

The program is called Notion. As in "Notion" is the name.

um, does anyone know how to add grace notes in Finale NotePad?

^Sorry, you can't. Printmusic and higher, you can.

oh, shucks :( i hate free software, but i cant buy from the internet because my mom distrusts the internet with credit card information. i dont trust it, either, with all the cookie-grabbers and hackers and nasties x.x i also dont know where to buy software in person, so im stuck with NotePad 2005 o.o and i didnt download NotePad 2006 cuz its too big of a file, and the only upgrade is yellow backing, i think -.- oh, and Full Compatibility with Finale® 2006
Performance and Redraw Enhancements. Optimized drawing routines and memory handling now provide faster screen redraw and expedited application startup. You’ve never been able to do so much so fast!
Display in Concert Pitch Warning. While many enjoy viewing a score in concert pitch, it’s unpleasant to show up at a performance with unintentionally non-transposed parts. Before you print a non-transposing part, NotePad now asks you if you’re sure.
Roll-Over Tool Tips – Now for Windows AND Macintosh. Move your mouse cursor over an icon to view a short description.

eh. i dont think its much of an upgrade =/

^_^ Finale Notepad 2007 is finally out! http://finalemusic.com/notepad

EDIT: Ok... for some reason, it's not working...

i think im gonna stick with notepad 2005 for a while... just until i get a better program... i hate downloading huge files x.x downloading notepad 2005 on a 56.6k modem took long enough x.x

Does anyone know of a free program that you can write sheet music with and that you can change it into a midi?

Noteworthy Composer is a great starter program--I used it.

my first program was pencil and paper -.- then finale notepad, which im still using because free stuff is the best xD

and idk of any program that lets u do that o.o finale notpad plus lets you do that for an extra $25, but there are better options, even though they are more expensive... and a lot of people say noteworthy composer is good, and its $40.

Get the eval, just limited to 10 saves per file, but you can use it for free with almost (90%) all of the options--pretty much everything you need from it. It's like stealing.

wait: 10 saves per file? as in an unlimited number of files!?! o.o *rushes to get evaluation version* xD

Get the eval, just limited to 10 saves per file, but you can use it for free with almost (90%) all of the options--pretty much everything you need from it. It's like stealing.

Okay! Thanks. What does 10 saves per file mean? You mean you can only save a file 10 times? Or you can only save 10 files at a time?

Oh and does anyone know of a program that converts MIDI to Mp3? Not sure if that's even possible either lol.

EDIT: Oh oh and another question, how do you change WAVS to MIDI?

it says that its a 30 day trial, so does it just stop after 30 days? or can you download it again after 30 days? @_@

Odd, well that was a year ago when I got the evaluation version. It's been the same exact NoteWorthy since then--no re-installs or downlaods.

I might get my lazy ass to upload the file on xts or w/e.

how odd o.o okay, ill go for it :D

EDIT: yeesh, Noteworthy's hard to figure out @_@ its not recommended for those who write music by hand and key them into the comp @_@ it might be good if i have the equipment to connect my keyboard to this comp, but i need the USB cable, right? and not the 2.0 one either x.x

NWC is imo, the easiest programme to use .__. it was the one I started composing with :\

I never liked NWC, it made composing seem so painful for some reason. ._.

w00t, I always thought it was a lot faster (actually it really is) to type in the notes with your keyboard like that

Could anyone tell me how to make a grace note on finale 2007? i havent been able to figure it out

ever tried the articulation tool? I don't know about Fin 2007 but it worked fine in all the other version thus far.

but finale notepad automatically formats everything for you so you dont have to beam notes, insert bar lines etc. its such a difficult program, i cant even find out how to put in the drums! it took me 20 min. to key in the first 5 measures of a song, vs. finale notpad, where it took me 15 min. to key in the whole song :o

I just found out that Soundsonline (http://www.soundsonline.com/home.php) are putting some of their sound libraries down to 50% of the original price! For those really serious of their composing, this is a no-brainer!

There was a group buy earlier, and it was even cheaper! x_x

edit

Ok, I'm having a problem with percussion parts in Finale 2006. Every time I go to insert notes or play back the score, the percussion parts always sounds like a piano. In the past when this would happen, I would close Finale and re-open it and everything would be back to normal. Now, though, it seems to be permanent set to play like a piano. Anyone know how to fix this?

^I've experienced that with other programs. Here's what you would do....

Click Window.
Click Instrument List.
Right next to the "Percussion" staff in the list, you'll see a "Channel" box. Type 10.

How do you change MIDIs into MP3s?

No, sorry, when I went to do that it was already set to 10 so I re-typed it. Still it plays piano notes.

With the free version of Finale Notepad 2007, is there a limit to what pages I can have?

Not to the number of pages, but the number of staves (8). For example, you can only have 8 violins because that would be eight treble clefs, or 4 pianos because that would be four grand staves, which is four treble and four bass clefs. But the pages, unlimited :) Happy composing ^.^

Not to the number of pages, but the number of staves (8). For example, you can only have 8 violins because that would be eight treble clefs, or 4 pianos because that would be four grand staves, which is four treble and four bass clefs. But the pages, unlimited :) Happy composing ^.^



Thank you! But how do I get the extra pages? I'm trying to find out, but it only goes up to two pages...

oh... ok, um, im not sure where it is in notepad 2007, but look for the measure tool, left-click and theres an option called "Add measures..." just type in how many more you want. it might've changed in notepad 2007, so if this way doesn't work, go to help and search for the measure tool. hope that helps :)

oh... ok, um, im not sure where it is in notepad 2007, but look for the measure tool, left-click and theres an option called "Add measures..." just type in how many more you want. it might've changed in notepad 2007, so if this way doesn't work, go to help and search for the measure tool. hope that helps :)



Yes, that helped a lot. Thank you very much.

I have another question. What if I want to change the key signature throughout the song? I keep pressing the button, but then it changes the ENTIRE song to that key signature, and I don't want that.

It can't be done in the Notepad version I'm afraid.

I'm currently working on a piano trio, but whenever I playback through my piece, not all the notes of the cello part are playing.. it only plays upto G3 (so anything below "G", no sound would come out). How do I fix this?? :(

oh, and I use Finale 2007...

Yes, that helped a lot. Thank you very much.

I have another question. What if I want to change the key signature throughout the song? I keep pressing the button, but then it changes the ENTIRE song to that key signature, and I don't want that.
You can always write it out on the side and manually change the accidentals @_@

**If you can't do it simply with Finale Notepad, you can't do it.**

Or you could send the file to someone who has the full version, have them change it to the key signature you want, and send it back. I dont know if that'll work, though.

It will.

People who have the full versions of Finale make templates of every change (or the most common ones that Notpad doesn't give out).

does anyone use sibelius 3??
this have never happened but when i saved my score to midi..the violin sound changed to a bell :S why does this happen??.. and so i tried opening the 'turned-to-bell' midi file with Overture.. it turned back to a violin! o_O

I use Sibelius 3, and that's happened to me before, but with timpani! O_O;

It's probably a bug that puts it in the wrong midi channel when it saves or something. I wouldn't know what to do, though, so sorry.

Not a bug. MIDIs can only have a maximum of 15 different sounds at the same time. So you have too many instruments...the channels idea is correct though.

Please folks!
I'm looking for Encore or just another easy program to get my work done. Does anybody have the setup for one of them?

Thanks.
PS: I don't pratice my english for a long time. So, I'm sorry if it will have some errors. See ya!

I have Encore, but currently it's not working, and I don't have the original setup files. Sorry I can't help you.

I have Encore, but currently it's not working, and I don't have the original setup files. Sorry I can't help you.

Do you know any other program as easy to do some jobs as Encore?
Thanks, man

I've been noticing that a good amount composers around here compose for concert bands and marching bands. So I was lurking around the Garritan website and found this interesting samples library, and I thought you band composers would be interested.

http://garritan.com/band.html

It seems like a good library, and I'd recommend any Garritan sample libraries to composers. ;)

I use anvil studio, and because printing takes a special thing from anvil that I dont have and dont plan on getting, is there a specific FREE program out there that is good fur just the printing?

Unfortunately, there isn't any that is 'just for printing' unless you buy the program. If you don't mind spending time doing scripting and stuff, try a program called Lilypond (I think that's what it's called). Even the results are good, it takes a heck load of time.

Oh yeah, the one that Chopin practically advertises on YC.

I recently got GPO but dun exactly know how to work it...can someone give me a quick intro on how to get started?

Which program do you want it to work with? Notion? Finale? Or what?

Notion/noteworthy if possible

I don't think Noteworthy is VST compatible. As for Notion, I'm not sure. Check the FAQ in the Notion site.

okay well im new to music finale thing and i was wondering how you could use two treble cless for both right and left hand and also how to change it around the middle also i was wondering how you could change the time signature like in the middle of the song. Let's say you're using 4/4 and in the middle i wanna use 2/4. how do i do that? if i didn't explain it clear enough tell me and i`ll try to restate it. thank you.

Finale Notepad, or Finale the US$xxx program?

Yeah, if it's notepad you probably can't unless you chose that one from the beginning.

notepad -___-

Hey all, I've got Finale 2006 (not notepad!!), and I was wondering if it is possible to add more instruments to the instrument list. Asian instruments and such.

I heard people got other instruments for F2006 so that's why I'm asking this :)

^Unless you have GPO, I don't know of any other instruments for Finale 2006. Sometimes people even make their own instruments :shifty: .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finale 2007 Users- is it possible to save to an older version of Finale (meaning saving the .MUS file so that 2006 users can open it)?

If you get a soundfont library you can set it up to use that.

Does anyone know how to convert Finale sheets to PDFs?

Here you go: http://broadgun.com/genp/download.shtml

Sweet, thanks!

For Finale 2003 or 2006, is there a way to make every instrument on a separate page?

Also, I copied my Finale folder to another computer and instead of notes appearing, it looks like random Jazz symbols. Anyone know how to fix that?

Mm it has to do with the fonts. Be sure that you have the "Maestro" font in your library, if not; Then you don't... have it.

:think:

Does anyone know how to convert Finale sheets to PDFs?

Finale sheets can also be changed into PDF with the PDF printer (I don't know if that's what clarinetist gave you a link to), which I posted a long time ago on these forums (look for topics made by me :))



Question: I saw a composition of Clarinetist before in which he had a crescendo, but not using the < sign but there was no sign at all, just the word 'Cresc.' I remember when I opened the composition I could use it myself through articulations on another file, but as soon as I closed Clarinetist's composion it stopped working.
Does anyone know how to add this function?

This is on Finale 2006 btw.

On Finale 2006, it's "Trial and Error". Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't (which is what I had to do). If it doesn't work the first time, delete the expression, and try typing it again ;) .

Ok
I'm interested in buying Guitar Pro 5 (60€ but my dad can get it for 40€). So I was wondering, if it's worth it. Right now I use Finale 2006 (which I don't really click, I'm really too lazy to keep clicking those notes and put them between the lines forever!)
Some other things, this RSE thing, does it come with Guitar Pro, or is it a stand-alone program? Also, are there any downloadable - add-ons for Guitar Pro, such as other guitar types or whatever?

Um...you're too lazy to click the notes? Isn't that a problem most real composing programs?

In Guitar Pro and other programs (Music Maker and Sibelius too I think) you place notes by using the numpad only.
You have a little yellow dot which you place on a line, then you use + - and * to make the notes longer/shorter or add a dot.
Then you press enter to place the note and you go on to the next note.
In Finale, I have to keep clicking the thing to change duration of the note and all that. It takes way longer than just typing it in :P

Yes, in a sense Sibelius is much quicker than Finale in many many ways. But it doesn't do the numpad thing; it uses your entire keyboard instead. :mellow:

In Finale, I'm working on a piece and I want to add a solo section, but I want to change to slash notation only for that section. Any idea how that is done?

What's slash notation?

What's slash notation?

It's this: (see attachment)

It's used in bass parts (most of the time, in jazz) during improvisations ;) .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


In Finale, I'm working on a piece and I want to add a solo section, but I want to change to slash notation only for that section. Any idea how that is done?

I don't have Finale, but I believe you right click (while using the staff tool) the measures that you want "slashed" (be sure to highlight the measures if necessary). It should say "Slash Notation" somewhere.

The good thing about Sibelius is that if you want to create a midi, you can. The bad thing about creating the midi is that is puts it into piano. However, you print out individual parts, the whole score, or, maybe, certain parts. Also, it is easy to create a wave file, even though it doesn't sound as good as Finale. It is also very quick to enter notes into Sibelius. Plus, you can create pictures very easily.
The bad thing about Sibelius is that midi's are in piano format. The sound when playing back from Sibelius isn't as good of a quality as Finale.

I would recommend having both, because you can (I think) import Sibelius files into Finale, and, with a special program, import Finale files into Sibelius.

Finale------> Sibelius :yes:

Sibelius------> Finale... doesn't work. Only way you can do this is by converting the file.

Uh... No. Sibelius doesn't put orchestral stuff into piano sound. Secondly, Finale sounds 'better' is because they have a special MIDI with a crappy reverb, but it's no different. Furthermore, since it's MIDI it's up to your computer's sound module. Thirdly, who'd need both when one is already sufficient enough? I mean, Sib and Finale are notation programs, not programs that are meant to produce awesome sounds or whatever. If you're looking for good output, then use a sequencer with lots of samples.

Edit 2: Never mind, I read your post wrong.

No, it actually is possible to put Sibelius to Finale. There is some program, no idea what it is called, but I know that it exists. Do I have the program? No.

No, it actually is possible to put Sibelius to Finale. There is some program, no idea what it is called, but I know that it exists. Do I have the program? No.

You're probably talking about Music XML or something along that script. But no, it won't work very well either.

Or just using a midi.

Whenever I open Finale files (from all of their products), NotePad 2005 instead of 2007 keeps trying to open them. How do you set the default .MUS file opener?

Right click and go to properties. Then click the button that says change and it should bring up a list of programs. Choose 2007 and click OK.

2007 is not on the list, but 2002 and 2005a are x_x It doesn't even state 2002/2005a, it just says Finale NotePad for Windows. Both of them. And it doesn't show up on the list if I "Browse..." and click Finale NotePad 2007 =/

Open Finale Notepad 2007, and try it again (after closing it).

Another way: delete '05 or any older versions, and voila, no more trouble.

I have sibelius.
Is there a way to make the damper pedal sound in sibelius as i have searched the manuals and the only thing i found was that you could insert the "symbol" for it but it doesnt make the damper pedal sounds