What software do you use?

[Krummhorn]

Hi Serassi1836,

Usually evaluation versions won't let one save or print ... maybe somehow you got the 'full up' version - an error in your favor, for sure. NWC hasn't done any updates for several years ... their new, yet unreleased, version has been in Beta testing for about 3 years. Still evaluating Harmony Assistant - I really do like HA's engraving capabilities.

[C5Says]

Hi Serassi1836,

Usually evaluation versions won't let one save or print ... maybe somehow you got the 'full up' version - an error in your favor, for sure. NWC hasn't done any updates for several years ... their new, yet unreleased, version has been in Beta testing for about 3 years. Still evaluating Harmony Assistant - I really do like HA's engraving capabilities.

I found a trick for NWC. You can't save for nth time but if you go Save As, you have a new file to start with until the nth time...then Save As again. As for printing, well, the form that prints at the end doesn't hurt at all except for one page extra, does it?

[Krummhorn]

C5

Cool trick, for those with evaluation copies ... I bought ($39 USD) the full-up version back in early 2003 - used it extensively for church and at home. My sister uses it at her church for their string quartet.

[FinnViking]

Score Perfect Professional 5.0 and Primus. Occasionally Capella.

[C5Says]

C5

Cool trick, for those with evaluation copies ... I bought ($39 USD) the full-up version back in early 2003 - used it extensively for church and at home. My sister uses it at her church for their string quartet.

Necessity is the mother of invention...

Am a poor lady...can't buy those stuff...am in the third world country...

I just use it for church use, though, like choir and rondalla.

[Serassi1836]

There is also LilyPond, which is free, but it is very difficult to use. I have printed with it only simple musics.

[sunwaiter]

hello there.

since we're talking about notes, i'd like to have some info. to register my productions at the S.A.C.E.M. (Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs de Musique), in order to protect them, i believe i have to write the scores. since i can't read or write, i'm looking for a way to do it, without looking for a samaritain who's kind enough to do it for me (or else this person would be a very patient one, being the various specificities of my music).

so i'm looking for a software that's able to "read" my music, and then write it. is it possible that such a thing exist? and... on windows vista? i hope i'm not too naive about what a software can do, because i don't know much about this field.

thanks! for the curious ones: there are six of my productions that you can listen to on my page.

www.myspace.com/olivortex

[jvhldb]

hello there.

since we're talking about notes, i'd like to have some info. to register my productions at the S.A.C.E.M. (Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs de Musique), in order to protect them, i believe i have to write the scores. since i can't read or write, i'm looking for a way...

www.myspace.com/olivortex

I don't know if it wil help, but with Finale and a MIDI instrument there is no need to be able to read or write music, you simply connect your MIDI instrument to your computer, activate speed entry on Finale and play your music. Finale will convert it to printed music for you. You can also convert any MIDI file to printed music by simply opening it in Finale, I get a LOT of free sheet music that way.

[sunwaiter]

problem is... i don't have any midi device. i record and play only audio. but thanks, i will check this out anyway. thank you jvhldb.


www.myspace.com/olivortex

[Jozaites]

Try FlexiMusic Composer for making your music good. You can compose good tunes with different instruments and also you can give special effects to your song. It is very easy and flexible music software for everyone even for beginners.

[jgirv]

...I use Sibelius everyday for everything from simple choral arrangements, hymn settings for choir, and piano music to full orchestra. Professionally, Sibelius and Finale are considered on an equal level... depends which one you started on, actually. This sort of tool is such a necessity for any 21st century professional...though there are countless websites with info, here's how little you really need to get started:

-average computer, running XP, Vista, or Mac OS (If your computer is more than 6 years old, you will most likely need to upgrade. It simply isn't worth the hassle forcing an old box to do this sort of computing, absolutely not worth the few $ you might save.)
- a basic MIDI keyboard controller (these can be had starting at $ 100. )
- You won't need a MIDI interface, as the controllers can connect to a USB port on your box)
- Professional grade notation software. Don't skimp here, as the really inexpensive versions and freebies simply won't do the job... oh, you might be impressed at first, but your needs WILL increase... and then you'll have to RE-LEARN the whole process with different software.
- a set of headphones, which you already have.

That's it. Absolutely unbelievable what you can do now. And the money you spend on the software supports those programmers who are working in a very volatile industry, for a limited # of customers.

A few thoughts on the topic...

We as organists frequently preside over one of the most complex instruments known to man... we learn as much as we can about our chosen instrument, by reading, taking lessons, and listening to others. And, yes, ladies and gentlemen, it takes time. Now, why is it that anyone would expect mastery of a computer-based notation system to be instantaneous? It takes an investment of time as well... the pay-off is incredible.

It is an error of the largest magnitude to assume that you don't need to read music to use one of these programs. There is inevitably some clean-up that needs to be done, or re-formatting...but, with some dedicated practice, you can do this extremely quickly.