Which is the best notation software for composing?

[dko22]

please don't forget Overture. Not only is it for most people a good deal cheaper than Sibelius or Finale but it is both easier to use and, above all, it has by far the best instrument library support (complete VST host for instance) on the market if getting a realistic rendering of your music is important. With Sibelius for instance, you're pretty well stuck with GPO which isn't bad but there's much better out there.

[jonny007]

After trying two versions of Finale, Logic pro and Sibelius for Jazz scores and composition, I find it the quickest to learn and output on. I have not nearly tapped the potential of the program.
I am looking for a used/discounted copy of Sibelius composing software. I am doing writing and arranging for Jazz groups and I find Sibelius the easiest to use. I could buy an older version and upgrade.
Any ideas?
All the best

[Juice]

I am using MagicScore Maestro, my friend recommended me and I'm quite happy with it. The interface is intuitive and though not being a professional I'm still able to create cool stuff with it.

[alphabetgreen]

If you go to this link, you'll find an official review of what the experts consider to be the top ten notation programmes for their corresponding prices:

http://music-notation-software-revie...enreviews.com/

I'm not too sure I agree with it though. I have Finale, and the learning curve has been putting me off slightly. However, because I have Finale 2010, I was qualified to purchase Notion 3 at a very cheap price (£76), and that is very user-friendly. What's more it accepts midi and xml files from all other programmes so it can link up with your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation/Sequencer) and other notation programmes. I'm having a lot of fun with it at the moment.

[Krummhorn]

That's a nice link for comparison shopping ... thanks for sharing it with the community here.

[Contratrombone64]

it's like this: you put the flour, milk, eggs and sugar into the mixing bowl and turn the machine on, at the end of the day the cake will turn out, pretty much, the same regardless of whether you used a Sunbeam, Whirlpool, Fisher and Paykal or whatever mixmaster ... music notation software is no different. It's the end result you want and if you are comfortable with Sibelius, then that's your top choice (but not mine).

[Krummhorn]

Excellent analogy, David ...

What comes out of the mixer best for me is NoteWorthy Composer. I don't need the rich frosting for my palate.

[Contratrombone64]

Lars - it was inspired, even for me!

Look - I use Finale and love it, but I've done the hard yards learning it, and it's NOT user friendly by my way of thinking. I also own Sibelius but don't use it, because when I tried to, the part of my brain that was used to working with Finale would short circuit and the shutdown, not good for an ol' bugger like me.

[Dorsetmike]

I've used 2 Finalé products, Notepad and Songwriter, neither of which are reviewed, both are cheaper than the reviewed one, they do what I want. There are also dearer products with more bells and whistles not included; I don't see any indication on the way they selected the reviewed products, was a particular price band the main consideration or was it a list of basic functions? It doesn't say on that link, so for me it is not as good a review as it could be.

[Contratrombone64]

I need to use the powerhouse packages (Finale or Sibelius) as I often work on complex scores with cross staff notation and so forth. I am pretty comfortable with Finale and own a wonderful text from Eastman Music School (Rochester, N.Y.) that's a step by step guide to advanced features.

[theusiv]

Wow, it seems that everyone here is very technology-oriented, when it comes to music softwares. I only use Sibelius for a very simple reason: user friendly. I have not tapped the full potential of the software though. I am still trying my luck as to how I will compose a aleatoric piece, or avante-garde piece using sibelius. Nonetheless, I find this software easy to use.

[Catrina]

I hear that Notion kicks every other program out the door, in point of fact, it is closer to a DAW than just a notation software. Sounds are really good by comparison with other notation progs, but still not as good as a good DAW soft synths.

I use Sibelius myself, combined with Logic Express via Rewire. Or no rewire, but both of them suit me well for time being.

[Montefalco]

I started off using Finale NotePad, but that didn't accommodate for changes of time and key signatures. I now use MuseScore, a free program which came with my laptop. It sometimes glitches up, but its pretty good for a low budget.

[jvhldb]

I've been using Finale and Sibelius for a couple of years now. I prefer Finale, the only problem I've ever had is merging voices from different staves.