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A computer program that allows you to compose and arrange your own music

A computer program that allows you to compose and arrange your own music

Vote: (235 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Finalemusic

Version: 2011

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(235 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Version

Finalemusic

2011

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • Easy to learn
  • Useful playback feature
  • MIDI capabilities
  • Many note entry options
  • Printable sheet music

Cons

  • Unrealistic playback samples
  • Mouse-based note entry takes a long time

Finale is a music notation and playback software created by MakeMusic. With MIDI capabilities and integrated samples, the program has become one of the industry standard utilities for scoring.

MakeMusic also offers different versions of the program, all with varying price levels and capabilities, making it easy for people to learn the program before investing in the full version of the software.

Several different options are available for entering notes into the program, giving the composer flexibility based on their skill set with varying instruments. For those who wish to add the notation through playing an instrument, Finale supports live playing through a MIDI device and can detect the correct notes from a single-line instrument being played through a microphone. If closer precision is desired, it is possible to enter the notes with just a mouse or keyboard, essentially writing them in by hand.

Another useful feature for note entry is the ability to import a MIDI file from another program. This allows you to print a previous score made in a different program or gives you the option of adjusting the sheet music on a note-by-note basis.

The playback feature in Finale is one of the most useful tools of the program. With hundreds of different sample sounds, it is easy to hear a playback of your music while you are still writing. This gives you a listen to what sounds good in your piece and what may need to be fixed before presented to an orchestra.

Finale gives the user many options for exporting their finished scores. To be presented for live musicians, Finale can print professionally formatted sheet music directly out of the program. You can also save the music as a playable format, such as MP3 or WAV, which can be used to share the sounds of what you have created with others. In addition, you can export the MIDI data from Finale, which you can open in software such as GarageBand or Logic Studio and adjust the samples for individual instruments.

The flexibility and intuitiveness of Finale makes it a great software choice for composers who are looking for a way to put their creations on to paper in a quick and professional manner. With varying price levels and entry points to the software, Finale is a great tool for musicians at any skill level.

Pros

  • Easy to learn
  • Useful playback feature
  • MIDI capabilities
  • Many note entry options
  • Printable sheet music

Cons

  • Unrealistic playback samples
  • Mouse-based note entry takes a long time