[HANASHIR:6583] Sensible Music Notation software

[elliotdp <elliotdp...>]

Ellen Allard wrote:
> 
> Regarding Finale, (if I've said it before, please forgive me for repeating
> myself), I must tell you that the program is nasty. I haven't given up on
> it; in fact, I intend to learn how to use it without crying and going into
> spasms. But that should give you an idea about it. I've gotten to the point
> where I can actually create a sheet with melody, lyrics, and chords. And I'm
> not as frustrated as I was when I first began working on it. But I think
> that the learning curve is steep. And it's one of those programs that,
> unless you use it on a regular basis, your skills atrophy. And I swear I'm
> not computer-phobic. It's just a tough program. Buyer beware.
> 
> I will also say that I am working with a computer graphics person who told
> me not to even bother with the lyrics. He makes an EPS file out of the music
> I create in Finale and then he uses Illustrater to move it, shrink it, put
> lyrics in.
> 
> I used to use a program called Encore and I'm told by others that with the
> improvements made since I used it, it's much more user-friendly.
> 
> Good luck, whatever you use!
> 
> Ellen Allard
> Worcester, MA
> --
> Specializing in Music for Young Children
> Ellen (at) PeterandEllen(dot)com
> ***********************
> For information on our award-winning recordings,
> children's concerts, and teacher workshops, visit
> http://www.PeterandEllen.com
> or call tollfree 1-888-746-4481
> ***********************
> 
> ----------
> >From: Andy Curry <acurry (at) CellNet(dot)com>
> >To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> >Subject: [HANASHIR:6579] Re: Software for transcribing songs
> >Date: Fri, Jul 21, 2000, 4:15 PM
> >
> 
> > Dear Ros:
> >
> > I'm pretty sure the most widely-used software for music transcription is
> > Finale; it was developed expressly for this purpose.  Yes, you can play a
> > midi keyboard and it will transcribe what you play, and it is quite
> > flexible in terms of formatting.  I doubt that it has the ability to import
> > word-processor files, as it would not know how to break up the syllables.
> >
> > I don't use it, however.  I use Cakewalk Pro Audio, because it has the
> > ability to handle digital audio as well.  It does most of the things that
> > you describe, but it won't do things like notating D.C. al fine, etc..
> >
> > Good shabbos!
> > Andy
> >
> > At 09:58 PM 7/20/00 -0400, you wrote:
> >>Hi to all of you,
> >>
> >>I'm looking for some software with which to transcribe songs.  What do
> >>you use / recommend?
> >>
> >>Some of my questions are:  Features?  Ease of use?  Price range?
> >>Integration with wordprocessing programs, so I can simply import the
> >>lyrics?  Are there any which can take the music, if I play it on a
> >>keyboard, and transcribe the notes for me?  What about playing back the
> >>transcribed music, so that I can tell if it's right?  Format of output,
> >>i.e. how good does the final product look visually?  Can I change fonts
> >>for the words, alter the size of the lines, etc.?  Options for
> >>transposition to another key?  Ability to handle harmony lines?  and
> >>whatever else you can think of that you have found useful!
> >>
> >>Thanks for your help - as always.
> >>
> >>- Ros Schwartz
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > *******************************
> > Andy Curry
> > CellNet Data Systems
> > 11146 Thompson Ave
> > Lenexa KS 66219
> > Office: 913-312-4739
> > Facsimile: 913-312-4701
> > Home : 816-363-8381
> > E-Mail: acurry (at) cellnet(dot)com
> > *******************************
> >
> 


I use a program called "Composers Mosaic" , made especially for Mac
users.   It's much more user-friendly than Finale, from what I've
heard.   Took me a little while to learn, but it's not the kind of thing
that sends you into spasms.    So, you might want to check it out.  
It's made by a company in Cambridge, MA called Mark of the Unicorn. 
Phone number:  (617)576-2760.

Good luck.

Elliot Pilshaw

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