I know notation software tends to scare people...well, most software scares people. Finale tends to be the main culprit with this fearful bunch. But I have news for you: Notation software should not be scary to anybody anymore! Finale should not be scary to anybody anymore!
Why? Notation software has gotten to the point that virtually anybody, whether you are a new computer user, master computer user, the creator of the computer, etc, can use it. Seriously! And Finale, the be-all of notation software, has figured out a way to let users do what they want, however they want, without making it overly complicated.
Finale has been around since 1988, and through most of its transitions, it has been notorious for over-complicating tasks. However, it was a very powerful tool, so powerful, most engravers and publishers would (and still) use Finale for their professional needs. However, when Sibelius came into the fray, a good number of Finale users jumped ship and went to the “easy” program.
I will admit, Sibelius has been considerably easier to use than Finale. However, with ease of use came a lack of fine tuning. Most professional options that Finale gives you, it’s hard (or impossible) to find in Sibelius.
But the time has come...Finale 2010! (*Insert of a group of Herald trumpets and a nice little fanfare*) This version has completely turned the tables around. Take a look at a few new features:
- Music Education Worksheets
- Hundreds of ready-made, customizable music education worksheets designed for K-12 students (something that Sibelius has featured for years, but now Finale can help you with also)
- Garritan sounds
- Over 350 world-class instrument sounds are included (Sibelius gives you 150+)
- And the pièce de résistance: Simplified Percussion Notation
This is by far the best thing for everybody, whether you are a percussionist or not. Click here to see "Percussion Notation in Finale 2010"
So, with all that said, I suggest everybody download the Finale 2010 demo and give it a try. See what this program can do for you! And if you like it, come back to West Music and order your copy today!
We have 2 prices available: an Academic price for Educators, Students, Churches, etc., and a Professional price (for everybody else) and they are in stock! Click here to download the demo.
Want to comment on this blog? Do you agree or disagree? Let me know by placing a comment below! I look forward to hearing everybody’s opinions!
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Show/hide commentswritten by Roger Whaley, October 19, 2009
written by Nancy Dobbins, October 29, 2009
written by Kyle W., October 29, 2009
Sibelius 6 would work for you on that, but so will Finale 2010. Any of the Finale offspring programs (like SongWriter) won't allow you to have special staves like what you are wanting to do. Both Sibelius 6 and Finale 2010 offer special Orff categories for notating.
Unfortunately, the competitive upgrade from Finale SongWriter to Sibelius 6 does not exist (you can only upgrade from a full Finale version to Sibelius). And your upgrade from SongWriter to Finale will be around $275. So for either program, your best bet is just purchase the full copy of either program by itself (Sibelius 6 Academic currently is $264 and Finale 2010 Academic currently is $280).
I hope this helps!
Kyle Ware
Technology Consultant
West Music Company
800.397.9378 x1310
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