| From: "silvergryphyn" <silvergryphyn@y...> Date: Fri Mar 15, 2002 8:57 pm Subject: Re: Composition Software for Mac
| Here's a few thoughts...
If you want to go all out for a program that can do _ANYTHING_, then shell out the bucks and get Coda Music's Finale. I love this program. I haven't found anything notation thing that I can't do yet. Admittedly, figuring out how to do it can be a bit tricky... :) It also now does importing of TIF files and converting them to music (so say you scanned some music and then wanted to get it into Finale) and will transcribe acoustic instrumental playing through a mic. This is about $600 but there are student prices available (which is how I originally got it). They also have more stripped down programs for less money. This is available for Mac and PC (versions & version names are the same for either platform). This is a program for serious users though. It would be overkill for most people.
Another really cool Coda Music program is SmartMusic. With this program you buy accompaniaments and a mic (for voice or instrument) and it will follow you (among other features). So if you take that ritard at the end of the line, the music will slow down with you. Very cool and much fun for those of us who can't play and sing well at the same time. Also great for working out tricky bits by setting it to play a loop of the bit you want to work on. This is about $80 including the microphone. But you do have to buy the accompaniaments as well (new subscription service coming though).
Some people like Encore or Sibelius. Encore (4 years ago) was ok. Never used Sibelius but I've heard good things. I have more Finale experience.
I don't like the Opcode products very much. Too simplistic. I think you would rapidlly bump up against its limitations.
If you have a PC and want a sequencer (vs notation) get Cakewalk.
That's the limit of my personal knowledge but here's a site that lists all sorts of music software for the Mac (seems to also have PC products as well one level up).
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/mac/
Sarah
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