Do you understand the basics of file management?
Have you had success learning other computer programs before?If you answered yes to most of these, then you will probably do all right, as
long as you don’t pick the wrong software for the job.In this section we briefly discuss a few major industry software packages,
focusing on what each is good for and not good for.Finale .....................................................................................................
http://www.finalemusic.comFinale is a music notation, scoring, layout, and publishing program. It is
probably the most popular choice for bringing musical ideas into print. The
program does enable you to audition your ideas with traditional orchestral
sounds, but it is mostly used to print scores and parts. It does this very well,
and many music programs in colleges and universities are now requiring the
study of this program. Finale 2007 runs approximately $350.Sibelius...................................................................................................
http://www.sibelius.comSibelius is a competitive program to Finale. It has better playback features for
hearing scores that you’ve just input than Finale, but is less straightforward
to navigate through. It is largely a matter of personal taste which of these two
programs suits your writing style better. Sibelius 5 Pro Edition runs approxi-
mately $600.Pro Tools................................................................................................
http://www.digidesign.comPro Tools is found in almost every recording studio in the U.S. It is primar-
ily designed for recording and editing audio tracks, though the last few
versions of Pro Tools have included access to sample players and synthesiz-
ers through its MIDI capabilities. Pro Tools includes some integration with
Sibelius, and the compositional side of Pro Tools is likely to expand more in18 Part I: Basics and Rhythm
06_224212 ch02.qxp 12/19/07 12:24 AM Page 18