Product Description

Finale 2005 elevates the notation experience providing simpler, richer, and more intuitive interaction for unsurpassable results in creating, customizing, and sharing printed music. From student to superstar Finale will exceed your expectationsOnly by listening to you does Make Music! fully understand how Finale must evolve and grow. The advancements that went into Finale 2005 were focused in three areas: breakthrough educator benefits, timesaving navigation enhancements and high-end editing and spacing improvements ... Read more

Features

• Improved MicNotator means no keyboard required for entering notes
• Set up your scores quickly using the pre-designed templates and wizards
• Enter notes quickly, with either the SimpleNote Entry tool, or by scanning it in
• Hear your music as you write it, with the Human Playback and SoundFont tools -- you can also save them as. WAV or AIFF files and burn them to a CD as you go
• Compose and arrange music more easily with rhythm section generators, instant drum grooves and Smart Cue Notes

Reviews (10)

Back To Say A Few More Words...
Since I got Sibelius 3, Finale 2004 has been a nice little icon on my desktop.
People say to "spend time with it" but in today's high-stress, fast-paced industry, I don't have that kind of time.
I also don't have time for bugs, etc.
My co-workers and I, in both platforms, used Sibelius 3 the first week of it's release, on two very large musical shows, and we had NO PROBLEMS!NONE!
It seems like those stuck on this program (Finale) have been using it for so long that switching to something new would be ridiculous, and I guess I can understand that because I was an Encore cross-over and it took me a long time to wean myself from that program... but I really had no choice.
I gave several programs a chance, including Finale, but I'm musically savvy and not much of a computer person, so Sibelius was a dream come true.
I think the best notation program is one that allows me to be musical, not technical.Musical = Sibelius.Technical = Finale.Choose the one that's right for you.

Design oversights continue to plague this version of Finale
Let me start by saying something nice about this version of Finale, the grand daddy of desktop publishing music notation programs. I finally can use Finale on the OSX operating system. Naturally, I was very excited to give it a test drive when it finally arrived.

PROBLEM: In the new Expression Designer of Finale 2004, one can't globally RESET individual system baseline offsets with a simple commmand. If I manually change these on a per system basis, and then do a SAVE AS for a second homophonic part -now the auto-aligned text is in the wrong place. Naturally, I want to quickly reset the baseline for the entire piece back to zero, so that the settings I've created for positioning with the Expression Designer mean something.

But I can't. This has been an ongoing issue with chord symbols for several versions of Finale, and also with Lyrics. Finale's Lyric tool has a way to reset these on an individual basis, but this isn't possible with the chord symbols, and now, isn't possible with this new text expression addition either.

That said, the new ability to mix fonts and styles in the expressions is very useful.

PROBLEM: There still doesn't seem to be a way to save Smart Lines as a library. Did I miss something? I can share Staff Styles, Text Expressions, Articulations and other customizable elements as a library, why not Smart Lines? Particularly since custom smart lines have been part of Finale now for several versions. I can't believe I'm the only user who has asked for this functionality. Frankly, it is incomprehensible that MakeMusic! hasn't included it without anyone asking, as obvious as it is.

PROBLEM: Finale 2004 still copies EVERYTHING by default using Mass Edit, including double bars, time signatures, key signatures etc etc. Each time I open Finale, I have to go to the mass edit menu and deselect what I don't want to copy, again and again whenever I open the application.

I want my "what to copy" settingsto "stick" or have a choice to save this as a user preference when I quit. I have lived with this inconvenience forever. I don't want to copy barlines. ever. I don't want to copy Staff Attached System text (like metronome marks and Tempo text such as Adagio) ever. I don't want to copy key signatures. ever. I don't want to copy time signatures. ever. I have other tools to create these objects in Finale very quickly if I need them. This absolutely needs to be a working preference for the individual user.Just because it's always worked one way, doesn't mean it's the best way.

PROBLEM: I'm sure most Finale users have already heard more than enough about the PDF creation bug in Finale 2004 for OSX, and many of us have already tried the official workaround. I've found it's quicker to reboot under OS9 and use Finale 2002 than use MakeMusic's workaround, which I will continue to do until their maintenance upgrade comes out. Those of you with a computer than doesn't boot under OS9 will just have to jump through the hoops. Sibelius seems to have no trouble producing usable PDF files, although in defense of Finale, Sibelius has been out on the OSX platform long enough that the programmers really know what they are doing on it.

PROBLEM: No EPS Export. Rumored to be resolved very soon in a maintenance upgrade.

PROBLEM: Still no RECENT ITEMS menu for Mac users? It's in the Windows version of Finale, and has been forever. It's in Sibelius, and has been forever (on both Windows and Mac, I might add). And, a recent items list is such a standard feature of just about every professional level application, I'm stunned that the programmers at MakeMusic! haven't figured out how to do this.

PROBLEM: And finally, my Page Setup settings are lost when I open any older Finale document - I have to reset these (the Maestro Font Default page size is reflected in these older docs that are opened, so at least there is a workaround for this).

All in all, I waited a long, long time for an OSX version of this application, and I must say, my impression of Finale 2004 is lukewarm. Finale still has the edge over its competitors in several areas: file management, e.g. naming extracted files coherently, slur and tie handling, and some other esoteric engraver tweaks, but with applications like Sibelius making quantum leaps in quality with every upgrade, MakeMusic! is going to have to do better than this.

Still the best
I've tried all the software for writing music that there is. They all seem to compare themselves to Finale because it has been and remains the world standard.

I use it in doing copy work as well as in the high school classroom and I've gotten so I can produce full jazz and band scores in an amazingly short amount of time with all the new arranging features in Finale 2004.

In my humble opinion, Finale is often imitated but never duplicated. Nothing even comes close; especially the new challenger, Sibelius which I tried because it claims to be easier. I've actually found Sibelius to be tougher to learn.

Stick with the proven name.

I love it!
I'm a novice at using notation software, and I've found Finale to be very easy to use! I just sat down and got started, and within moments was successfully creating music and having fun. I may not be a professional engraver, but my needs were many, somewhat unusual, quite specific, and I'm VERY particular. Even if I didn't immediately find what I needed, it didn't take long once I turned to the thorough on-screen guide. The one time I did seek assistance from Finale support, the guidance I received was fast, thoroughly helpful, and completely professional.I'm VERY pleased with this product!

What can I say? It's Finale!
Finale 2004 is, by far, the best music notation software available.I have been using Finale since version 3.0 and I can easily say that 2004 is the biggest upgrade that I have seen for any notation software.I have tried Sibelius and some other so-called alternatives, but none of them have yet been able to catch up to the technological advancements of Finale.

I have a full-time job making engravings for composers, college professors, orchestras, choirs, independent music teachers, and their students.I also like to work on my personal compositions and arrangements when I have the time.Finale 2004 is the only tool that I currently use.I am surprised how many musicians there are that either: a) don't want to buy Finale and engrave the music themselves, or b) aren't computer literate enough to use Finale.

You need to be somewhat computer savvy to use this program effectively; being passionate about music isn't enough.Everything you could want to do is in there, but it is just a matter of finding it.What I really love about the program is that it is tool-based, yet it works like a word processor.This leaves lots of room for personalizing the look of your music and even loading your own customized set of music fonts.The flexibility is amazing!

I personally think that it is very user-friendly, but I can understand why others might not think so.If you are working at becoming a professional composer or engraver, then Finale is the only way to go.If you don't know much about computers and you are just trying to make something simple for your local community band, then you might want to steer clear of Finale.It also helps if you have worked with other MIDI applications before.Finale is not sympathetic to the ignorant.But everything you would want to know is in the user manual so it is technically possible to begin the program knowing nothing, but it would take some dedication. ... Read more

Product Description

MusEdit is a powerful yet inexpensive music notation editor. Basically, MusEdit is a "word processor" for music. We all know how indispensable word processors are for text, and now musicians have an affordable editor for their other medium of expression: music. ... Read more

Features

• Anyone who truly wants to express themselves through music should have a way to write thier music down. That's where MusEdit comes in.
• It makes it easy to enter treble, bass, chord, lyrics and more, with just a click of the mouse
• Input music from any MIDI instrument, or convert the MIDI files to musical notation
• Convert treble/bass notation to tablature, or change treble/bass keyboard music into a guitar solo
• Show or hide tab fingering and note stems for musical timing

Reviews (1)

Lots of cool things it can do for a good price
I originally bought MusEdit to write tab for guitar.
It was easy to enter tab, and then I found this cool
thing where it will automatically make treble
notes appear each time you type a tab note.That works
the other way too, so pretty soon I could put in music
from a library book and the tab would appear.Its
easy to just have treble or tab or chords, and you can put
words anywhere you want.I could play the music back - that
is very nice.I slow it down and then I can learn to play
the piece. There are many samples and some sound really good
with four instruments playing together.It can do drum
rhythms too.There are lots of other things, like a chord
maker where you can just click dots on a grid and design
chord pictures which are saved for later.You
can push a button and the music will turn into
a picture which is easy to e-mail.The printing looks
just like a magazine.Some of the samples look amazing.
There are tons of other things this program can do, so it
is a very good deal for less than [$$$].It's really good
to have a printed manual because of all the stuff it can do. ... Read more

Product Description

Digital Music Starter Kit ... Read more

Product Description

Save BIG when you buy today! ... Read more

Product Description

Sibelius Notes is a complete pack of educational resources to help you teach music in the classroom with Sibelius. Covering all school levels (K-12, Key Stages 1-4 and beyond). Notes contains ready-to-use exercises and worksheets on everything from notation to composing, plus dozens of music files on CD-ROM and other useful resources. Students can use Notes on computer or with pen and paper - you're even allowed to photocopy the worksheets!What's in the pack?Teacher's Guide - Over 200 pages packed with:Ready-to-use graded exercises and worksheets Detailed teacher's notes and completed worksheets All student material may be photocopied Plus: A complete music primer - everything from note-names to chord inversions Instructions for creating your own exercisesFlashcards, games and other resources Indexed by level, duration and subject Student Skills Guide Mini-manual of Sibelius features used in the exercises Easy-to-read illustrated guide Step-by-step instruction10 copies in each pack CD-ROM Contains:All the Sibelius files used in the exercises Acrobat PDF file of the student material - print as many copies as you need! Dozens of Sibelius scores, from Bach to traditional songs - ideal for creating your own exercises 100% Mac & Windows compatibleThe complete software for writing, playing, printing and publishing music notation. It's designed to make your life easier, save you time, produce beautiful results --... ... Read more

Product Description

Also lets you transcribe music into guitar tablature with correct fingering and guitar fret diagrams - notate up to 8 strings in any tuning with definable fret position. Edit note attributes and add marks for entire groups of notes; extract parts; and transpose parts. This version is for customers who do not qualify for the academic discount (if you are not a school or college, school or college teacher, or church music ministry). ... Read more

Features

• Professional music printing program lets you compose and print your own sheet music.
• Compose on up to 64 staves, customize your toolbar, and customize score expressions
• Hear dynamics, repeats, and articulations accurately during playback.
• Transcribes Master Tracks Pro and standard MIDI files.
• For Windows 98, XP, ME, or 2000; or for Mac O.S.9 or X. Ages 12 and up.

Product Description

MP3 is the top format for music on the move. MAGIX mp3 maker 10 deLuxe creates MP3s and a host of other music formats for playback on nearly any device. Convert to MP3, AAC (+), OGG Vorbis, WMA (incl. DRM), WAV and mp3PRO (optional). Take your music collection everywhere with MAGIX mp3 maker 10 deLuxe - even if it's downloaded from the Internet or stored on CD, PC, USB memory stick or portable players.

Features:

• Administration via a virtual database
• Transitions in sync with the tempo (Auto DJ)
• Sort and find music by theme
• Burning an MP3 CD/DVD

Features

• Task Assistant makes it simple to work with your MP3s and turn them into anything you want
• New RMS Normalize ensures the levels of all tracks feel the same
• Automatic backup for your music archives, to CD or DVD
• Create slideshows from image playlists
• Music Editor 2.0 perfectly cuts and retores old music titles

Reviews (1)

Don't Buy It !!!Class action pending...
Rated one star because no zero rating option available but this product is a zero.The manual, tutorial, and tech support are all in conflict over the features.Included features, per the manual and tutorial, are broken and tech support now says they are not supported.I will never buy a Magix product again.I intend to start a class action law suit if this software is not corrected to as advertised immediately.
... Read more

Product Description

More sounds. More instruments. More fun.

Open a new door of musical creativity with this diverse set of prerecorded loops, software instruments, and audio effects for iLife '04. Whether you're laying down tracks for your next hit single or creating your own dance party grooves, this expansion pack gives you thousands of new ways to enhance your music projects.

Features:

• Over 2000 Apple Loops in a variety of instruments and genres:Kick-start your next composition with a wide selection of prerecorded musical performances. It's like having your own backing band.
• Over 100 Software InstrumentsWith a USB or MIDI keyboard, you can play and record using hundreds of additional instruments including a new grand piano, 12 string guitars, vibraphones, additional drum sets, new organs, electric pianos, synthesizers, and basses.
• Over 100 audio effects presetsSweeten, distort, and adjust individual sounds or entire tracks with even more preset mixing board effects to choose from.
• 15 new guitar amp settings New amp sounds, from clean bluesy rhythm tones to distorted grunge, and everything in between.

Features

• Over 100 additional pro-quality effects presets and 15 additional guitar amps
• Add-on music content package for GarageBand music creation software
• Triples the music content for musicians and aspiring musicians alike
• Over 2,000 additional loops including many for hip-hop and electronica
• Over 100 additional software instruments

Reviews (2)

What a hit!!!
This software is worth the money!You can create your own songs with words and almost any instrument you can think of.Attaching a keyboard to the computer makes it easier.My grandpa has this software and I play it all the time.I hope something very similar comes out for my dell.

Splendid add on for a splendid program
What can you do with GarageBand? Better question:What can't you do?GarageBand is the answer to the amateur and not-so-amateur musician's prayers.Not only is it the easiest mulitrack recorder I've ever used (and I've used a bunch), it is the best drum machine out there--bar none. That is, provided you have enough drum loops to get you started. And that is reason enough to buy the Jam Pack.It adds a host of new percussion loops. It also adds new instruments (both loops and instruments you can play from any USB or MIDI keyboard).

Can't rave enough. ... Read more

Product Description

Dolet for Finale Version 1 is a plug-in for Finale 2000 to 2005 that reads and writes MusicXML files. Use Dolet for Finale to import SharpEye files into Finale. With Dolet software, you can finally read files created in newer versions of Finale with Finale 2000 or later. Together with our Dolet for Sibelius plug-in, you can now exchange music with the Sibelius notation program. The same is true for the many other music applications that support MusicXML. Finally, the limits to digital sheet music exchange are gone. ... Read more

Features

• Reads and writes MusicXML files - the new standard for music notation
• Works with Finale 2000 through 2005 on Windows
• Imports files from SharpEye Music Reader and Sibelius
• Lets you exchange files with more than 30 different programs that support MusicXML
• Much more accurate than MIDI

Features

• Set up your scores quickly using the pre-designed templates and wizards
• Enter notes quickly, with either the SimpleNote Entry tool, or by scanning it in
• Hear your music as you write it, with the Human Playback and SoundFont tools -- you can also save them as. WAV or AIFF files and burn them to a CD as you go
• Compose and arrange music more easily with rhythm section generators, instant drum grooves and Smart Cue Notes
• Improved MicNotator means no Keyboard required for entering notes

Product Description

Dolet for Finale Version 2 is a plug-in for Finale 2004 to 2005 that reads and writes MusicXML files on Macintosh OS X. Together with our Dolet for Sibelius plug-in, you can read music created from the Sibelius notation program much more accurately than with MIDI files. Dolet for Finale lets you exchange music between applications more accurately than ever before. Finally, the limits to digital sheet music exchange are gone. Version 2.0 makes many improvements on Version 1.5, including more complete tablature support and a simplified user interface. ... Read more

Features

• Reads and writes MusicXML files - the new standard in music notation
• Works with Finale 2004 to 2005 on Macintosh OS X
• Imports files from Sibelius
• Lets you exchange files with more than 30 different programs that support MusicXML
• More accurate than Dolet for Finale V1, with a simpler user interface