What songwriting software would you recommend for a computer novice?

Question

To give my music a professional look, and also to speed the creative process, I am looking for some suggestions on software that would help me put my music on paper a little faster (currently I am handwriting). As I am also in need of a computer, what is the best type (PC, MAC, etc.)? I am writing a little in the way of lead sheets, but mostly I've been writing choral music with small orchestration so it's time consuming, and the program needs to be able to deal with several lines and parts coming and going; sometimes the vocal has a solo line over the SATB, then in the next section it is only SATB, etc.

Answer 1

Bless your heart! I have been through the handwriting process. It's a pain.
My dear friend, who is also a song writer got a new computer and gave me her old PC which has Sibelius music writing program on it. I have been so happy to finally get my music on paper in a more professional looking and more easily readable form. I really can't say about other programs. But, I really like this one for my needs. I have done lead sheets with melody and chord markings, piano or keyboard and voice, as well as parts. There are many features which I have not yet learned to use, including playing the music as you want it and the program writing it for you. This is a good for people who have piano skill. I am a vocalist with limited keyboard ability, even though I am a trained musician.
I hope this info helps and may your songs bring joy to many.

Answer 2

Sibelius is the way to go. Very user friendly. Once you get the hang of it, you can learn the shortcuts and go very quickly. I use it on a daily basis, and it took me just a few weeks to get used to all of the shortcuts and be able to use them efficiently.

Finale is the other big name in music notation, but I don't like it personally. Here's the difference: Sibelius is a music/sound based program. It actually reads the music and anticipates what you are doing to an extent. Finale is graphics based and does not playback your work as well, nor does it anticipate moves that well.

A lot of people will tell you that Mac is better for music applications, but all music applications are basically the same on Mac and PC. I've used both Mac and PC extensively and I definitely prefer PC. I think this is really a personal preference for each individual though. No one can really tell you which one to choose. My advice is to find a store that carries both and has displays. Play around on them. You won't have the music notation program more than likely, but you can judge which one you like better with normal everyday applications.

If you want to get Sibelius, shop around. Sibelius 4 hasn't been out that long. You can find it on the Sibelius website, but other websites have it on sale sometimes. I have the Interstate Music catalog, and they are advertising it for $239.98. Check www.interstatemusic.com for it! There are plenty more out there, just search it...

Answer 3

Buy a PC and get a copy of Finale. It's been the industry mainstay for years. Sibeleus is an up and comer but Finale still is the best choice and most compatable. Check it out at codamusic.com. They also have smaller programs that you can start with and then upgrade if you don't want to dive in to this powerful program. I've been using it for about 5 years and love it. I do a ton of arranging for my church including SATB, praise band, and full jazz ensemble. Finale handles it with ease.

Answer 4

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