Hi everyone. Wonder if you can help me out here. I'd like to get some sort of software package for my PC whereby I could compose and print things. I know there are lots of packages out there which can do all sorts of wierd and wonderful things which would also be great. Anyone got some logical info about this or ideas about where I could begin looking? Thanks v much.

Hmmm

http://www.musix.org.ar/en/download.html is a linux life CD with all the music software you could want, and its free!

www.lilypond.org is also free, but possibly not quite what you are looking for (No midi input, no score on screen). It does very nice scores.

Perhaps do a search for noteworthy composer as well.

This subject has been discussed so many times. Do a search for 'music notation software' here and on google.

There is a free program at:

http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/

It's quite good but a sort of taster for the more expensive programs made by finale. The next one up is Finale Printmusic.

I also use Noteworthy Composer which is a bit more flexible than Notepad.

There are a lot of programs around £30-£50. So many, I can't remember them all.

I've tried Lilypond but it's not exactly user friendly.

The advantage of Notepad is a 'Showcase' where you can download thousands of pieces.

For starters, just try Notepad.

Steve

Steve

Sibelius...

Sibelius and Finale are great programs but both are very expensive and way more than most 'amateurs' need.

I have seen so many Sibelius vs Finale posts that I've come to the conclusion that they're both as good as each other.

Nevertheless, for most of us mere mortals the cheaper programs are quite sufficient.

For Finale, they provide a free program. Then comes Printmusic for approx £80, and then the full Finale program for lots more-depending on where you buy it.

Steve

correct, but I think there is a 'Student' version of Sibelius - not as expensive as the full version, but I don't know what is missing off it.

Can't help any more than that, sorry

Finale is also available in an "academic/student/church musician" version. It is the same as the "regular" version; the only difference is the lower price. Some sort of proof is required when one purchases the less expensive version.

I can thoroughly recommend Finale Printmusic.

You could always write up the music on manuscript paper and then scan it into the computer...

You could but what if you wanted to edit it? Most people have music software to edit/record/arrange sheet music, and importing it would just sae them as pictures, almost not worth the bother really.

Yes, there is Sibelius student but it is still expensive

Thanks everyone for your input (esp as it has been dicussed lots before - sorry!). I will check some of these out. MC